AUDI'S famous four-wheel drive system is to be put to the test off the road with the launch of the new Allroad quattro. Powered by a 2.7-litre V6 250bhp bi-turbo or a 2.5-litre V6 TDi high pressure diesel offering 180bhp, the Allroad is based on the A6 and will arrive in the UK in May.

Both versions come with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic Tiptronic transmission and a four-level air suspension system allows the driver to set the ride height for the vehicle, depending on the terrain. It also automatically adjusts its height depending on road speed. A low-ratio gearbox is also available as an option for off-road driving.

Also on show was the aluminium-bodied Audi A2, which will be coming to the UK in September, and the RS4 Avant. When the A2 goes on sale, total volume is expected to be 60,000 units, with 1,100 expected to come to the UK in the first year on sale, rising to about 3,000 in subsequent years.