Third generation version of sought-after Audi all-terrain Avant promises to build on its predecessors’ go-anywhere appeal

Due to become available to order in the UK next month priced from £43,145 OTR, the A6 allroad quattro will reach its first customers here in the spring.

The first two generations of the allroad quattro, launched in 2000 and 2006, enjoyed considerable success, and Audi hopes to build on this in the latest car by combining their outstanding versatility with even greater efficiency that is reflected in fuel economy improvements of up to 20 per cent.

At 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall, the latest A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than the Avant. Like the saloon and ‘standard’ Avant, it has been constructed using the latest Audi ultra lightweight construction principles, with aluminium components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

Distinguishing allroad quattro features include extended side sills, more widely flared wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille. Stainless steel guards protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

The wheel arches, bumpers and sills are painted in a contrasting colour, but can be body-coloured if the optional aluminium exterior package is specified. The colour Java Brown is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,910 millimetres. It features a clean, elegant design, outstanding ergonomics and exemplary workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are finished in aluminium. MMI is a standard feature, as is the Driver’s Information System with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.