The Audi A6 Allroad was a class winner in 2007, and the arrival of a new petrol model has reminded us why we like Audi’s 4×4 estate so much.
It may fill up at the green pump, but the 3.0-litre TFSI engine manages a diesel-like 309lb.ft of torque from just 2500rpm, so there’s no shortage of mid-range pull. The Allroad eats up the road like a Dobermann devours steak; the 30-60mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds is the quickest in this year’s test. The hill start was no match for a car with this much muscle.
Its performance through the lane-change test was also exemplary. The Audi’s steering feels too light at first, but proves faithful and accurate. Well-judged suspension means there’s little body roll; even at speed, you’d hardly know the van was there. Across all classes, it’s a close call whether the Audi and the Jag XF was best.
Most of us don’t need such a quick car to tow with, but the Allroad also does more mundane things well. There’s plenty of passenger space, and the boot swallowed all but one item of luggage. The handbook is exceptionally detailed, and although the spare wheel isn’t full-size, it is suitable for towing.
For such a quick petrol car, combined fuel economy of 29.1mpg isn’t unreasonable. You’ll get back 41% of the original price after three years, which is 8% worse than the Volvo XC60.