New Audi A4 Allroad quattro to go on sale this summer

Audi has unveiled the new, second-generation Audi A4 Allroad quattro at the Detroit motor show ahead of a start to sales for the high-riding estate in mid-2016.

The new model adopts all the traditional Allroad styling cues, including beefed-up bumpers with prominent protection plates both front and rear, vertical chrome slats within the grille, additional cladding within the wheel arches, beefed-up sills underneath the doors and roof bars fitted as standard.

Updated - read out first drive review of the new A4 Allroad

Among the engines to be made available from the outset of UK sales are 161bhp and 187bhp versions of Audi’s widely used 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, with both developing peak torque of 295lb ft.

In combination with an optional seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the lower-powered engine has claimed combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg and average CO2 emissions of 128g/km, while the higher-powered unit comes with a 0-62mph time of 7.8sec and a 137mph top speed.

Shortly after the A4 Allroad quattro’s introduction, they will be joined by a third version of the engine developing 148bhp and 234lb ft.

Also available will be Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel with either 215bhp and 295lb ft or 268bhp and 443lb ft, the latter of which is claimed to spirit the new A4 Allroad quattro from 0-62mph in just 5.5sec on the way to a limited 155mph top speed while providing combined consumption of 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 139g/km.

Heading the petrol engine line-up is a 249bhp version of Audi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, offering 273lb ft. It is claimed to provide the A4 Allroad quattro with a 0-62mph time of 6.1sec and 153mph top speed along with combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg and 147g/km in combination with the optional seven-speed S-tronic gearbox.

Depending on the engine, buyers can choose between a six-speed manual, seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic or eight-speed torque converter automatic transmissions, the last of which is available exclusively on the range-topping diesel.

Among the fuel-saving features introduced to the new car is an updated stop-start system which uncouples the engine from the gearbox when the driver brakes at speeds below 4mph. As tradition dictates, quattro four-wheel drive is standard across the Allroad range.

At 4750mm in length, 1842mm in width and 1493mm in height, the new A4 Allroad quattro is 19mm longer, a scant 1mm wider and 2mm lower than its predecessor. It also has a 13mm longer wheelbase at 2818mm.

Despite the larger dimensions, the new Audi is claimed to weigh up to 90kg less than its direct predecessor, with the lightest of the lot, the A4 Allroad quattro 2.0 TFSI, hitting the scales at 1580kg.