2010 Audi A4 Allroad Quattro - First Official Photos

Automakers are leaving no stone unturned these days to make a buck or in Audi's case, a Euro or two. The German company is getting ready to enter a new niche segment with the presentation of the A4 Allroad Quattro, a crossover version of its latest A4 Avant that will compete head on with the new Saab 9-3X, and in some ways act as an alternative proposal to compact SUV's like its own Q5 and the BMW X5. Audi will initially offer a gasoline engine and two diesel engines for the A4 Allroad Quattro that will hit European dealerships early this summer at a basic price of €37,100.

The engine range comprises of the 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline unit that delivers 211HP and 350 Nm of torque. Matted to Audi's S-Tronic dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission, it propels the Allroad to 100 km/h (62mph) in 6.9 sec, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (143mph). On average, it consumes 8.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (29 mpg).

The diesel range includes the 4-cylinder 2.0-liter TDI with 170HP that's combined with a six-speed manual gearbox launching the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 sec and on to a top speed of 213 km/h (132mph) with an avg fuel consumption of 6.4 ly of fuel per 100 km (36.8mpg). The more powerful 3.0-liter TDI V6 delivers 240HP and is hooked up to dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission propelling the Allroad from standstill to 100 km/h 6.4 sec topping out at 236 km/h. On average, the three-liter TDI sips 7.1 lt of fuel per 100 km (33.1mpg).

Aside from the standard quattro all-wheel drive system, Audi's engineers widened the A4 Avant's front and rear tracks by 20mm (0.79-in.) while the body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs - though Audi did not say how high. Furthermore, the Allroad is equipped with Audi's Offroad Detection (ORD) technology that senses the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP's control parameters accordingly. The car sits on 17-inch alloys shod in 225/55 tires.

Similar to the A6 Allroad, Audi's smaller faux-offroader gets color-contrasting body cladding, restyled bumpers, a unique grille and roof rails. Inside changes are limited to the standard electromechanical handbrake and the availability of an exclusive Allroad fabric trim.

The A4 Allroad will make its world debut in Geneva in March. The German firm has yet to disclose its plans for the North American market.