Model Strengths:

• Wagon Functionality
• Sure Footing On or Off Road
• Distinctive Styling
• Excellent Turbocharged 2.0l Engine
• Standard Luxury Features
• Available Technology

Model Overview:

The 2013 Audi A4 allroad is offered in only one trim, though that trim gives plenty of bang for the buck.

For starters, the wagon is outfitted with distinct exterior features, such as flared fenders in body or contrasting colors, skid plates front and rear, a unique front grille and aluminum roof rails. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels are standard as are, power heated folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof and LED-lined Xenon headlights.

A tried and true 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine powers the allroad, producing 211 horsepower and 258 ft-lb of torque from as low in the rev range as 1,500 rpm. A standard 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual mode puts power to all four wheels via the excellent Audi quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Underneath, the allroad's suspension offers longer travel than other A4s. This makes for a ride height that is 1.4 inches higher overall, with a ground clearance of 7.1 inches. Stability control is standard and on the allroad its off-road intelligence allows for more wheel slip on loose surfaces like gravel. Also new on the allroad is the optional variable-ratio dynamic power steering, which offers a smoother feel of the road. The amount of assist is customizable through the allroad's Drive Select system, which also allows the driver to adjust shift points and throttle response.

Inside, the allroad is equipped in much like the A4 sedan, with power windows and locks, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather interior with 60/40 split-folding rear seats and heated 8-way adjustable power front seats, and more.

Options include 19-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, a power rear hatch, 3-zone climate control, a rearview camera, a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi Connect and navigation. The Driver Assistance package offers active lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control and the variable-ratio dynamic power steering.

Standard safety features on the Audi A4 allroad include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control and a bevy of airbags for front and rear passengers alike.

Model Changes:

For 2013, Audi has reintroduced its allroad wagon. Based upon the A4, the car replaces the A4 Avant wagon and adds a rugged edge to the lineup. The allroad comes with prominent body cladding, 7.1 inches of ground clearance, front and rear skid plates, aluminum roof rails and suspension with longer travel. It also features a unique grille with vertical slats placed closer together than the rest of the lineup. The allroad is powered by a 211-hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-4, which is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Like all Audis, the allroad benefits from quattro all-wheel drive. Like other A4s, the allroad features restyled headlights for 2013.

The 2013 Audi A4 allroad is priced under $40,000.

Model Value:

The sport wagon segment has a narrow target audience, and tends to inspire intense loyalty among their owners. To that end, buyers should be pleased to see the return of the allroad, which offers Audi's legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, standard luxury features, a quite capable turbocharged engine, rugged styling, and excellent handling. The whole package makes for a reasonably priced, highly entertaining ride with few peers.