Audi A6 allroad Estate (2006 - 2011) C6 review

The Audi A6 allroad has a chunkier design than the A6 Avant but is still a classy looking car. Its off-road ability is marked out by different styling for the wheel arches and lower bumpers as well as discreet badging. It also has greater ground clearance than the Avant to back up those 4×4 credentials.

On the inside, it’s the simple, sober well-organised layout Audi-buyers have come to expect. Controls are clearly visible, simple to find and easy to operate. The adjustable steering wheel and seat should make it easy for anyone to find a good driving position. The seats are very comfortable too.

The allroad combines the practicality of an estate with the ability to go off-road thanks to the quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. The bootspace measures 565 litres with all seats in place and 1,660 litres with the rear seats folded. This beats the Volvo XC70 in either configuration. A button to close the boot is useful and available as an option.

The combination of quattro 4×4 and adaptive air suspension help ensure the car is responsive and comfortable. Whether you’re looking at a motorway haul or the prospect of a more engaging drive, the allroad has the flexibility to serve both needs well. The steering is remarkably light at low speeds to make manoeuvring this big car a cinch. It weights up nicely at speed to add to a very enjoyable driving experience for driver and passengers alike.

The allroad is available with a choice of three V6 engines. There are two diesels – the 2.7-litre TDI quattro and 3-litre TDI quattro – and a petrol 3-litre TFSI quattro. A six-speed automatic tiptronic transmission is standard fit with the petrol and the 2.7-litre TDI and optional on the 3-litre TDI. Maximum pulling power ranges from 310lb/ft for the 3-litre petrol through 332lb/ft to 369lb/ft for the two diesels. We drove the excellent 3-litre TDI quattro Tiptronic and found it provided easy access to acceleration at any speed.

Average fuel consumption ranges from 29.1 for the petrol to 37.7mpg for the 2.7-litre diesel and the 3-litre automatic to 39.2mpg for the 3-litre manual diesel. We found this to be pretty accurate for the 500 miles we drove in the car. Adaptive air suspension means the allroad becomes more aerodynamic at higher speeds, by lowering the car. The warranty covers unlimited mileage for the first two years of driving and beyond that for up to three years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Additional years can be purchased. Emissions for the petrol are 225g/km while the 2.7-litre diesel, manual 3-litre and automatic 3-litre emit 199g/km, 189g/km and 199g/km respectively. Insurance bands range from group 32 for the 2.7-litre diesel, to group 34 for the 3-litre diesel to 39 for the petrol. Its maximum unbraked trailer load is 750kg.

Audi has a solid reputation for reliability and with this version of the A6 having been on sale since 2006, most problems should be ironed out in the latest models. We experienced no problems with the car during our period of ownership.

Anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and anti-slip regulation traction control are standard features to help prevent an accident. All cars also come equipped with driver and passenger airbags while rear side airbags are an option.

Standard features on the allroad include 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime-running lights, body-coloured door mirrors, handles and bumpers, Milano leather upholstery, Bluetooth, adaptive air suspension, cruise control, 10-speaker CD/radio and dual-zone climate control. Optional extras include HDD sat-nav, BOSE sound system and the rear seat entertainment package. Buyers can choose between the standard allroad and the A6 allroad Special Edition which adds 19-inch alloy wheels, technology package, rear parking sensore, heated front seats, full paint finish and privacy glass.

Because you want an estate car with some off-road capability. Especially suited to those who can’t see themselves in a sports utility vehicle.