Vauxhall Motors launches the All-New Insignia Sports Tourer ahead of its launch at the Geneva Motor Show.

• Up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing version
• 1,640 litre boot – over 100 litres more space than predecessor
• Length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm
• 40/20/40 foldable seats available
• Elegant and spacious Monza Concept-inspired design by Brit Mark Adams
• New technologies including next-gen IntelliLux Matrix LED headlights

Vauxhall has released the first images of the all-new Insignia Sports Tourer, which will receive its world premiere at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next month.

Following on from the previous generation, which won the European Car of the Year in 2009, the Insignia Sports Tourer is based on a completely new vehicle architecture. Its revised proportions result in more luggage capacity that has increased to 1,640 litres, over 100 litres, more than the outgoing model. 

The length of the boot has grown by 97mm to 2005mm versus the previous model and 40/20/40 foldable seats are available, making it even more practical.

Like with the Astra and the forthcoming Insignia Grand Sport, efficiency was key for engineers. 

The new model is up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of lightweight materials and efficient packaging. This weight loss allows for high-tech features such as the ultra-modern all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and the new eight-speed automatic transmission to exploit their strengths to the full.

There is a raft of top technologies that make driving the Insignia Sports Tourer safer, more relaxing and more comfortable than before. Next generation IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front- and rear-seat heating and a heated windscreen are just some examples.

Outstanding infotainment and connectivity are also on board thanks to the latest generation IntelliLink systems and Vauxhall OnStar, which with the launch of the Insignia Sports Tourer, will offer even more functionality for customers.

It is also the first Vauxhall with an active aluminium bonnet, improving pedestrian protection considerably.

“Vauxhall’s best-ever product portfolio will get even better with the launch of the new Insignia Grand Sport,” said Rory Harvey, Vauxhall’s Chairman and Managing Director. “It has all of the elegance of its Insignia Grand Sport sibling but with even more practicality, including a boot that is more spacious than its predecessor. The Insignia Sports Tourer will set new standards for design, efficiency, technology and connectivity when it debuts next month at the Geneva Motor Show.” 

Although the exterior dimensions have grown slightly to 4,986 millimetres, the Insignia Sports Tourer looks much more athletic and agile. The prominent front grille and Monza Concept-inspired headlights all add to this perception. 

The model’s stance is also emphasised by the extended wheelbase, now 2,829 millimetres, and a front overhang that has been reduced by 30 millimetres. The silver roof rails make it look lower, and emphasise the high-quality design.

The shape looks lighter than before too, with the second-generation model defined by clear lines. The slim, slightly protruding LED rear lights in double-wing design help the rear end of the Insignia Sports Tourer make a strong impression.

PRACTICALITY

The next generation Insignia Sports Tourer is more practical than before; the overhang between bumper and boot has been reduced, thanks to the neatly designed rear end, making loading easier. 

Thanks to the increased width between the wheel arches it is now easier to pack bulky items. The luggage capacity has increased further too, reaching 1,638 litres when the rear seats are folded down – over 100 litres more than the outgoing model.

To make loading as easy as possible, the tailgate can be opened with a kick, without the need to touch the car. In combination with Keyless Entry, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open or close the tailgate. 

To further increase loading space, the new Insignia Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling more flexible luggage space configurations. The rear seats can be folded down simply at the push of a button, conveniently located in the luggage compartment.

COMFORT

Passengers now experience more comfort than in the outgoing model, with more space than before; headroom has increased by 31mm, shoulder-room by 25mm and space for the hips by 27mm. Additional luxury is provided by the optional panoramic sunroof stretching back over the heads of rear-seat passengers to give a greater feeling of space and increased levels of natural light.

The new model contains heating systems that ensure the comfort of all occupants. Reducing the need to spend time de-icing the car in cold weather, the windscreen can be easily defrosted at the push of a button by a fine wire heating element. 

The heated windscreen also prevents fogging in humid conditions, improving visibility and safety. The heating switches off automatically and can be reactivated if necessary at the push of a button.

Drivers can stay snug thanks to the heated steering wheel, while heated seats are available not only for the driver and front passenger, but for the occupants of the outer rear seats too. 

The heating in the front is adjustable and can be controlled through the personalisation menu in the information display, while the optional 18-way adjustable heated driver’s seat also features massage and ventilation functions.

CONNECTIVITY

The driver of the new Insignia Sports Tourer sits lower in the car and is surrounded by the ergonomically-designed instruments and centre console. As well as via a touchscreen, the controls can be operated by three rows of buttons. 

The top row is reserved for the infotainment system, the middle for controlling the heating, ventilation and air conditioning and the bottom for driver assistance systems.

Smartphones can be seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment software, with the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible IntelliLink systems, and wireless phone charging now available. Vauxhall’s ground-breaking connectivity and service assistant, OnStar, is also on board, offering services ranging from Automatic Crash Response to Stolen Vehicle Assistance. 

A new Personal Assistant service will be launched with the Insignia, enabling the driver or passengers to ask OnStar advisors, to book a hotel in the car when it is safe to do so. OnStar also provides a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices to keep all occupants connected while on the go.

DRIVING ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

No other model in the segment offers such a wide range of intelligent technologies as the new edition of the Vauxhall flagship.

One of the highlights is the next generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning IntelliLux LED matrix light. It now has 32 LED segments – twice as many as in the Astra – that are all integrated in the new slimmer headlamps of the Insignia. 

The increased number of LED elements enables the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation even more precisely and the transitions between the modes are more seamless. This results in an improvement of both the quality of light distribution and light intensity.

To improve visibility even further while driving through curves on full high beam, the engineers added a new function to the new Insignia’s IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. 

The light intensity at the inner matrix segments rises according to steering angle in order to increase the illumination of the curve. In addition, a further high-beam spotlight provides additional illumination at full high-beam for up to 400m.

Additional driver assistance systems include:

• Head-up-Display: Information on speed, traffic signs, set speed of speed limiter or navigation direction is projected onto the windscreen and in the driver’s direct line of sight ensuring that the eyes remain on the road.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which measures the distance to vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases abruptly.
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. Provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid accidents due to unintentionally drifting out of their lane.
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20 meters at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle.

The new model is the first Vauxhall to feature an active bonnet. In the case of a collision, the bonnet lifts in milliseconds, increasing the distance to the engine and offering pedestrians improved protection.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE WITH TORQUE VECTORING

Driving pleasure and safety in every driving condition are guaranteed thanks to the Insignia Sports Tourer’s new intelligent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring. Two electrically controlled multi-plate clutches in the all-wheel drive system replace the usual rear axle differential, providing a more precise power transmission to each wheel individually. When cornering, additional torque is transmitted to the outside rear wheel, reducing understeer and enabling more precise control. The system reacts within a split-second of the accelerator being pressed, ensuring that the car remains more stable and easier to steer in every situation.

The FlexRide chassis has also been further improved, adapting the dampers, steering, throttle response and shift points (on automatics) independently or based on the modes ‘Standard’, ‘Sport’ or ‘Tour’, which can be selected by the driver. 

Insignia Sports Tourer will be available with a range of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines along with latest generation transmissions, including the new eight-speed automatic gearbox, a first for the Vauxhall passenger car range.

USA - WardsAuto has named the 2017 AUDI Q7 SUV to the 1st-ever Wards 10 Best User Experiences for 2016

• Wards 10 Best User Experiences evaluates the user-friendliness and effectiveness of the vehicle’s technologies and features
• New portfolio of available driver assistance systems and infotainment features in the Q7 contributes to the intelligent user experience
• Audi flagship SUV delivers ‘surprise and delight’ to the driver, judges said

The 2017 Audi Q7 earns a spot among Wards 10 Best User Experiences with editors noting that the Q7 makes for a first-rate, intuitive user experience in the luxury SUV segment.

As manufacturers increasingly strive to create vehicle systems designed to minimize distraction and frustration, the Q7 received high marks for its virtual cockpit, excellent sound system and the intelligence of the adaptive cruise control.

“We are honored to be recognized by WardsAuto on their inaugural list of vehicles with exceptional user experiences,” said Scott Keogh, President Audi of America. “The Q7 embodies Audi’s position as an industry leader in the development of connected car applications and driver assistance systems that are redefining how customers interact with our vehicles.”

WardsAuto editors evaluated vehicles based on the overall effectiveness of the user experience, how easily the car connects with a compatible smartphone, user-friendliness of the controls, the availability of the advanced driver assistance technology, and how appealing the materials are as a component of the user experience.

The innovative Audi virtual cockpit transforms the way the driver interacts with the Q7 through an entirely digital dashboard that renders 3D graphics with brilliant clarity. 

A quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor that can deliver vibrant color at 60 frames per second helps to enhance the infotainment viewing and navigating experience via the large Google Map images supported with 4G LTE (where available). 

Newly available Audi smartphone interface offers Apple CarPlay™ and Google™ Android Auto integration for compatible smartphones.

In addition to infotainment and connectivity features, the advanced Q7 driver assistance systems are designed to help drivers navigate the road and traffic with confidence. 

Standard Audi pre sense® basic and city can prepare the vehicle for impact in the case of an impending collision. 

Available Audi pre sense rear helps monitor the traffic following the vehicle and takes similar actions to Audi pre sense basic while Audi side assist provides blind spot monitoring via LED indicators on the exterior mirror housing

“One of our judging criteria recognizes a user experience that delivers ‘surprise and delight’ to the driver, and the Audi Q7 does that many times over,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor, Tom Murphy. 

“From the high-resolution, brightly colored graphics in the Audi virtual cockpit to the simple phone pairing and the available driver assistance systems, the Q7 makes for a first-rate, intuitive user experience.”

The Q7 competed among a field of 29 nominees for the accolade, which complements the annual Wards 10 Best Interiors award. Audi will formally receive the award during a ceremony held at the WardsAuto User Experience Conference, taking place October 4, 2016 in Novi, Michigan.

The New Audi SQ7 Flagship model is now available to order, and it is one hell of a car packed full of kit.

Technological trendsetter can now be configured on audi.co.uk and ordered in UK Audi Centres nationwide

• New 435PS and 900Nm Q7 flagship priced from £70,970 OTR, available to order now with first deliveries starting in August
• Standard specification includes S-specific interior and exterior details, virtual cockpit, adaptive S air suspension, active sound exhaust system, rear view camera and Valcona leather upholstery with S embossing
• New driving dynamics sports pack featuring quattro with sports differential, all-wheel steering and electromechanical active roll stabilization exclusive to the SQ7 TDI
• Key optional equipment also includes 22-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, Audi Matrix LED headlights, Tour pack featuring Traffic Jam Assist and night vision

Another pioneer joins the UK Audi range this week – the new SQ7 TDI, priced from £70,970 OTR, is notable not only as the first ever ‘S’ version of the Q7 luxury SUV, but also as the first series production car to incorporate new electric powered compressor (EPC) technology that consigns ‘turbo lag’ to history. 

Supporting two sequentially activated turbochargers, the EPC helps to generate pulling power that is unparalleled in this class, and the V8 TDI-powered Q7 flagship is able to deftly deploy it thanks to a chassis bolstered by state-of-the art electromechanical active roll stabilisation.

The integration of both systems is made possible by a powerful new 48-volt electrical subsystem which makes its Audi debut in the Q7 and will be the springboard for numerous revolutionary new technologies in the Audi models of the near future.

As it is electrically driven and therefore not dependent upon exhaust flow like conventional turbochargers, the revolutionary electric powered compressor (EPC) brings its force to bear on the 4.0-litre, eight-cylinder TDI in less than 250 milliseconds, so its benefit is palpable from the second the accelerator pedal is depressed.

Whenever the exhaust gases provide sufficient energy two sequentially activated ‘conventional’ turbochargers take over, all-the-while accompanied by a compelling V8 bellow from the active sound exhaust system.  

Now developing 435 PS and 900 Nm (663.8 lbft) of torque, the redesigned V8 BiTDI firmly stakes this performance flagship’s claim as the most powerful diesel SUV on the market. With the electric powered compressor (EPC) supporting the work of the two turbochargers, especially at lower revs, step-off performance is exceptional, and this is reflected in a 0-62mph sprint time of just 4.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph, and in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the SQ7 TDI returns up to 39.2 mpg combined. This corresponds to CO₂ emissions of 190 g/km. 

TDI debut for Audi valvelift system (AVS)

The exhaust, which each cylinder discharges from both exhaust valves, flows through separate channels within a dual-flow manifold system. Each exhaust valve supplies one of the two sequentially activated turbochargers. The Audi valvelift system (AVS), which makes its debut in a TDI engine in the SQ7 TDI, keeps one valve closed at low and intermediate load and rpm so that the entire exhaust flow reaches the so-called “active” turbocharger. If engine speed increases to the range between 2,200 and 2,700 rpm, the respective second exhaust valve is opened and the second turbocharger is also activated.

The power for the EPC – which peaks at 7 kW – is provided by a 48-volt electrical subsystem, which also makes its Audi debut here. To meet its high power requirements, there is a separate 48-volt lithium-ion battery in the electrical subsystem beneath the luggage compartment. It has a peak output of up to 13 kilowatts, and is connected to the more familiar 12-volt electrical subsystem by a DC/DC converter.

In conjunction with the EPC, the 48-volt electrical subsystem also paves the way for incorporation of an electromechanical active roll stabilisation system. Here, a compact electric motor with a three-stage planetary gearbox separates the two halves of the stabiliser. On an uneven road surface, they are actively decoupled from one another, resulting in improved ride comfort, but during faster driving they are interconnected and twisted against each other. With this advanced stability system on board the SQ7 TDI rolls less in bends and the tendency to understeer is kept even better in check, enabling higher lateral acceleration and thus higher cornering speeds.

Sport differential for the first time in Q7

In the interest of agility the sport differential actively controlling torque distribution between the rear wheels can also be specified for the first time in the history of the Q7 in the new SQ7 TDI. All-wheel-steering is also available to promote even greater stability at higher speeds by turning the front and rear wheels in the same direction, and to aid low speed manoeuvrability in urban situations by turning them in opposing directions.

Housing all this technological accomplishment is an accommodating yet outstandingly aerodynamic body with a low 0.34 drag coefficient and the lowest weight in the class, made possible as a result of innovative multimaterial construction blending aluminium and steel in precisely the right proportions and locations. Underpinning it is standard S-specific adaptive air suspension that reacts to the movements of 20-inch alloy wheels and is controllable via the standard Audi Drive Select adaptive dynamics system.

Visual cues to the ranking of the SQ7 TDI include a unique radiator grille design, an aluminium finish for the side air inlets, mirror housings and door inlays, LED headlights with a striking double-arrow light signature and an exhaust system branching into four rectangular tailpipes.

Under the skin, seven comfortable seats across three rows are upholstered in high quality Valcona leather, and the 235 litres of luggage space can be expanded to up to 1,890 litres helped by the standard electrically folding third seat row. Accessibility is also aided by the standard powered tailgate. Occupants enjoy plenty of space as well, along with a generous quota of equipment as befits a model not only bearing the S badge, but also exemplifying Audi technological ingenuity.

Audi Virtual Cockpit as standard

The fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit is one of the many standard features, as is the Audi smartphone interface and MMI Navigation plus with the fingertip-sensitive MMI Touch pad control. Also new to the Q7 range is an embedded SIM card which immediately brings the benefits of Internet-based Audi Connect services to the car at no additional cost and without the need to insert a separate data-only SIM as was previously necessary. Google Earth mapping, Google Street View, news, weather, online traffic, flight and train information as well as local fuel prices and entertainment options are among the features available via the 7-inch MMI monitor and the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit display.

Audi Connect infotainment is offered on a three-month trial basis, or is included for three years if the optional Technology Package is specified. This cost-effective package also includes the Audi phonebox for wireless smartphone connection to the car’s antenna and wireless, inductive charging (according to the Qi standard) and a head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision.

The Audi connect portfolio also includes a new permanently active element known as Audi Connect safety & service, which also integrates the myCarManager package. Thanks to this feature, help from the emergency or roadside assistance services is always available at the touch of a roof lining-mounted button (or automatically in the unfortunate event of a more serious incident), and via myCarManager customers can use their smartphone, in conjunction with the Audi MMI app, to precisely locate their car, lock and unlock it or check if the lights have inadvertently been left on.

Among the more indulgent options available for the new SQ7 TDI are alloy wheels of up to 22 inches in diameter, Matrix LED headlamps capable of diverting their beam around oncoming and leading traffic, S Sport seats plus with contrasting diamond stitching and two optional ‘3D’ surround sound systems from Bose and Bang & Olufsen, the latter offering up to 1,920 watts of music power.

From a more safety and efficiency-conscious perspective, customers can choose from a wide range of 24 optional driver assistance systems. The predictive efficiency assistant, for example, provides additional information in the instrument cluster to help the driver save fuel, while adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist relieves the driver in slow-moving traffic on well-surfaced roads with clearly defined markings by taking over the steering in many situations.

After the world première of the Audi A4 sedan, the ALLROAD version gets it's première.

Second generation of the adventure-seeking Avant takes to the stage at the NAIAS 2016

• 34mm more ground clearance and an offroad mode in Audi drive select
• Extroverted, individual design and extensive equipment
• Powerful TFSI and TDI engines with quattro all-wheel drive as standard
• Up to 90kg lighter than the previous model
• Adaptive suspension with damper control optionally available
• Eight speed tiptronic available for the first time in the A4 allroad quattro

The Audi A4 will take the smooth with a little more of the rough at this month‘s Detroit Motor Show as it adopts the tougher stance of the A4 allroad quattro. 

The all-new Avant version already famed for its limousine-like bearing and boundary-stretching technology is repurposed as an exceptional all-terrain machine with the help of allroad hallmarks such as flared arches, an increased ride height and of course quattro all-wheel-drive in its latest and most sophisticated ever form. 

  

The highly successful “allroad” variant first appeared in the A4 model range in 2009, and this latest evolution further refines the concept courtesy of the all-new A4’s advanced TDI and TFSI engines, intelligent multi-material construction bringing weight savings of up to 90kg, more intelligent and reactive quattro drive and a portfolio of assistance systems that are some of the most advanced in the current Audi range.

Defining its individual look, the powerfully flared wheel arches and the rear bumper attract attention. They are finished in matt structure grey or painted in the body colour. The robust underbody guard and the rear diffuser are finished in selenite silver. 

The distinctive front end with jagged headlights, unique bumper and model-specific air intakes underscores its extroverted character. Vertical chrome slats adorn the sculpted Singleframe grille, while allroad badges decorate the front wings and the tailgate. The higher roof rails round out the typical allroad look.

Standard xenon, optional Matrix LED

The headlights create unmistakable lighting graphics. A light guide forming two acute angles provides for the daytime running lights and – at the upper edge of the housing – the turn signals. Xenon units are standard. 

Audi also offers LED headlights with dynamic rear turn signals and Matrix LED headlights with dynamic turn signals front and rear. The top version features traffic sign glare reduction, giving the driver an optimal view of road signs at all times.

At 4,750 mm long and 1,842 mm wide, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro resembles its technical foundation, the A4 Avant. It measures 1,493 mm in height, while the wheelbase measures 2,818 mm.

Despite the larger dimensions, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro has a kerb weight that is up to 90 kilograms less than that of the previous model. With the 2.0 TFSI engine, it tips the scales (without driver) at just 1,580 kilograms. Geometric lightweight construction and an intelligent mix of materials have trimmed 15 kilograms from the body.

Thanks to a sophisticated insulation concept and a wide variety of aerodynamic solutions, the A4 allroad quattro features luxury-class acoustic comfort. 

At its aerodynamic rear end it sports a low-drawn roof edge spoiler with side fins. Depending on the engine, the exhaust system is either a single- or dual-branch system and terminates either in a twin exhaust tailpipe (TDI) or two separate tailpipes (TFSI).

The luggage compartment of the new A4 allroad quattro offers 505 litres of storage space in the standard configuration. Total capacity with the rear seats folded down and loaded to the roof is 1,510 litres. 

An optional rail and load-securing kit makes it easier to transport individual objects. The power luggage compartment cover and the electric drive for the tailgate are standard. With the optional sensor control, the driver can open and close the lid via a foot gesture.

The optional trailer hitch unlocks electronically at the push of a button. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is certified for towed loads of up to 2,100 kilograms (with an eight percent gradient).

Engines

The strong-pulling TFSI and TDI engines in the new Audi A4 allroad quattro offer improved performance with better efficiency. The TFSI and TDI units produce between 150 PS and 272 PS, which is up to 27 PS more than in the previous model. At the same time, the engineers have reduced CO₂ emissions by up to 21 grams per kilometre (2.0 TDI 190 PS). All engines satisfy the limits of the Euro 6 emissions standard.

The standard, updated start-stop system 2.0 offers changes that further reduce fuel consumption. When the driver approaches a red light, it can already deactivate the engine at speeds below 4 mph (3.0 TDI with tiptronic: 2 mph).

The newly developed 2.0 TFSI produces 252 PS and delivers 370 Nm (272.9 lb-ft) of torque between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. In combination with the seven-speed S tronic, the new Audi A4 allroad quattro sprints from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.1 seconds on its way to a top speed of 152 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is 44.1 mpg combined, corresponding to 147 grams CO₂ per km.

Audi is offering the 1,968 cc 2.0 TDI with 190 PS and 400 Nm between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. With the seven-speed S tronic, the new A4 allroad quattro returns up to 57.7 mpg combined, corresponding to 128 grams CO₂ per km. 

From a standing start, 62 mph takes just 7.8 seconds. Top speed is 136 mph.

The A4 allroad family will grow further following the market launch. One addition will be the 2.0 TDI with an output of 150 PS and maximum torque of 320 Nm (236.0 lb-ft).

Audi also offers the 3.0 TDI in two variants with different outputs, either 218 PS or 272 PS. The two six-cylinder TDI units with a displacement of 2,967 cc are special engines combining supreme power with refined smoothness and efficiency. The first variant of the 3.0 TDI produces 218 PS. Its 400 Nm (295.0 lb‑ft) of torque is available between 1,250 and 3,750 rpm.

The top version of the 3.0 TDI delivers 272 PS and 600 Nm (442.5 lb-ft), the latter between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. It accelerates the new A4 allroad quattro to the standard sprint speed in just 5.5 seconds, with a governed top figure of 155 mph. NEDC fuel consumption is just 53.3 mpg combined, corresponding to 139 grams CO₂ per km.

Drivetrain

Naturally, quattro all-wheel drive is standard on all models. Depending on the engine, there is a choice of the manual six-speed transmission, the seven-speed S tronic and the eight-speed tiptronic.

Audi offers the manual transmission and the new S tronic for the 2.0 TDI. The dual-clutch transmission is standard with the 2.0 TFSI and the 3.0 TDI with 218 PS. 

The most important improvements are further reductions in friction, the low weight, a highly efficient oil supply and dual-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum, which allows for very low idle speeds. 

Gear changes are performed within a few hundredths of a second and with virtually no interruption in the power flow by changing the clutches. Power flows from the drive shaft to the front-axle differential via a spur gear stage.

This also marks the first time that the eight-speed tiptronic is available in the A4 allroad quattro. It is reserved for the 3.0 TDI with 272 PS. 

The soft, quick and spontaneously shifting torque-converter transmission has been completely redeveloped. Its high number of gears enables the engine to operate close to the ideal load point very often.

Both automatic transmissions are state-of-the-art and feature a wide gear spread. Their lower gears feature short, dynamic ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. Drivers can choose between the modes D, S and E, and change gears manually at any time using either the selector lever or the standard shift paddles on the steering wheel.

quattro all-wheel drive from Audi represents the ultimate advantage in dynamics, traction, driving safety and straight-line stability. It is purely mechanical and thus operates with zero delay. quattro drive is partnered with the updated wheel-selective torque control system, which is active on any surface.

Chassis

Ride height, which has been increased by 23 mm, and larger wheels compared with the Audi A4 Avant provide an additional 34 mm of ground clearance. The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is thus equally at home on the road or in light terrain.

As an alternative to the standard suspension, the A4 allroad quattro is available for the first time with optional suspension with damper control. Sensors measure the movements of all four wheels plus lateral and longitudinal acceleration. The damper characteristic adapts accordingly to the surface conditions and the driving situation. 

The results are enhanced handling with even greater comfort and impressive off-road capability. Furthermore, the driver can push a button to choose the default setting of the suspension in Audi drive select and call up the desired handling characteristics at any time.

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro features a new version of Audi drive select with an expanded range of functions. In addition to the familiar comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency and individual modes, offroad mode is available for when the driver leaves paved roads behind. 

It optimally adjusts the engine and transmission control, the steering, the optional adaptive suspension and all relevant driver and assistance systems to operation in light terrain.

An updated five-link suspension is used on the front axle. It offers optimal comfort combined with a high degree of agility. The developers reduced its weight by five kilograms compared with the previous version.

Audi has also turned to a new, compact design for the electromechanical power steering that shaves 3.5 kilograms from the weight of the previous model. It provides the driver with more direct feedback about the road conditions and offers improved steering precision. Dynamic steering with a variable steering ratio is available as an option.

In the back, a five-link construction replaces the trapezoidal-link suspension used previously. Audi used an intelligent mix of materials to reduce the weight of the axle components by an additional seven kilograms.

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke design. Audi and quattro GmbH offer optional variants in sizes from 17 to 19 inches. A space-saving spare wheel and tyre pressure indicator are standard.

The internally ventilated brake discs on the front axle measure up to 338 mm in diameter. The electromechanical parking brake is integrated into the rear axle. The Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) follows specific characteristics in the Audi drive select modes dynamic and offroad.

Interior and equipment

The new Audi A4 allroad quattro is generously spacious. The interior design features a clear architecture with a consistent focus on horizontal lines. 

This principle is best illustrated by the low instrument panel and continuous air vent strip. Deluxe automatic air conditioning featuring capacitive controls and high-resolution displays are fitted as standard and underscore the interior’s overall premium impression. 

Audi offers an optional interior lighting package with ambient lighting in 30 different shades. The comprehensive range of colours and high-grade materials for the seats and inlays corresponds to that of the A4 model range.

The focal points of the innovative cockpit are the new MMI operating concept with rotary pushbutton including MMI touch, the large MMI display of up to 8.3 inches and the optional all-digital, 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit. The new voice control system can recognize input made using everyday language, such as: “I want to call Peter Miller.” A head-up display adds to the list of options.

Audi connect brings tailored online services to the car via the fast LTE standard. Services include online roadside assistance, smartphone calendar integration, remote control functions and status reports via smartphone, plus apps for streaming media. 

The Audi phone box connects cell phones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively according to the Qi standard. The new Audi smartphone interface integrates iOS and Android devices. For discerning hi-fi fans, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System is available, tapping into the spatial dimension of height. The Audi tablet also functions as flexible Rear Seat Entertainment.

All driver assistance and safety systems for the A4 model series are available for the new A4 allroad quattro. One of the highlights is adaptive cruise control Stop&Go including traffic jam assist. At speeds of up to 40 mph, it takes over acceleration and braking and helps with steering. 

The driver receives additional support from the trailer maneuver assist, which is available on the A4 allroad for the first time. This makes it easier to maneuver a trailer. The driver steers via the MMI controller. 

Other new features include the predictive efficiency assistant, park assist, cross-traffic assist rear, exit warning, collision avoidance assist, turn assist and the Audi pre sense systems.