2017 Audi A4 allroad: Your Rugged Companion for Any Journey
The 2017 Audi A4 allroad is a compelling choice for those seeking a premium wagon with enhanced capability and sophisticated comfort. Building upon the foundation of the excellent A4 sedan, the allroad version injects a dose of ruggedness, making it a versatile option for navigating diverse road conditions and embracing a more adventurous lifestyle, all while retaining Audi's signature luxury and technology.
Highlights
- Engine: Powering the 2017 A4 allroad is a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, producing a healthy 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine offers a potent blend of responsiveness for spirited driving and smooth power delivery for comfortable cruising, ensuring ample acceleration for merging onto highways or tackling inclines.
- ** quattro® All-Wheel Drive:** Standard on all A4 allroad models, Audi's renowned quattro® all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional traction and stability in various weather and road conditions. It intelligently distributes power between the front and rear axles, enhancing grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering, making it a confident performer on wet pavement, snow, or gravel.
- Safety Features: The 2017 A4 allroad comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies designed to protect occupants and assist the driver:
- Pre Sense® basic: This system actively monitors for potential collision situations and can initiate preventative measures, such as closing windows and pre-tensioning seatbelts, to prepare occupants for an impact.
- Pre Sense® city: Designed for urban driving, this feature can detect vehicles and pedestrians and, if necessary, can automatically apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate a collision at lower speeds.
- Parking System plus (front and rear acoustic sensors): These sensors provide audible warnings as you approach obstacles, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier and safer.
- Optional Driver Assistance Package: Buyers could opt for a suite of even more advanced features, including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed and even coming to a complete stop if traffic dictates.
- Audi active lane assist: This system helps keep the vehicle centered within its lane by providing subtle steering inputs if it detects unintentional drifting.
- High beam assist: This convenient feature automatically switches between high and low beams based on traffic and lighting conditions.
- Trims: The 2017 A4 allroad was offered in three distinct and well-appointed trims:
- Premium: The entry point into the allroad experience, the Premium trim includes essential luxury features like leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and keyless entry and ignition.
- Premium Plus: Stepping up, the Premium Plus adds further convenience and technology, often including features like LED headlights, a hands-free power tailgate, Audi Virtual Cockpit (a digital instrument cluster), and a more advanced MMI® infotainment system.
- Prestige: The top-tier Prestige trim elevates the luxury and technology quotient further, typically offering premium audio systems, head-up display, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, and enhanced interior appointments.
- Ride Height and Ground Clearance: A defining characteristic of the allroad is its increased ground clearance compared to the standard A4 sedan. This elevated stance, combined with subtle body cladding, provides greater confidence when tackling unpaved roads, speed bumps, or navigating rough terrain.
- Audi Virtual Cockpit: Available on higher trims, this customizable digital instrument cluster presents crucial driving information, navigation, and media in a clear and visually appealing manner, enhancing both functionality and the premium feel of the cabin.
What to Expect
Owning a 2017 Audi A4 allroad generally offers a refined and enjoyable ownership experience. The ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort for daily commuting and a planted feel for more dynamic driving. The interior is a highlight, showcasing Audi's commitment to high-quality materials, precise fit and finish, and an intuitive layout.
Maintenance: As a premium German automobile, the A4 allroad's maintenance costs can be higher than more mainstream vehicles. Regular scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid checks, is crucial to ensure longevity and optimal performance. Audi recommends specific service intervals, and adhering to these is key. Tire replacement can also be a significant expense, especially if opting for performance-oriented or all-season tires that complement the allroad's capabilities.
Insurance: Insurance premiums for the 2017 Audi A4 allroad are likely to be in the mid to upper range, reflecting its luxury classification, advanced technology, and potentially higher repair costs compared to non-luxury vehicles. Factors such as your driving record, age, location, and chosen coverage levels will significantly influence the actual cost.
Potential Considerations
- Fuel Economy: While the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is reasonably efficient for its class, the added weight and aerodynamic considerations of the allroad body style, coupled with the standard quattro® all-wheel drive, might result in slightly lower fuel economy figures compared to a comparable A4 sedan.
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While generally user-friendly, some users in 2017 reported occasional minor delays or less instantaneous responsiveness from the MMI® infotainment system compared to some competitors. This is a minor point and largely subjective.
- Rear Seat Space: While adequate, the rear seating area might feel slightly tighter than in some larger competitors in the premium wagon segment, particularly for taller passengers on longer journeys.
Overall Summary
The 2017 Audi A4 allroad masterfully blends the refinement and technology of a luxury sedan with the added versatility and capability of a wagon with enhanced ground clearance. Its standard quattro® all-wheel drive, potent engine, and comprehensive safety features make it a secure and capable companion for a variety of driving scenarios. While it commands a premium in terms of maintenance and insurance, the allroad offers a sophisticated and enjoyable ownership experience for those who appreciate its unique blend of luxury, performance, and practical adventure-ready design.
