Audi’s brand new Allroad quattro all-terrain vehicle has been unveiled in readiness for the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.

The very first generation of the Allroad quattro proved to be a great success for Audi. Based on the A6 Avant, it has been the big Audi for any road and season since the Year 2000. Now its successor is about to be launched.

The new Allroad quattro is even more spacious, luxurious, striking and versatile. It is also true to its name, offering even more performance and dynamic handling – both on-road and off-road.

The Audi Allroad quattro is almost unrivalled in its international competitive environment and the concept is an independent design from Audi. It is closely related to the A6 Avant and as the basic body is identical, offers virtually the same impressive sporty performance. Whereas the Avant driver comes to a halt when the road comes to an end, the Allroad quattro ventures further, enhancing the sporty Avant concept with off-road features, thus bridging the gap between sporty elegance and remarkable versatility.

The exterior design combines dynamic styling with distinctive off-road elements. Thanks to its length of 4.93 metres and wheelbase of 2.83 m, there is room for five passengers to sit very comfortably; they can bring along up to 1,660 litres of luggage. The load area impresses with a variety of intelligent stowage ideas. The body – made largely of high-strength steels and aluminium – is extremely rigid and crash-resistant.

The interior conveys an ambience of elegant sportiness. In terms of ergonomic comfort, the MMI operating concept is a focal element. The electromechanical parking brake also enhances comfort and convenience. New colours, inlays and fabrics lend a refined and luxurious touch.

To power the vehicle, four direct-injection engines are available - two petrol and two diesel. The 3.2 FSI is a V6 (petrol) developing 188 kW and the 4.2 FSI is a V8 (petrol) developing 257 kW.

FSI technology increases the power and efficiency of both power plants. Both high-torque, cultivated diesels with common rail injection are six-cylinder engines with a displacement of 2.7 litres and 132kW and 3.0 litres with 171 kW respectively.

Power is transmitted by a six-speed manual transmission or tiptronic, also with six speeds. As standard, quattro permanent four-wheel drive distributes power to all four wheels.

The elaborate suspension, made primarily of aluminium, provides the highest levels of agility and safety on the road. The standard adaptive air suspension offers five modes for the body, including two settings for off-road driving. Here the ESP stabilisation programme, which has been further developed especially for the Allroad quattro, ensures additional traction off the beaten track.

Model range, pricing and specification is yet to be confirmed for Australia.