IN THIS FEATURE Two cars in one Inside the Allroad All roads, and a little off-road A fine car with broad appeal

The original model was available with a low-ratio gearbox and posed as a semi-serious mud-plugger. The arrival of the Q7, and the revelation that less than 2% of drivers venture off-road, has led to a subtle repositioning of the Allroad. The low-ratio option is gone, but revisions to the air suspension and stability control programme coupled with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive hardware, have afforded the car some all-terrain capability.

Two new suspension modes - 'Allroad' and 'lift' - increase the Allroad's ground clearance by 50% compared with the standard Avant. The maximum clearance of 185mm compares with 200mm for a BMW X5 and 210mm for a Range Rover. The ESP system now features an off-road mode that places the emphasis on forward propulsion, while chunkier tyres increase off-road grip. Put simply, the new Allroad's off-road capability comfortably exceeds the needs and aspirations of all but a handful of SUV drivers.

One disappointment is the ride being too firm for UK roads

The car's on-road performance is all but indistinguishable from that of the standard A6 Avant, despite a slightly higher centre of gravity. Body roll is well-contained, grip levels are high and the Allroad can be hurled around with considerable gusto. Anyone stepping out of an SUV will find it a revelation, while those trading-in a conventional estate car will discover an undiluted driving experience.

The only major caveat concerns the ride quality: the standard A6's ride feels disappointingly firm on the UK's poorly surfaced roads and we'd anticipate the Allroad suffering similar problems. The larger wing mirrors also appeared to generate more wind rustle on the motorway, although this is a minor complaint.