Review: Audi C5 Allroad quattro (2001-05)

Review: Audi C5.I Allroad quattro (2001-04)

Overview

Released in February 2001, the Audi C5 Series I (C5.I) Allroad quattro was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi A6 Allroad quattro range initially consisted of the 2.7TT variant which was powered by a 2.7-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine that was mated to either a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission (the latter with a 1.54 gear reduction ratio). In May 2002, the range was expanded with the 2.5 TDI variant; it was powered by a 2.5-litre twin-turbo diesel engine and solely available with a five-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions

Compared to the Audi C5 A6 Avant on which it was based, the C5 A6 Allroad quattro was 14 mm longer (at 4810 mm), 42 mm wider (1852 mm), 72 mm taller (1551 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2760 mm).

Suspension

The Audi C5 A6 Allroad quattro had four-link front suspension and independent, double wishbone rear suspension. Furthermore, an adjustable four-level air suspension system enabled the driver to vary the Allroad quattro’s ground clearance from 142 mm to 208 mm.

quattro and electronic differential locks

The Audi C5 Allroad quattro was fitted with a permanent four-wheel drive system which included a Torsen centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a default front:rear torque split of 50:50, but up to 75 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to either axle. The system also included open front and rear differentials with electronic differential locks which could brake individual wheels to enable cross-axle torque transfers at speeds of up 80 km/h.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi C5 Allroad quattro included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, load-limiting front seatbelts and seatbelt pretensioners for all lap-and-shoulder seatbelts; the 2.7TT was also fitted with rear side airbags.

Features: Allroad quattro 2.5 TDI and 2.7TT

Standard features for the Audi Allroad quattro 2.5 TDI included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R17 W tyres, an eight speaker stereo with six-stack CD player, leather seats and steering wheel, dual zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a cargo cover and net, roof rails, a trip computer, 12 volt power outlet, an alarm and immobiliser.

The Allroad quattro 2.7TT was further equipped with xenon headlights, reverse parking sensors and a power sunroof.

Review: Audi C5.II Allroad quattro (2004-05)

Overview

Released in February 2004, the Audi C5 Series II (C5.II) Allroad quattro introduced a revised line-up and equipment levels. The Allroad quattro 2.7TT was only offered with a five-speed automatic transmission, while a range-topping ‘4.2’ variant – powered by a 4.2-litre petrol V8 engine – was added to the range. As part of the update, the air suspension system included automatic and manual controls.

Safety equipment

The newly introduced Allroad quattro 4.2 had the same safety equipment as the 2.7TT variant.

Features

Unlike their C5.I predecessors, the Audi C5.II Allroad quattro 2.5 TDI and 2.7TT variants were not offered with a six-stack CD player, power adjustable front seats, xenon headlights, reverse parking sensors or sunroof as standard features. Instead, these features were reserved for the range-topping 4.2 variant which was also fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R 18 Y tyres.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi C5 A6