We, as North Americans have no one to blame but ourselves for this. At some point, somewhere, someone decided to SUV all the things and that station wagons were no longer cool. So instead of receiving the sexy (that’s right, we called it sexy) Audi A4 Avant wagon introduced at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show, we are permitted to have only the upcoming A4 Allroad version.

The A4 Allroad is, as it has been since 2009, intended to appeal to American sensibilities and the desire to have taller, more macho-looking family haulers. As such, the Allroad sits 34 mm higher than the A4 Avant thanks to a 23 mm taller ride height and larger diameter wheels, theoretically enabling more off-road ground clearance.

Aside from the taller profile, the Allroad is identified most distinctively by its large plastic wheel arches and rear bumper treatment. While matte gray is standard fare, the arches can also be spec’ed in body colour. An underbody guard and rear diffuser are finished in painted silver, and the front bumper and model-specific air intakes are unique to the Allroad. Higher roof rails literally top off the look.

Dimensionally, the new Allroad is larger than its predecessor, offering an improvement in overall interior space. Luggage compartment volume has also grown to 505 L with the rear seat up, and 1,510 L with it down. An optional rail and load-securing kit will be available to help tie down wayward cargo. A power-operated rear liftgate is standard with an optional sensor control to open the liftgate with a foot gesture.

Audi has spent considerable effort employing weight-saving techniques and materials throughout the construction of the new Allroad, removing mass from body, structure and mechanical components, enabling up to a 90 kg lower weight than the preceding Allroad.

When coupled with the suite of new and more powerful engines including both TFSI (gasoline) and TDI (diesel) fuel types, the new Allroad is expected to be dynamically superior to its former self. Having experienced the new A4 sedan on which this car is based, it is safe to assume the new Allroad will be legitimately fun to drive – and capable – even despite its slightly more off-road orientation.

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Like the upcoming A4, North American Allroads will be offered with the 2.0 TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine, now putting out 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.

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