This Audi Allroad Really Can Go on All Roads
Luxury wagons aren’t typically used as overlanding vehicles. Especially ones from Audi. Despite the name, the Audi A4 Allroad’s biggest off-road benefit over the non-US-market Avant is more ride height. However, one A4 Allroad owner, Gene Pascua, wanted to honor the brand’s Quattro rally racers. The result is an Audi A4 Allroad that can properly go off-road.
Gene Pascua’s 2015 Audi A4 Allroad overlander
Typically, Audi A4 Allroads like Pascua’s 2015 model are slammed, Motor1 reports. But instead of lowering the ride height, Pascua added more, courtesy of a custom CA Tuned Off-Road kit, Autoblog reports. And that was just the start.
The Audi Allroad now rides on Rotiform CCV-OR wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country A/T tires. It also has a custom-fabricated functional rear-window ladder and a Front Runner roof rack. Said rack holds jerry cans, rope, a fire extinguisher, a Thule awning, and some MaxTrax recovery boards.
In addition, not only does the rack have its own built-in lights, the wagon has 2 more rear-facing lights attached to it. That’s on top of the 40” Rigid Industries roof-mounted light bar, another light bar attached to the front bumper, and 2 more grille-mounted lights. To provide enough power for all this, this Audi A4 Allroad has a Redarc Electronics dual-battery system. And to keep in contact with civilization, it also has a Midland Communications radio.
Pascua also modified the Audi Allroad’s engine. The standard 2015 Audi A4 Allroad’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 220 hp and 258 lb-ft, Motor Trend reports. But Pascua’s overlanding A4 has a Stage 2 APR tune, as well as a new air intake and downpipe. The exact output isn’t quoted, but APR claims the kit is rated at 287 hp and 341 lb-ft on 91-octane fuel.
Can you do this with your own Audi A4 Allroad?
Although some of Pascua’s modifications are fully custom, it is possible to get close to his build with the new Audi A4 Allroad.
The APR kit, for example, can be fitted on a 2020 Audi A4. And Pascua reports he’s had no reliability issues with it. However, it’s possible the Stage 2 kit may not pass your state’s emissions tests. Luckily, the 256-hp Stage 1 kit passes even California’s strict regulations.
While the modified Allroad’s lift kit is custom, some companies do supply bolt-on lift kits. For example, Spaccer’s kit can be installed on Audi A4 Allroad’s with either conventional or air suspension. And for about $1600, you can give your wagon about 2.4” of extra ride height.
But, given the 2020 Audi A4 Allroad’s $44,600 starting price, some owners may be understandably reluctant to take it off-roading. Not to mention the added cost of the modifications. Luckily, there are some other wagons that can also serve as solid bases for overlanding builds.
Alternative overlanding wagons
The Subaru Outback is a popular choice for off-road builds, Outside, and Expedition Portal report. It’s not quite on the level as a prepped SUV or a Mitsubishi Delica, Adventure Journal reports. However, in addition to standard all-wheel drive, it enjoys extensive aftermarket support. Plus, even the Touring XT, with heated and ventilated leather seats, navigation, and a 260-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, costs $5000 less than a new Audi A4 Allroad.
Or, for something a bit more unconventional, there’s the Mini Cooper Clubman. For about $4000-$5000 less than a new A4 Allroad, you can equip a new Clubman JCW All4 with Journeys Offroad’s 2” lift kit. The result is a 301-hp AWD compact crossover that can handle itself well on dirt or on the pavement.
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