AUDACiOUS AUDi iS AN ALLROAD STAR; Undeterred by the recession, the premium marque explore new territory with a luxury estate car that also doubles as a rough-terrain expert, writes BILL CAVEN.

Byline: BILL CAVEN

AT A time when most major car makers toil and struggle to make ends meet, Audi are forging ahead with confidence.

Having increased their UK sales from just over 43,000 in 2000 to more than 100,000 last year, the premium motoring marque's sales are holding up well despite the current market turmoil.

And while other manufacturers are cutting back production, Audi are continuing with what has to be one of the most ambitious automotive programmes ever contemplated.

In recent years, the four rings brand have not only ventured into new territories, but even created some niche markets of their own.

Following the introduction of models such as the A3 Cabriolet, the A5 Cabriolet and the Q5, they are already well down the road towards doubling their model line-up.

They seem to be blessed with the Midas touch, too, because each of their new models has been met with an enthusiastic reception.

The latest addition to the rapidly expanding Audi family, the A4 Allroad quattro, will be no exception when it arrives on these shores next month.

To simply describe it as a luxury estate car would be a great injustice, because it is considerably more than that.

Indeed, in many ways, it is probably the most complete vehicle that you could ever encounter.

This new version of the A4 Avant not only does it all - it does it in such an accomplished and professional manner that it is simply breathtaking.

It follows a similar theme to the larger A6 Allroad quattro by offering a rugged, tough frame with four-wheeldrive practicality.

The newcomer is more than capable of roughing it with the best. It is as solid as a rock and will happily soak up more knocks than a heavyweight boxer without even flinching once.

The A4 Allroad enjoys the same grip and agility as a fully-fledged 4x4 and will comfortably negotiate any rough terrain without giving it a second thought.

There is something rather comforting about the way it goes about its business in an unflustered fashion regardless of the conditions.

In many respects it is a great pity that few people will ever begin to appreciate exactly what this Audi can achieve, because most owners will simply view it as a luxurious workhorse without ever putting it to the test off-road.

Audi have always prided themselves on producing cars of distinction, and the A4 Allroad is as classy as they come.

It has been constructed to exacting standards both inside and out. From the beautifully finished dashboard and central console to the unblemished exterior paintwork, nothing has been left to chance.

Granted, it doesn't come cheap, with prices starting at pounds 29,285, but you are getting a lot of car for your money.

Taller and wider than the existing A4 Avant, this rough-terrain expert is easily distinguished by its flared wheel-arches and underbody stainless steel protection shields both front and rear.

The bumper and grille have also been tastefully redesigned to give the car a more powerful presence.

Audi have equipped www.roadrecord.

reviews and the estate with a choice of three state-of-the-art powertrains.

The two-litre TFSI petrol engine comes with valvelift technology and delivers 208bhp.

Smooth and highly responsive, it provides the car with a top speed of 143mph as well as allowing it to cover nearly 35 miles from a gallon.

The two-litre turbo diesel pushes the economy figure to more than 44mpg, although it is fractionally slower than its petrol companion.

Leading the oil-burner line-up is the three-litre TDI, which takes just 6.6 seconds to rocket from rest to 62mph.

Despite being the most powerful unit, it still manages to squeeze nearly 40 miles out of a gallon.

The A4 Allroad comes in just one well-kitted-out trim level.

Standard spec includes three-zone electronic climate control, a 10-speaker Audi Concert sound system, automatic headlight and wiper operation, 18in alloys, Tundra cloth upholstery and a full-colour driver's information system.

It all adds up to a desirable package that should prove to be another winner for Audi.

Factfile: Model: Audi A4 Allroad Quattro Engine: Two-litre turbo petrol; two or three-litre turbo diesel Power: 208, 168 or 237bhp 0-62mph: 6.9, 8.9 or 6.6 seconds Fuel economy: 34.9, 44.1 or 39.8mpg CO2 emissions: 189, 169 or 189g/km Warranty: Three years/ 60,000 miles Price: pounds 29,285 to pounds 34,560 On sale: Order now (first deliveries in May)

CAPTION(S):

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAIL: From its eye-catching exterior styling and perfectly executed cabin to the fine choice of state-of-the-art powertrains and its accomplished four-wheel-drive practicality, the Audi A4 Allroad quattro offers one of the most complete motoring packages you will ever encounter