Audi Allroad Quattro

It was a genuine stunner in concept form at the 1998 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Now, fresh from our first encounter with a Euro-spec production version of Audi's luxuriously appointed and eminently capable all-terrain tourer, we're even more impressed with the new Allroad Quattro.

Blending the best elements of the A6 Avant with Audi's renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system, the Allroad also brings a host of unique cosmetic and functional items to the mix. Save for hood and rear hatch, all of its main body panels are bespoke. So, too, is the supplemental reinforcing beneath that slick sheetmetal. Further accenting its multifaceted personality are matte-finish fascias and fender flares, stainless steel skidplates, and custom five-spoke cast-alloy wheels shod with 225/55HR17 rubber. As a final touch, the Allroad's ribbed roof panel gets a contrasting flat finish.

Inside, this function-feeds-form motif carries on smartly. U.S. models will be lavishly appointed, boasting standard leather and wood trim, special high-support bucket seats, and front/front-side airbags teamed with inflatable side curtains for starters. There's also keyless remote locking, AM/FM/CD/cassette stereo, dual-zone auto climate control, and a full range of power amenities. Option packages for Luxury (heated seats/wheel, retained seat/mirror memories, HomeLink, Xenon headlamps, Bose stereo upgrade), Warm Weather (solar sunroof, rear/side window shades), and Guidance (GPS system, rear-sonar distance ranging) can be augmented with rear-side airbags, third-row/rear-facing child seat, hands-free phone, and six-disc CD changer.