Audi Allroad V8: Spotted

Who needs a fast SUV when a 15 year-old A6 can do everything you need for £6k?

SUVs are popular - you might have heard. Small and large, fast and slow, good and bad, there's no stopping the rise of the Sports Utility Vehicle. Or the Sports Activity Coupe. Or whatever else there now is.

However, for a good while there has actually been an alternative: the off-road estate. Unencumbered by the bulk of a 'full' 4x4 but bolstered with a chunk more go-anywhere ability than a regular wagon (and as much as most people will probably need), they arguably represent the best of both worlds for most people. Or they would, were it not that a lot of SUV buyers seem to like the high-rise driving position - the estates can't offer that.

Still, for those who aren't troubled by a regular ride height, various Scouts, Allroads, Alltraks and Country Tourers should, in theory, offer a lot. In addition to the lower kerb weight compared to an SUV (and therefore improved dynamics and efficiency), there's an argument to say they look better than fully fledged off-roaders as well. Or at least more car-like. The only real disadvantage would appear to be a lack of performance variants, as the SUVs take the bulk of engineering focus. That said, Audi was there nearly 20 years ago with this - the A6 Allroad V8.

Yes, V8. 300hp, no less. The majority of first-gen, C5 A6 Allroads were sold with the 2.5-litre diesel, or the turbocharged 2.7-litre V6. A few, however, did reach customers powered by the 4.2-litre V8, with 300hp, 280lb ft, and - one would assume - a pleasingly woofly soundtrack. The fact it wasn't much faster than the cheaper V6 - 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds and 149mph flat out - won't have helped its popularity, neither will its 21.3mpg fuel economy average.

As a secondhand purchase though, the chunky V8 offers considerable appeal when every other engine around is now turbocharged. Of course plumping for a 4.2-litre version will make the notoriously troublesome Allroad even more costly to run, but it is just £6,495 to start with. And £2.5k has just been spent. What's the worst that could happen? (Don't take that as buying advice. Please.)

In addition to that recent work, this Allroad has only covered 75,000 miles since 2004 and, as far as can be told from the advert pics, looks in decent condition. It seems this car has been spared the life of a workhorse, a fate that fell upon many of the lesser Allroads. Of course, there's no substitute for a proper inspection, but there's plenty to be encouraged by here. It's even the correct sort of sludgey, indistinguishable, muddy colour for light off-roading. Cool.

At the time of its launch the Allroad was rather in a class competing with itself, the rest of the world not really buying into the tough estates in the same way Audi did (and continues to do). Add a V8 to that formula and the A6 is pretty much without rival - similarly butch cars have much more prosaic powertrains, while those cars with V8s and 300hp won't be anywhere near as multi-talented. All viable alternatives welcomed, because we're stumped...

Oh sure, the V8 Allroad is an extremely niche choice, but it's one we're absolutely on board with. Rare, subtle, powerful and interesting, there's a lot to commend it as a family bus with a difference, assuming there's the usual Allroad contingency fund in place. Think of it this way: the new SQ2 has just been launched, boasting 300hp and a sliver of off-road ability for five people. Granted, that'll be more capable at the limit than this but, quite frankly, who cares? A V8 in one of Audi's most appealing executive car designs, with the added intrigue of Allroad spec, makes this A6 deeply attractive. Do let us know if you take the plunge...

SPECIFICATION - AUDI ALLROAD 4.2

Engine: 4,172cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@6,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 280@3,000rpm
CO2: 331g/km
MPG: 13.6 (!)
First registered: 2004
Recorded mileage: 75,000
Price new: £41,255
Yours for: £6,495