[tl:gallery size=460×368]I’VE LONG HAD a soft-spot for the Audi A6 Allroad. The original was one of the first cars I reviewed for What Car? magazine back in 2000, and there hasn’t been an Allroad since that I haven’t enjoyed driving.

 

The third generation of Audi’s part-4×4, part-estate car will be in showrooms soon dealers start taking orders next month with first deliveries in the spring.

 

As before, the Allroad will feature air suspension and a variable ride height, so the car can rise up for better ground clearance off road, or be lowered for better aerodynamics and improved handling on the road.

 

It’s not a car for following a Land Rover up a Welsh mountainside, but for occasional drives over rough ground the Audi should go as far as most owners want to venture.

 

Two engines will be available. The petrol option is a turbocharged 3.0-litre with 306bhp and 325lb.ft of torque. Diesel buyers can choose a 3.0 TDI with 201bhp and 332lb.ft.

 

You won’t be surprised to learn the new Allroad is lighter than the old that’s true of just about every replacement model these days. Audi says the new Allroad is up to 70kg less heavy than before, so when full technical details are published expect the diesel to have a kerbweight (including 75kg for the driver) of just under 1900kg.

 

Reduced weight promises improved fuel economy. Audi claims improvements of up to 20%.

 

Prices start from £43,145.

 

Hopefully we’ll have some first impressions from the driving seat for you soon.