It was a roaring success when launched in its original form in 2009, and now the A4 Allroad is back, in second-generation form. Initial signs bode well for the Audi, which builds on its predecessor’s winning formula but offers even more appeal.

The newcomer is almost entirely new, with plenty of tough-guy body cladding, the latest A4’s five-link suspension, 34mm of additional ground clearance and a new Off-road drive setting. Adaptive dampers are optional for the first time, and a significantly lighter kerbweight reflects in more efficiency throughout the engine range.

What’s really exciting, however, is the new quattro all-wheel drive. Whereas the 188bhp 2.0-litre and 3.0 TDI diesels – the latter in both 215bhp and 268bhp form – are teamed with the standard mechanical set-up, the new 248bhp 2.0 TFSI petrol model is the first to receive the next-generation system. Called quattro with ultra technology, the new driveline has been designed to give more efficiency than the permanently active tech.

It replaces the centre diff with an electronic clutch at the back of the dual-clutch auto box, which disengages the propshaft at the pertinent moment to allow economical front-drive-only mode. Teamed with a clever rear electromagnetic decoupler, it allows the 2.0 TFSI to return an official 44.1mpg and sprint from 0-62mpg in 6.1 seconds. It all reads well on paper, so we tried the Allroad quattro Sport 2.0 TFSI on the road.

Climbing behind the wheel you’re greeted by the standard A4’s classically impeccable, A6-inspired cabin. And pulling out into traffic reveals the new petrol engine to be equally refined, and effortless in its behaviour from low down in the rev range. It gets a little vocal when really pushing on, but it’s brisk and well matched to the transmission’s seven ratios.

In Comfort mode, teamed with the optional adaptive dampers, the Allroad’s ride is pillowy and smoothes out surface imperfections well – better than in the marginally heavier diesels we also tried – even if the body roll is not especially well controlled. The Dynamic setting tightens things up, of course, but the slightly vague steering discourages full-attack cornering. The new quattro set-up gives excellent grip, flowing beautifully and almost indistinguishably between two and four-wheel torque distribution.

Despite the 2.0 TFSI’s obvious appeal, however, in the UK at least it will be overshadowed sales-wise by the diesels – which will be enhanced by the 148bhp 2.0 TDI due to arrive later this year. There’s also competition from within Audi’s wider stable, in the shape of the A6 Allroad; with better-rounded dynamics, adjustable ride height and superb bi-turbo diesel 3.0 V6, that model is the pick of the manufacturer’s range.

Still, with such an impressive car as the standard A4 to build upon, the new Allroad never disappoints. A realistic pricing structure compared with the Avant makes it an even more tempting proposition.

Audi A4 Allroad quattro Sport 2.0 TFSI

On sale: April

Price: £40,260

Engine: 4cyl, 1968cc, turbocharged, petrol

Power: 248bhp at 5000-6000rpm

Torque: 273lb ft at 1600-4500rpm

Gearbox: 7spd dual-clutch automatic

Kerbweight: 1655kg

0-62mph: 6.1sec

Top speed: 152mph

Economy: 42.8mpg (combined)

CO2 rating & BIK tax band: 152g/km, 27%