Audi A4 Avant Review

Performance4.5/5

The Audi A4 Avant has a wide range of petrol and diesel engines available. Starting with the petrol, the options are a 1.8 litre (120 bhp or 160bhp) or the turbocharged 2.0 litre (211bhp). The former can make the dash from 0-62 mph in 8.6 seconds (10.6 for the 120bhp) and offers 39 mpg. The 2.0 litre is hotter off the mark, going from 0-62 mph in an impressive 6.9 seconds. The Audi A4 Avant has several diesels available, and they are likely to prove popular. The 2.0 litre TDI, with three choices of bhp (120, 143 and 170) cover most requirements – they are relatively economical and all pack enough punch. In addition there is a 2.7 TDI (190bhp) which has an automatic gearbox as standard; and finally a 3.0 TDI (240 bhp) which leaps from 0-62 in 6.3 seconds and can attain a top speed of 155 mph.

Handling4.5/5

There’s very little to complain about the Audi A4 Avant’s handling, whether on motorways, bendy roads or in town. With very little noise of any sort, comfortable seats and a suspension which absorbs lumps and bumps even the longest of journeys should pass without pain! As the car moves into bends there is little body roll, steering is responsive and braking is good, with an option of a ‘hill hold’ function.  Equally, the A4 Avant is a pleasure to drive  (and park) in town. ‘Servotronic’ power steering, which adds a little more feedback for the driver, is available as another option.

Exterior4/5

Sleek and curving, the Audi A4 Avant’s exterior styling probably won’t turn a lot of heads in the street but there is nothing to dislike about it. Large windows front and rear offer good visibility all round, and the wrap around rear lights add a touch of distinction to the overall appearance. The grille is large but not obtrusive – this looks like a car that wants to be taken seriously.

Interior4.5/5

The Audi A4 Avant interior is beautifully finished, feeling solid and permanent. Audi’s MMI system, which brings together various functions under the control of one dial on the centre console, may take a while to get used to but it works well once you’ve got the hang of it. The handbrake is controlled electronically as opposed to being operated by ‘pull up’. The Audi A4 Avant has ample leg and headroom front and back, with plenty of space for two adults in the back, three if they don’t mind squeezing up a little. There’s a good area for their luggage too, with 490 litres in the boot. This expands to 1430 litres with the back seats folded down if you want to exchange the passengers for something larger and more inanimate. In the cabin there are large door bins, glove box and cup holders.

Equipment4.5/5

The Audi A4 Avant is well equipped as standard, as is only to be expected for a car in this price bracket. Alloys (16 inch), climate control, CD stereo, leather steering wheel, cloth upholstery, stability control, front fog lights, electric windows, electric parking brake, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, roof rails – it’s all there before you even start looking at the additional kit which comes as you move up the A4 Avant range. Working through all the various trims, additional kit will include xenon lights, larger alloys, sports seats, multi-function steering wheel, automatic headlights, rain-sensitive wipers, mobile phone preparation, sports suspension Bang & Olufsen sound system, tinted glass ... and so it goes on.  No doubt your wallet will determine where you eventually draw the line.

Safety4.5/5

As might be expected from Audi, the A4 Avant was awarded the full five stars in the Euro NCAP ratings. It’s well set up with safety features – six airbags (at least), electronic stability control, and anti whiplash head restraints are all there, as are ISOFIX child seat fixings. Additional options, to keep you even safer, are lane-departure and blind spot warning systems and additional rear side airbags. To make sure no one drives off with your Audi A4 Avant once you have made the decision to buy it, an alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard.

Buying & Owning4/5

After the initial outlay for an Audi A4 Avant, which is considerable (but cheaper than rivals BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate), the A4 Avant is not as expensive to run as might be expected. All engines are fairly economical with fuel (particularly the diesels) and keep the bills manageable with their carbon friendly credentials. All new cars come with a three year or 60,000 mile warranty and resale values should remain high.

Reviewed by cars2buy