Audi A4 Avant

Audi A4 Avant

This is the estate car version of the German brand’s best selling vehicle. The A4, in any variation, is a benchmark model for the prestige car market.

The Exterior

The A4 Avant has been described as being understated, but that statement belies the subtlety by design. It’s a refined, executive estate that is equally suited for both home and office. Taking practicality to a new level with its smooth, classic shape, the A4 Avant is just about the perfect all-rounder.

S-Line trim steps up the personalisation with a distinctive honeycomb ‘singleframe’ grille at the front with bright LED headlights and rear lights as standard. Buyers can combine exterior elements to suit: For example, the S-line trim pack includes sport suspension and a S-line-specific rear diffuser in matt titanium black.

There’s a long list of options with which to personalise the A4 Avant. For new models Audi offer various colour options, roof rails, alloy wheel designs and sizes and a choice of standard or adaptively damped suspension. Buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere can also order differing headlight technologies, seat upholsteries and interior trims.

The Interior

The Avant shares its DNA with the saloon model but adds a class-leading 505 litres of luggage capacity, extending to 1,510 litres with the seats folded, provides even more head and shoulder room for front seat occupants and offers an increase in overall rear leg room compared to its predecessor.

Is there any other mainstream brand that does interiors so well? The inside of the car, whichever used or new A4 Avant model is selected, is fabulous. The brand excels at cabin quality, setting the benchmark for materials, fit, finish and design and with impressive supportive seats. Some equipment and styling similarities are evident across the whole catalogue of Audi cars, as ever.

Toggle-style switches are used to control the climate settings, the driver-angled centre console and the tablet-style screen sited above, everything operating with solid dependability. For passengers horizontal design lines help to enhance the sense of space.

For fans of technology the latest model features a new operating system based on Audi’s third-generation modular infotainment platform. A sophisticated 10.1” high resolution ‘multi-media interface’ touch display is tilted slightly towards the driver in the centre of the instrument panel, and this replaces the functions of the previous rotary/push button control on the centre tunnel console, as found on older models.

Don’t forget also that the German company’s virtual cockpit is still superior to most other driver screens and is a standard feature of the latest A4 models. Behind the multifunction steering wheel the 12.3” display, with a choice of three layouts, is in full HD resolution.

Overall, the controls are very user-friendly and intuitive. Features such as navigation are more versatile than previously and voice control has now reached a stage where it understands clear commands without issue. No buyer will be disappointed by an Audi interior.

Driving The A4 Avant

For the Avant, Audi offer the same engines as the saloon. There’s broad choice of four- and six-cylinder engines all of which are highly rated, meeting EU emissions standards. Their power outputs range from 150PS to 347PS from the Audi A4 35 TFSI (petrol) up to the Audi S4 TDI (diesel). The reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive is offered as standard on the most powerful variants.

Now coming on stream are three engine variants, with two more soon, featuring a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts, designed to reduce fuel consumption while improving passenger comfort. This broad-based electrification makes an important contribution to achieving regulation targets for fuel consumption.

In all models the superb suspension set-ups ensure there is very little body roll, providing a flat and confidence-inspiring cornering attitude. The Avant is great to drive quickly. It feels agile and fast to respond to driver inputs. It goes without saying that with quattro all-wheel drive fitted, handling and grip are top notch.

For buyers preferring a more powerful variant, the S4 Avant features all-wheel drive too but the suspension sits 23mm lower than it does on lesser versions. This minimises body roll when cornering, an aspect further enhanced by the Audi’s torque vectoring system which subtly brakes the ‘inside’ wheels through bends, encouraging the car to maintain a tighter line in corners.

Are They Reliable?

It is fair to say that, despite the prestige label, previous Audi cars did not always have the reliability of their Japanese counterparts but thanks to the new technology of automotive production, things are much improved and new or used Audi A4 models can be purchased with confidence. There are few more comfortable long-distance compact executive cars available today.