Audi A4 Avant Car Review

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Audi A4 Avant 2.0 litre TDI, Multitronic $57,837* Other models priced from: 1.8TFSI $56,400* 3 word summary: Classic, comfortable, versatile.

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Review

If you've ever flown first class, you'll be familiar with that sinking feeling when you do return to cattle-class. You experienced something bigger and better - and now it's over. I felt a little like this with the Audi A4 Avant. Once you've enjoyed the luxury of space, luxurious space at that, it's hard to go without.  I'm officially on the ‘I love wagons' wagon. Beautifully finished, inside and out, the A4 Avant is as versatile as it is good looking. From school runs to family outings, to the dreaded trip to IKEA, the A4 Avant was a good performer on every occasion. So luxurious. So versatile. So likeable.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

A very comfortable leather finished cabin sets a sophisticated tone for the A4 Avant. With a slightly conservative, grown-up feel about it, the A4 Avant offers a dash full of knobs, dials and displays to cater to your every whim.  A multi-function steering wheel keeps audio controls at your finger tips, and electric seats and wing mirrors ensure you can achieve the perfect seating position. Large windows - side and rear - provide great visibility from all angles.

The very quiet 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine delivers smooth and constant power. It's not a fast car, it's a comfortable, competent car that delivers impressive fuel economy (6.0litres/100km). The light, direct steering makes the A4 Avant a breeze to handle and very easy to manouvre - and rear parking sensors give peace of mind in tight spaces.

When you slam the door of your A4 Avant it gives off a solid sound that inspires confidence in the build quality. That feeling flows through to all aspects of this car - there are no flimsy switches or half-hearted gadgets, attention to detail and quality is very good. I have two criticisms of the A4 Avant - the boot release is on the key, which means turning off the ignition to do so. And, the climate control (setting fan speed and air flow direction) is a little fiddly to function, but this may just take some getting used to.  Other than this, the audio interface and controls are all easy to use.

Safety

Safety is well covered, with driver, passenger and rear passenger air bags and Audi's electronic stability program.

Storage

Storage is great in the A4 Avant. The driver and front passenger have access to a centre console box, a small in dash hole, two cup holders that actually work well, another centre hole for a phone or coins, a roof mounted glasses holder, glove box and in door storage. And don't forget the ash tray. The second row offering is a little light on, with indoor storage only. Boot space is fantastic. The boot lid lifts easily and lifts high for good access. There are six hooks to secure luggage, a small netted storage hole on one side and two lights to help you see what you're doing back there.  The luggage cover is simple to use, or you may remove it completely if you need to load larger items with the seats folded flat. It's a very versatile space.

Kids' Comfort

The second row in the A4 Avant feels very spacious. Large windows, nice big seats and good head room make for a very comfortable space. The middle passenger sits a little higher and has to tackle the drive shaft hump under foot. Lights, two air vents and good visibility make the second row a comfortable place for passengers. A large armrest folds down between two passengers. Three child seats can be fitted to anchors behind the seats. There's also a nice retractable net that shades passengers from the luggage space and rear window.

Green Factor

The A4 Avant is a high achiever in the green stakes, with a combined fuel consumption of 6.0 litres/100km and a Greenhouse rating of 7.5/10.

Overall View

Driving the A4 Avant made we question why there aren't more of these on the road?  It has a heap of benefits and seemingly no downside. I'd happily drive this car and it would cater perfectly to my active lifestyle involving kids, bikes, pets and a lot of shopping bags.

Test Drive Tips

Step back and look carefully at what you're getting - it's a versatile package.

Have a play with the boot space and split fold seats to compare their functionality with other cars.

If you're considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the BMW 320i Touring, Holden Calais Sportwagon or Volvo V50.

Features of model Reviewed

* Excludes on road costs

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.

Information is correct at the time of the review.  Please check with your local dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: December 2008

Reviewed By: Nadine Armstrong