- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
147kW, 280Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (95) 8.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSi Quattro
The past few years have set records for car releases, an activity that shows no signs of slowing. It doesn't seem to matter which segment, price or brand you mention, they're going gangbusters.
Audi is a prime example. In its attempt to throw off the bridesmaid tag and run with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the German brand has refreshed almost its entire line-up in the last six months. Only the top-line (and still new) A8 has escaped attention.
Now comes a new A4. In reality, it's a facelift rather than an all-new car but the changes run deep, with new styling, powerplants and even rear suspension (lifted from the sporty S4, an updated version of which arrives later).
The updated sedan range starts at $47,200 for the 2.0 and tops off at $79,300 with the direct-injection V6-powered 3.2 FSi. Two turbo engines (the new direct-injection 2.0 TFSi four and the existing 1.8 T unit) and the diesel 2.0 TDi fill the gap, while quattro all-wheel-drive is on offer to TFSi and 1.8 T buyers.
The Avant (wagon) comes in just three forms, the 2.0, 1.8 T (both with CVT transmission) and the six-speed manual 2.0 TFSi quattro tested here.
Priced at $66,600, the Avant 2.0 TFSi quattro looks the goods on paper. It's not quite a match for Volvo's V50 T5 for output but accounts for the BMW 320i Touring and Benz C200K Estate, and has plenty of standard equipment and safety gear (eight airbags, ABS, stability/traction control, climate control, leather, CD stacker, cruise and trip computer).
Like most Euro wagons these days, the A4 sacrifices ultimate capacity for stylish looks. But it is considerably easier to live with than the sedan. Rear headroom is better, thanks to the straighter roofline, and two six-footers will find no problems. Underfloor storage, a luggage net for small items, load-securing lugs and a 12-volt outlet mean it's practical, too.
Up front, the changes are minor and pretty much extend to Audi's new corporate steering wheel. It's no bad thing, because the A4 cabin is one of the best in the business, with understated style, good ergonomics and unmatched quality. A multi-adjustable steering wheel and highly adjustable, if slightly flat, seats mean comfort is excellent as well.
The 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo four is a nicely rounded engine, with exceptionally linear characteristics. Maximum torque comes in below 2000 rpm, so it responds effortlessly (and very economically) to early upshifting.
It's just as happy to spin out to the rev limiter, but the one-dimensional soundtrack and lack of a noticeable spike in the powerband might lead some to believe it's not as quick as the 7.2-second 0-100 km/h claim suggests.
The six-speed manual is pleasant enough, and the 3-4 shift, in particular, is as slick as you could wish for. But excessive spring loading means the occasional clumsy shift persists.
On the road, the quattro driveline makes for confident, capable cornering. On dry tarmac it simply turns, grips and goes, with none of the scrabbling for traction that marks a serious drive in a front-wheel-drive A4. On dirt or slippery surfaces, though, it comes into its own. But the steering, which is precise but lacks feel, and the lack of a rich sense of driver involvement cost it points in the eyes of keen drivers.
A worthy progression is the A4's improved refinement and ride quality. The last Avant quattro we drove was memorable for its hyperactive nature on lumpy surfaces. This one seemed much more relaxed, if still firm, over poor roads and coupled with low levels of mechanical and wind noise, it makes for fatigue-free touring.
In the end, the Avant TFSi quattro stands out as a package with a wide array of strengths and no significant shortcomings. But while it's hard to fault objectively, that final polish of driver involvement, satisfaction and a real sense of character remain elusive.