Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Avant she says, he says review
He: With all the fuss over SUVs at present, it's easy to forget the humble station wagon. But Audi is keeping the genre front of mind, releasing a new version of its A4 Avant (Audi lingo for a wagon). Priced at $63,900 (plus on-road costs), this front-drive petrol 2.0 TFSI sits at the entry point of the line-up. What are your initial thoughts, Dani?
She: Sam when I was a kid, the family station wagon was one of the most popular cars. SUVs hadn't made their mark and these daggy but somewhat cool "beasts" would be seen on typical suburban streets. Back then it was more about practicality then aesthetics but the humble station wagon has come a long way since then. These days they're also referred to as Estates or Sportswagons and these higher end station wagons are tapping into the luxury market. This latest A4 Avant certainly encapsulates this and to me redefines the concept of a luxury family car. It's big and roomy. Sam, what did you think of the interior?
He: Well, if there's a take away feature from this car, it is that the wagon is still extremely amenable to modern families. The A4's proportions are quite generous given its 4.7-metre length. The front seat offers excellent leg, head and shoulder proportions, while the rear seat is big enough for two adults on moderate journeys. I can picture this car as being great for a run to the ski fields, especially given its 505-litre boot (with low loading height) and split-folding seats. Our A4's only option was metallic paint, so it was quite refreshing to see how it presented in bog stock guise. All in all the seats are comfortable and the dashboard presentation is first rate; neat and functional. But you do miss out on some gear...
She: That's a good point, Sam. However, there's ample basic equipment, but there are a long list of options, which can get pricey. The standard gear for the entry-level includes cruise control, an 8.3-inch centre screen with touchpad, navigation, live traffic updates, adaptive LED headlights, DVD player, digital radio, 10GB music storage, USB connection, smartphone interface for Apple and Andriod, 'Audi connect' WiFi hotspot and Google services, electric seats, keyless entry and ignition, three-zone climate control and leather appointed seats. Having said that, Nappa leather is an extra $1500. The Assistance Package ($1900) adds safety items such lane assist and adaptive cruise control. The S Line Sport package starts at $3200 while the $ 2100 Technik package includes Audi's 'virtual cockpit' digital dash. So in the end, you could be easily add $20,00- $30,000 in extras. Admittedly, I did like the 'virtual cockpit'. Sam do you think it lives up to the hype?
He: That's the trick with many European cars, it pays to think of the manufacturer's list price as a starting point. But overall, I think the A4 does live up to the hype. It bears all the refinement and polish of a European car on the road. The cabin is quiet and nicely insulated from the outside elements and the engine strikes up a favourable balance between performance and efficiency, going close to it 5.6L/100km claim during my 300km stint. It definitely gets the basics right, including excellent safety credentials.
She: Sam there are no complaints from me when it comes to safety. It has a five-star rating. Standard gear includes eight airbags, stability control, autonomous emergency breaking and pedestrian detection, break assist, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic assist, exit warning and surround view parking. Performance wise, it handles extremely well. How did you find it on the road?
He: I really enjoyed the A4 Avant as a driver's car. Sporty yet comfortable was how I summed it up. For a front-drive model the A4 Avant we drove offered loads of grip, instilling confidence in moderate or higher-paced driving alike. I was quite enamoured by the steering and body control in particular. I found it mostly seamless on the road. A minor gripe was some hesitation from the dual-clutch automatic as it took up slack, a factor compounded by a hint of turbo lag at low revs. Outward vision wasn't quite as commanding as what you'd find in an SUV, but overall, I really enjoyed the low-set driving dynamics of the Avant. I think it offers a strong alternative to the SUV, but I can understand why families are so attracted to high-riders: easier ingress/egress, higher-set driving position and less fuss in and out of driveways etc. What about you, Dani, are you now a wagon (or Avant) convert?
She: My long suffering husband will tell you that I'm a creature of comfort and often struggle with change or trying out new things. The last few years, I've had a strong allegiance to the SUV. I bought one soon I after I became a parent for the first time and haven't looked back. Admittedly the A4 Avant offers an attractive alternative. Though I found the side mirrors to be on the small side, its performance, fuel economy and safety features make it an ideal family car. Furthermore, it could easily double up as a business vehicle. Is that enough to convert me to a wagon? Potentially, but old habits die hard.
2016 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI S tronic Sport
Price: $63,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 140kW at 4200-6000rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1450-5200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.6L/100km