Audi A4 Avant Sportec

Audi A4 Avant Sportec

Audi’s latest B8-generation Avant benefits from shared design elements with more overtly sensuous S5 coupe. Many cues from the low-slung two-door carry over such as the signature ‘tornado line’ crease in the sheetmetal. This trick bodily fold stretches from the edge of the car’s squinting LED daytime running lights, across the length of the car and carries over part of the taillight.

Audi A4 Avant Sportec

Inside the lavishness of previous larger offerings from Ingolstadt carries over into the new A4. Audi’s latest level of interior design has been applied to the A4 and material quality continues to impress. The nautical-feel center console bedecked with MMI controls was once only for executive class Audis. An expansive two-paneled glass sunroof with sliding fore panel and power closing rear gate were both first seen in the Q7, now making the options list for the new Avant. There are the aluminum-tracked trunk storage accessories carried over from the latest A6, while the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system uses much of the same components as the S5. Useful equipment such as an optional plug-in socket for adapterless electrical supply, a trunk cargo blind that raises without retracting and a reversible luggage compartment floor with recessed easy-to-clean plastic surface on one side offer a new level of functionality.

Regular AUSmotive readers will know of my love for Euro wagons, a love nurtured by Audi’s über RS2 estate from the mid 90s. Having the keys to an RS4 Avant for 24 hours last year only strengthened these feelings of mine. To say I’m keen to check out the newA4 Avant would be an understatement. I know many don’t necessarily share my views about wagons, and if that’s you, well, you’re just wrong! One thing is certain, a Euro estate is a damn sight more cool than a new SUV-SAV-POS-whatever you want to call it. So, this new A4 number then, according to the press blurb, “it marries elegance with intelligent functionality”. Of course, I reckon Audi is bang on the money there.

At launch there will be two engine options on offer, the very sweet 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre TFSI and the familiar 2-litre oil burner with 105kW/320Nm. Axle positioning has been shifted around a bit from the sedan to ensure the Avant keeps weight distribution under control. All the expected improvements in cabin and cargo space, along with increases saftey features, have been introduced over the previous model. You’re looking at an entry price of $56,400 for the 1.8 TFSI multitronic with no manual transmissions available at this stage.

If you’re looking for a stylish and convenient saloon that’s a bit more practical, then change your thinking and get on down to your local Audi dealer to check out their new A4 Avant. All the cool kids want one.

•Versatile, dynamic A4 Avant adds to successful range
•Two sophisticated direct injection engines
•Longer and wider, yet lighter
Audi’s dynamic, elegant and versatile new A4 Avant has been launched in Australia with a choice of two direct-injection engines.

Audi A4 Avant Sportec

The most successful premium station wagon of its class offers excellent drivability, typically high Audi build quality and a range of storage solutions in its large, flexible load-carrying area.

It marries elegance with intelligent functionality, according to Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann.

“The new A4 Avant is both versatile and dynamic. The estate concept is a highly successful part of the Audi range and this new A4 Avant will follow in the footsteps of its popular predecessor, and will add to the success to-date of its sedan sibling,” Mr Hofmann said.

Based on the same technology layout as the sedan, the newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted further forward, ensuring that the axle loads are ideally-distributed and guaranteeing the highest precision and handling agility.

In Australia, Audi will launch the A4 Avant with two engines to start, including the 118kW 1.8 TFSI with 250Nm, and a 105kW 2.0 TDI with 320 Nm.

Both engines feature the brand’s seamless, continuously variable multitronic transmission as a standard feature.

The design of the new Audi A4 Avant is exciting and dynamic. Compared to the forerunner model, the proportions have been reconfigured in a new and even sportier design. The front overhang has been shortened, and the engine hood and the wheel base have gained considerably in length.

The flat D-posts and extended, aerodynamic roofline lend the Audi A4 Avant a sleek, coupe-like silhouette, while the rear design focuses on width, with powerful, horizontal lines.

The new A4 Avant measures 4.70 m in length, almost 12 cm longer than its forerunner model. Its body is considerably more rigid and safer in build than its predecessor, yet is around 10% lighter.

Both engines are extremely economical with just 7.4 litres/100km for the 1.8 TFSI and 6.0 litres/100km for the 2.0 TDI version.

The new headlight design is proving extremely popular and distinctive and the Avant comes with daytime running lights as a standard feature.

With up to 1,430 litres in volume, the latest addition to the Audi family has a capacious luggage area which is lined with high-quality carpet and features intelligent details as standard such as a reversible cargo floor and a convenient cargo cover that retracts at a touch. Audi also offers luxury features such as an electro-mechanical drive for the rear tailgate or tie-down eyelets for securing luggage.

Audi A4 Avant Sportec

The ambience inside the new A4 Avant is light and spacious. The legroom in the rear measures 895 mm – the best figure in the premium midsize segment – as is the headroom of 971 mm. The interior reflects Audi’s traditional strengths – a noble impression, uncompromising quality of workmanship with attention to every detail, and logical, intuitive operation.

The cockpit is driver-oriented, with the centre console tilted by eight degrees to the left. In the design of a great many details, the A4 Avant has taken cues from the larger A8. The instruments bear the classic Audi look, but have been newly-developed.

Thanks to the new electro-mechanical parking brake, the manual parking brake lever was no longer necessary. Even the standard climate control system is a completely redesigned component. It supplies 10% more cooling capacity, yet operates 20% more efficiently than the previous system – thus saving up to 0.2 litres of fuel per 100 km.

When it comes to safety, Audi has raised the bar once again. The adaptive airbags and two-stage belt force limiters have been even more finely-tuned, providing better passenger protection.

As with its sedan sibling, the new A4 Avant is available with an exceptional range of options including Side Assist, Lane Assist, Audi hold assist and radar assisted Adaptive Cruise Control to name a few.