2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The new Audi A4 Avant not only looks chic, it is even more variable than its predecessor. At the Geneva Motor Show, which starts in March, the latest model from Ingolstäder will be one of the stars.
By Stefan Grundhoff
Anyone who sees him has no more doubts about the Audi slogan “Nice station wagons are called Avant”. The station wagon versions of the A4 have always been beautiful. But the latest foursome seems to be born as an avant.
Hardly any other Avant has been able to present itself so from a single source. The muscular shoulder and the character line, which runs almost parallel to the roof line of the decidedly sporty station wagon, project the design from the current A4 / A6 into a dynamic future of the middle class. While the A4 Avant has been the flagship of the sporty mid-range station wagons for years, the 3 Series BMW Touring and especially the T-model of the new Mercedes C-Class had put a lot of pressure on Ingolstadt. They are also classy, variable and chic - all-wheel drive is now everywhere anyway.
Premiere in Geneva
The 4.70-meter-long Audi A4 Avant will celebrate its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show at the beginning of March, making it one of the fair stars. But the new station wagon not only looks good, it also eliminates the problem that Avant models have only played third fiddle in terms of luggage space. Compared to its predecessor, the new A4 Avant has increased not only in terms of overall length, but also in terms of trunk space. Anyone who folds down the rear seat, which is split 40:60, has up to 1430 liters of storage space available for vacation, excursion or bulk shopping.
With the backrest upright, it is 490 liters, which is more than the main competitors, the 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class T. The variability is increased by a through-loading facility with separate ski and snowboard bag. The load compartment floor can be turned depending on the load quality and the trunk cover moves up at the push of a button. The electric tailgate and a luggage fixing set make loading and unloading particularly practical. But the overall length of twelve centimeters is not only beneficial for the trunk, but also for the rear passengers, who can now look forward to more legroom.
Technology of the sedan
In terms of engines, the Audi A4 Avant relies on the technology of the successfully launched sedan. The expected volume engine is likely to remain the 2.0 TDI, which will be available with 143 and 170 hp in the future. The smaller common rail diesel has an output of 103 kW / 143 hp and a maximum torque of 320 Nm. 0 to 100 km / h in 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 208 km / h contrast with an expected average consumption of around six liters per 100 kilometers.
Overall, the consumption of the A4 Avant models fell by between nine and 12 percent. At the same time, the engine output of the broad range increased by around eight percent. The 170 hp 2.0 TDI, which achieves a torque of 350 Nm and a top speed of 222 km / h, should also be very popular with long-distance drivers.
Until the S and RS models arrive, the 265 PS strong 3.2 FSI and the revised 3.0 TDI with now 176 kW / 240 PS will remain the top versions in the A4 Avant. The two top models have variable all-wheel drive as standard. The top diesel achieves 0 to 100 km / h in 6.3 seconds and 500 Nm of torque are available from 1500 rpm. Those looking for even more sportiness and dynamism can opt for the S-Line equipment variant and the optional “drive select” control system. The throttle response, shift points of the Tiptronic, chassis and dynamic steering are actively influenced. This is supposed to increase driving pleasure and dig up valuable customers from the dangerous 3 Series Touring.
The new Audi A4 Avant will be available from spring in the three equipment variants Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. The options available include ventilated comfort seats, three-zone automatic air conditioning, advanced key, navigation system, stop assist, xenon light or a large panoramic glass roof. Airbags, ESP and ABS are also standard, as is automatic air conditioning. The starting price for the basic petrol engine 1.8 TFSI with 80 kW / 120 PS, which will be available from autumn, is 27,550 euros.
Further variants in discussion
In the long term, Audi could also provide the A4 Avant with an off-road allroad version. "We are thinking about other variants," it was said to the corresponding reports of several online media in business circles. This year, however, an A4 off-road suit, which, based on the model of the larger A6 allroad, should have increased ground clearance, underride protection and robust bodywork attachments, will "definitely not" come. "That can take a while," it said.
At Audi, they are apparently expecting a lot from such a derivative: around 90,000 copies of the old A6 allroad generation have been sold over the entire construction period. Similar numbers are expected for the successor. Many allroad customers are “design-driven” and want a more individual station wagon - or they wanted an all-terrain vehicle, but rejected a large SUV and a classic off-roader. Audi now wants to meet these requirements one class lower with the A4 allroad. (with dpa)
