The Audi A4 Avant takes everything that is great about the saloon, and adds a dose of practicality thanks to a bit boot and versatile interior. It’s beautifully built and good to drive, though it trails cars like the BMW 3 Series and (saloon-only) Jaguar XF for outright dynamic ability. There’s a wide range of engines, though, offering something for everyone – from cost-conscious company car drivers, to speed freaks and everyone in between. It’s best in entry-level trim on the smaller wheels, but the added power of the mid-range diesel will come in handy if you ever load it to the brim.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this new A4 Avant is just a reprofiled version of the old car. However, this model – introduced in 2015 – sits on a totally new platform, and despite the similar styling, is apparently all new.
From the front, it’ll look very familiar to any owners of previous generation A4s, with similar LED daytime running lights and gaping grille. It’s more chiseled in its appearance, while at the rear you’ll find a set of sharp tail lights and a well considered estate shape.
The Audi A4 is the class leader when it comes to interior design and technology. It’s perfectly put together, and actually makes more expensive models like the A6 and A8 look decidedly old fashioned.
It’s nicely screwed together, and all the materials have a premium feel. Basic SE cars get comfy cloth seats, while Sport upgrades the standard chairs to sports seats. S line models get embossed part-leather seats for an upmarket edge - with electric lumbar support controlled via a series of buttons on the base.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
Taking its inspiration from the recently launched TT coupe and Roadster, the A4 is a class leader when it comes to in-car tech. While the TT does without a central infotainment screen, the A4’s neat display sits proud on the dash, controlled via the usual MMI wheel on the centre console.
Unfortunately, sat-nav doesn’t come as standard on the basic SE. Don’t fret if you’ve bought a car without, though, it can be simply retro-fitted at your local Audi Centre, which could be handy if you’re searching for a car on the used market. Upgrade to the Sport or S line and it’s added to the standard kit list, however, with 3D mapping and dynamic route guidance included.
But the beauty to Audi’s TT is the stunning Virtual Cockpit display, which replaces the analogue dials with a completely digital setup. It’s so simple to use, and adds a real touch of class to the cabin. It’s not standard on the A4, but well worth the extra if you’re thinking of upgrading.
The Audi A4 has always been a well-mannered and predictable car to drive. Its front or four-wheel drive chassis falls short of class-leaders like the BMW 3 Series, but its sure-footed nature will suit many buyers down to the ground.
Around town, both front and four-wheel drive versions are easy to manoeuvre thanks to the punchy engines and light steering. The Avant is no worse off, and thanks to a large glass area, feels no more cumbersome in tight city streets.
On the open road the light steering means it isn’t as much fun to drive as a Jaguar XE – though it’s worth noting that the Jag isn’t currently available as an estate. Its front-wheel drive chassis is actually surprisingly fun, while quattro all-wheel drive models get loads of grip.
All this suits the A4 when it’s employed as a motorway mile-muncher. It’s a perfect companion for high mileage drivers who spend a lot of time driving the length and breadth of Britain. On standard dampers the car’s ride is smooth and easy-going, while the adaptive set-up allows drivers to tune their car to make it feel sportier or suppler as required.
A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard and is pleasant and easy to use. Buyers can add a seven-speed auto on most engine options – and we’d recommend doing so as it suits the car’s premium character. Its dual-clutch setup swaps cogs seamlessly, making it perfectly suited to stop-start traffic and high-speed motorway driving.
Engines
Entry-level A4 Avants come with a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine, which is smooth and quiet on the move. The larger 2.0-litre petrol engines are faster, but not necessarily worth the extra cash. We’d splash out on one of the excellent diesels, instead.
The basic 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI Ultra will do 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds (three-tenths slower than the saloon), while the S tronic auto shaves 0.2 seconds off both times. The more powerful 187bhp diesel trims this to 7.5 seconds – though in this case, the auto is no faster than the manual. There’s a pair of 3.0-litre units, too, with the fastest 268bhp car capable of 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds.
A 3.0-litre turbo petrol will slot into the S4 later in 2016. Producing 354bhp, the direct-injection unit can sprint to 62mph in just 4.7 seconds and hit 155mph flat out.
All models are fast and most are relatively frugal – but like all VW Group cars, the use of turbochargers across the range means they feel much quicker than their predecessors. All are responsive and even the basic diesels are refined.
The Audi A4 Avant should be one of the safest cars on sale. Its saloon counterpart managed to achieve the full five stars in Euro NCAP’s independent safety tests, with particularly high ratings for adult and child occupancy. It managed 75 per cent scores for the pedestrian protection and safety assist categories, which is very impressive.
This score was achieved by Audi adding a host of safety kit, including head and chest airbags, and all-round seatbelt reminders. The A4 also gets an active bonnet and automatic emergency braking.
The A4 didn’t feature in the latest Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but the brand dropped from 13th to 21st overall – falling far behind BMW and Mercedes, which finished 15th and 12th respectively. Owners weren’t very happy with running costs or practicality – two areas that should see improvements next year thanks to this new A4 Avant.
Warranty
All Audi A4 Avant models come with a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which is actually slightly inferior when compared to the three-year unlimited mileage warranties offered by Mercedes and BMW. As a result, high mileage drivers may want to look elsewhere, to ensure they’re covered after they tick past 60k.
Servicing
As with many new models, the A4’s servicing costs vary depending on engine size. Models fitted with the smaller 1.4 or 2.0-litre engines can be covered from £159 for an interim service, or £309 for a major service. The larger 3.0-litre cars cost £199 or £399 respectively.
The Audi A4 is among the more practical compact executive cars. The standard model is a four-door saloon, but those looking for a more versatile family car should look toward this Avant model – with its more practical body shape and 505-litre boot.
All cars come with five seats, meaning families of seven will need to consider Audi’s much larger Q7 SUV. However, none of its rivals offer seven seats, so this is unlikely to be a major factor for potential customers.
Visibility is good thanks to the car’s large glasshouse, while practical features like the standard-fit power tailgate mean the A4 Avant is among the more versatile cars in this class. Cabin storage is good, too, with big door bins and a deep cubby hole between the front seats. You’ll find a pair of cupholders and a gloveboox, too.
Size
The Audi A4 Avant is almost identical in length, width and height to all its main rivals. It sits ever-so-slightly lower than a BMW 3 Series Touring and is almost 100mm shorter. The Mercedes C-Class has a longer wheelbase, but again there’s not much to separate them. It’s worth noting that neither the Jaguar XE nor Lexus IS comes as an estate – making the A4 infinitely more practical for growing families.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The A4 fares well for passenger space, both up front and in the rear. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position due to the flexibility and movement of the front seats – meaning long journeys are a pleasure rather than a chore.
Headroom is decent, and you can fit three across the back seat if you’re prepared to squeeze. You’ll find two ISOFIX child seat mounts, as well as one in the front, which matches rivals for family practicality. Access is good, too, with wide-opening doors that aid in the installation of child seats and/or shopping. Dark headlinings on S line cars can make the interior feel a little claustrophobic, though.
Boot
The Audi A4 Avant has one of the biggest boots in its class. At 505 litres, the A4 trumps the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes C-Class Estate by 10 and 15 litres respectively. Neither the Jaguar XE nor the Lexus IS is available as a load-lugger.
Flip the seats down and you’ll reveal a generous 1,510 litres of space, which is 10 litres bigger than the 3 Series and identical to the C-Class. It’s a practical shape, too, and a standard-fit power tailgate means it’s all nice and easy to access. The low loading lip makes lifting heavy items a doddle, while foldaway hooks and handy storage nets make it easy to secure loose shopping.
If you’re looking to tow a trailer, the A4 can pull anything from 1,600kg to 2,100kg. If you’ve got a particularly heavy load, you’ll need to opt for the most powerful 3.0-litre TDI.
Being one of the newer compact executive cars, the Audi A4 Avant is among the cheapest in its class to run. Even the entry-level 1.4-litre TFSI petrol will return more than 50mpg, while the most efficient diesels can top 70mpg. Company car drivers will be drawn to the 2.0-litre TDI Ultra, which – thanks to its low CO2 emissions – will offer rock bottom company car tax.
It’s the Ultra that takes the crown as fuel efficiency champion, returning 70.6mpg regardless of whether you choose the manual or S tronic automatic gearbox. CO2 emissions fall 3g/km shy of the saloon – at 104g/km.
If you need a bit more power, the 187bhp version of the TDI Ultra is still super-impressive, returning 68.9mpg while emitting 106g/km of CO2. Even the most powerful 3.0-litre diesel will do 53.3mpg and 139g/km.
The petrols are competitive, too. The 148bhp 1.4 TFSI does 51.4mpg, while the quicker 187bhp 2.0-litre car returns 48.7mpg. With no RS4 yet, the range-topping 248bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol emits 139g/km of CO2, while also returning a respectable 46.3mpg.
Insurance groups
Exact insurance groups haven’t been determined for the Audi A4 Avant, but saloon models range from 19 (entry-level 1.4 TFSI SE) to group 36 (for the 3.0 TDI S line). That compares favorably against rivals, with the BMW 3 Series starting at group 23 for a 318i SE. Interestingly, the 3 Series Touring estate model sits in identical bands to the saloon, and the same is true of the Mercedes C-Class – which starts from group 29.
Depreciation
Depreciation (or the lack thereof) has always been a strong point for Audi. However, Avant prices don’t stack up too favourably. A basic 1.4 TFSI SE will only retain 33 per cent of its value after three years or 60,000 miles, while an S line is even slightly less. The 2.0-litre diesels perform better – at around 40 per cent – with some Allroad models nudging 45 per cent.
A BMW 320i Touring will hold on to 39 per cent of its value, while a 320d could retain around retain 45-46 per cent. BMW reckons the newest, most powerful 340i models will top 50 per cent. A Mercedes C-Class Estate near enough matches the BMW across the board.
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