Audi A4 Avant

ON THE ROAD

Performance
There are 10 engines, starting with a 101bhp 1.6-litre petrol and topping out with a 3.2-litre six-cylinder. Diesel options kick off with a 113bhp 1.9-litre, rising to a 201bhp 3.0-litre. The 2.0 turbo petrol model is swift and flexible. If you’d prefer diesel power, the 138bhp 2.0-litre hauls the Avant's bulk better than the 1.9. The 3.0 diesel offers better performance but is more thirsty.

Ride & handling
Both front- and four-wheel drive versions of the A4 Avant grip well and turn crisply into corners but the steering is light and the Avant isn’t as much fun as a BMW 3 Series Touring. The car rides comfortably over most surfaces but sharp bumps still catch it out.

Refinement
The 2.0-litre diesel is quite raucous when stretched, while the 2.0-litre petrol turbo has a sporty rasp in similar circumstances. The new V6s are models of smoothness and refinement, but the petrol unit is slow to lose revs when the accelerator is lifted making jerk-free gearchanging difficult. Wind and road noise are largely well contained

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
Audi's strong brand image and high quality ensures that the car remains desirable, keeping residuals high - higher, in many cases, than some of its rivals, including the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. It's cheaper, too. Diesels are strong and frugal, with the smaller diesels returning a whisker under 50mpg.

Quality & reliability
Audi’s reputation for trim quality is preserved in this A4, whose engines enjoy a good reputation for reliability. Niggles with other mechanical parts are not unknown, though, and the company’s breakdown record is not as good as it should be.

Safety & security
The A4 gets the latest, cleverest stability system to go with its anti-lock brakes and standard front and side airbags. Active locking head restraints help protect occupants heads in a rear crash situation. Protection against thieves is excellent, the previous model performed impressively in our security tests

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
Audi’s traditional cabin clarity, quality and comfort is present everywhere in the A4. The centre of the steering wheel reflects the shape of the radiator grille. Models laden with options have new switchgear from the A6, apart from the system that controls the A6’s sat-nav, stereo and phone.

Space & practicality
The boot is not huge, but it's fine for a 'lifestyle' estate. There's enough leg- and headroom in the back seats for two people to travel in comfort.

Equipment
Base models lack a few essential items such as a CD player, but SE and Sport trim come with plenty of kit. One new option is adaptive lights which shine around corners according to steering wheel inputs. Also on the options list are a satellite-navigation system and rain-sensing lights and wipers

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