Audi A4 Avant – AUSmotive.com

Regular AUSmotive readers will know of my love for Euro wagons, a love nurtured by Audi’s Ã¼ber 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 new A4 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.

More pics and Audi’s press release below.

You should be able to see the sedan version of Audi’s new B8 model A4 at your local Audi Centre now, but for me, it is the Avant versions that have always looked the part. That probably stems back to my yearning for an Audi RS2 all those years ago. Of course, subsequent RS4s have done nothing to lessen that desire. I dunno, there’s just something really cool about a wagon with Porsche equalling performance. Looking at the pictures of the B8 Avant, and, yep, the desire is very much still there. Audi reckons the sculpted D-pillars give the car a ‘dynamic, coupe-like silhouette’. Forget the marketing speak, the car speaks for itself. It looks fantastic. A shame, then, that we’ll have to wait until August to see them in Australian showrooms.