Audi A4 Avant 40TDI 204PS Black Edition S-Tronic 

Having recently reviewed “the future” in the shape of the brand-new BMW i5, our latest demonstrator could perhaps be considered the past in the shape of a diesel-powered estate car.

There was a time when the estate car was very much “trending now”. This was so much so that almost every manufacturer had several of them across various models. They spent hours upon hours to come up with new and different names for them to held them stand out from the crowd. Almost every showroom would have either sports wagon, sports tourer or similar name.

Times change and so do tastes and now the SUV is king, so much so that Volvo - once synonymous with the estate car - announced last year, they were no longer building them. 

So if the estate style is no longer trending and we are finding more favour in an SUV, where does that leave the A4 Avant?

The A4 Audi Avant is very much alive in our opinion, and here’s why!

Avant was ahead of its time

The term Avant has been used by Audi for their “estate” models since the Audi 100 model of circa 1977. It derives from the French word meaning “forward” or “ahead” and was used to signify their commitment to creating versatile and spacious vehicles offering both style and functionality.

The first “Avant” was more of a car with a coupe roof and top hinged tailgate so one would say they were most definitely “ahead” of their time.

I’ve had numerous Audis over the last 20 years and in S-Line and Black Edition trim they’ve never failed to impress in the aesthetics. If memory serves me well, they were one of the first cars to have LED day running lights and they seem to just hit the sport with wheels pretty much every time.

Audi A4 Avant interior

To applaud the A4 Avant on exterior looks alone would however be somewhat shallow. It’s what inside that counts right?

I used to forgive the somewhat low-key interior of my previous Audis with the offset of the B&O Sound system. This is not so anymore as the interior is now designed with purpose and substance – a refreshing blend of tech.

There are screen and traditional dials/switches that cater for most generations and now very much match the aesthetics of the exterior. Thankfully the B&O is still there, but now more the cherry on the top of your favourite cake.

Audi A4 Avant engine

Audi have recently announced they are ditching their current engine designations so our 40TDI will soon be no more. Whatever it becomes, the engine beneath delivers 204PS. It is very responsive and when accompanied by the legendary quattro system as fitted to our model, is very sure footed indeed.

Despite being a diesel, the cabin is incredibly quiet, even under harsh acceleration, and at usual motorway speeds you would be forgiven for thinking you were driving an electric vehicle the noise levels are so low.

A spacious Audi

The estate car is the choice for those wanting space. There is space for the day job and whatever the week-end exploits may throw at you. We were somewhat surprised to learn that the boot offers more space with seats up than an Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60. This means that there is plenty of space for the Spaniel, Poodle, Labrador or shepherd.

There is also an added bonus of a much lower ingress and egress point for the hounds’ joints to endure.

A car that fits in

I’m not sure why but the A4 Avant is one of those cars that is a bit of chameleon – it looks as at ease and in keeping on the sprawling gravel drive of a stately home as it does on the street of a funky terrace of newbuild “mews houses”.

It certainly looked totally at home at our destination having travelled from Ipswich to the Mallory Court Country House Hotel & Spa. This was an effortless and quiet drive, executed in comfort and aided by the addition of the extendable seat squab in the sports seats. This was one of my favourite features of many previous Audis.

Range

In an effort to compare this Audi with our previous BMW i5 ,we stopped enroute for a coffee and a re-fuel which cost £40 (motorway prices). This stop was completed in less than 10 minutes and added circa 240 miles to the range - thanks to the impressive circa 50mpg we were achieving on the journey.

Our £40 achieved almost twice the range when compared to what we added the BMW i5 (see earlier article about the BMW i5). It meant I could drive straight home without refuelling the next day if I wished.

On the basis of this journey, it is easy to see why many people don’t choose electric at the moment. We are creatures of habit, and our A4 Avant would be a great habit to get into.  

Emissions

Emissions will dictate that the A4 Avant, once cherished and sought after on the company car list, are unlikely to appeal to car fleets.

However, those who spend their own money on their car, and especially those members of RICS, ICAEW and BASC  who can get favourable offers on Audi models, the A4 Avant is a great option to consider.

It is likely to be one that will continue to find favour in the future used market. It is tried and tested and above all ,highly desirable which are the perfect ingredients for a new car!

Talk to us about models and deals

If an estate car is a consideration, then speak to the team @ TYSONCOOPER and they’ll happily talk through the A4 Avant and other comparable models. Particularly if you happen to be a member of RICS, ICAEW, or BASC.

For more details click on the link for more information https://www.tysoncooper.com/cars/audi

Call us on 01473 372020 or email getintouch@tysoncooper.com