Whether running with just the driver or fully loaded, the A4 Avant has plenty of urge in fleet-friendly 2.0-litre TDi form. The 141PS turbodiesel engine, already available in the A4 saloon, provides plenty of mid-range flexibility, though top gear in the standard six-speed manual is only really suited to motorway cruising.
This engine will be the most popular seller, both with fleets and retail buyers, so 49.6mpg combined economy is a welcome return on the cost of a litre of diesel, while carbon dioxide emissions of 149g/km are among the best in class. There’s also a 167PS version of this engine due in the UK later in 2008, which provides 40.1mpg, 154g/km of CO2 and a slightly quicker turn of pace.
Either way, both 2.0-litre diesels are commendably quiet in all conditions, and many passengers will be hard-pressed to tell there’s a diesel engine under the bonnet.
The A4 Avant, however, is not flawless. It handles with tenacious grip levels, but its steering is not as accurate as a BMW 3-Series Touring’s, and the ride is not as plush as a C-class.
These downsides did nothing to damage sales of the previous A4 Avant, so the signs are that the sharp-looking new model will carry on where the old one left off.
