Although the species is dying off at the hands of a crossover SUV infestation, the all wheel drive wagon remains a wholesome and charming machine that some brands are determined to continue building.
Capitalizing on a recent redesign of the Audi A4 sedan, the Avant (or 'wagon') variant brings the same slick looks and revised powertrain to shoppers after something with more gear-hauling capacity than a standard four-door.
The result applies a 211 horsepower turbocharged engine, cybernetic LED running-lights, a menacing face and dual exhaust to a typically conservative type of machine. A4 Avant could be as exciting as any station wagon currently looks.
A4 Avant, now with more radar added!
Among the tester's mile-long list of hardware were Audi's new 'side assist' blind spot nanny system and a backup camera with radar. In some hands, these systems could prevent an accident- even though the A4's visibility is just fine without them.
Trouble is, the various sensors seem to get a little confused if there's much or any snow on the car's body. The side assist system may warn of a blind-spot invader on an empty road, and the backup beeper can sound the entire time reverse in engaged unless the rear bumper is almost entirely cleared. The camera is quickly made blurry and unusable when exposed to salty road-spray, too.
You will appreciate the motorized liftgate, Bluetooth phone interface, intelligent key and multifunction steering wheel, among many other things. All of the above aim to take a few steps out of common tasks you'll encounter at the wheel. The A4 Avant shows a very convenient and handy side, once you get to know it a little.
Capitalizing on a recent redesign of the Audi A4 sedan, the Avant (or 'wagon') variant brings the same slick looks and revised powertrain to shoppers after something with more gear-hauling capacity than a standard four-door.
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| Capitalizing on a recent redesign of the Audi A4 sedan, the Avant variant brings the same slick looks. |
The result applies a 211 horsepower turbocharged engine, cybernetic LED running-lights, a menacing face and dual exhaust to a typically conservative type of machine. A4 Avant could be as exciting as any station wagon currently looks.
A4 Avant, now with more radar added!
Among the tester's mile-long list of hardware were Audi's new 'side assist' blind spot nanny system and a backup camera with radar. In some hands, these systems could prevent an accident- even though the A4's visibility is just fine without them.
Trouble is, the various sensors seem to get a little confused if there's much or any snow on the car's body. The side assist system may warn of a blind-spot invader on an empty road, and the backup beeper can sound the entire time reverse in engaged unless the rear bumper is almost entirely cleared. The camera is quickly made blurry and unusable when exposed to salty road-spray, too.
You will appreciate the motorized liftgate, Bluetooth phone interface, intelligent key and multifunction steering wheel, among many other things. All of the above aim to take a few steps out of common tasks you'll encounter at the wheel. The A4 Avant shows a very convenient and handy side, once you get to know it a little.
 |
| You will appreciate the motorized liftgate, Bluetooth phone interface, intelligent key and multifunction steering wheel. |