Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, front side-impact and roof side curtain airbags, an anti-theft alarm, ignition disable, 4-wheel discs with ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BA (brake assist), panic alarm and height adjustable, pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Audi dressed up the car further with $490 worth of rear side airbags, a $920 Bose audio system, an auditory delight, $1,350 OnStar communications system for immediate personal assistance, $725 xenon headlights, $1,340 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission replacing the standard 5-speed manual, $230 ski sack and $650 silver metallic paint job. The as tested price of $47,370 eclipses the wagon's $38,760 starting price by a long shot, but who can complain considering the vehicle's newfound convenience. If you're getting intrigued and following along with your calculator don't forget the various taxes and of course, Audi's $900 freight and pre-delivery inspection charge.
But as nice as it is to just sit back and enjoy the environment, the A4 Avant feels most at home at high velocity. Its diminutive powerplant zips to 100 km/h (62 mph) from standstill in a respectable 8.5 seconds, engine whining and exhaust snarling all the way to redline with each shift of the Tiptronic gear lever.
And you don't have to drive through fresh snow in order to enjoy its responsive handling either. Both wet and dry road surfaces egg the little 5-door on, bending into one curve while setting up for the next. It's a regular slot car when equipped with the Sport Package.