At cruising speed, the steering tightens up to a firm, reassuring tension and the stiff suspension keeps the car planted and
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| Having power directed to all four wheels by way of Audi's proprietary quattro all-wheel drive system makes up for momentary lapses in judgement. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
level for all sorts of lane changes and sweeping curves. In the case of my Avant tester, that suspension featured more links than can be theorized between Australopithecus and Homo sapiens as well as thick anti-roll bars front and rear (with many S4-derived components), allowing greater stability and speed through turns and for urgent maneuvers.
Having power directed to all four wheels by way of Audi's proprietary quattro (lower case intended) all-wheel drive didn't hurt either, quickly picking up the slack where my judgment exceeded the usual operating conditions. The Avant moves from turn to turn like it's got magnets
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| The A4 Avant has performance credentials for sure, plus all the space and convenience of a wagon layout making it ideal for suburbanites. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
at the corners. Bring the speed back down to city limits, thanks to ABS and EBD enhanced four-wheel disc brakes, and the A4 absolutely carves up the corners, remaining flat through tight turns and on the hilltop switchbacks that my city can occasionally throw in to the mix.
Truly, though, city driving doesn't seem to be this car's purpose first and foremost, and if there's one thing I like to understand after a week with any given car, is its purpose. The A4 Avant has performance credentials for sure, plus all the space and convenience of a wagon layout making it ideal for suburbanites, but its trump cards are styling and comfort.
