2.0T provides plenty of visceral punch
Visceral- I use that adjective quite intentionally in describing the 2.0 litre, turbocharged FSI (Fuel Straight Injection) DOHC 4-cylinder poweplant installed in my tester as the A4 Avant's base engine. (An optional 3.2 litre, 255 horsepower V6 is available). The 2.0T produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque in the most visceral manner.
Thanks in part to its FSI technology, this little beast is not shy about making its presence known via sound and vibration. Initially I viewed these two defining characteristics as detriments. After living with the A4 Avant for a period of time, I have come to embrace them as qualities.
I enjoy the auditory "growl" emanating from this punchy mill while feeling its low rpm vibration communicate through my viscera in a primitive manner. Once the revolutions per minute depart the cellar, the engine smoothens-out and races uninhibited to its 6,800-rpm redline.
Noteworthy is the production of robust torque early in the 2.0T's powerband. This fortified four-banger is amply capable of keeping the Avant in the fast lane without the need to spin itself mad in search of gusto.
Serious juice is on-tap once the revs surpass 2,000-rpm and the turbocharger works its magic, of course premium fuel is required.
quattro technology nearly unstoppable
The A4 Avant is equipped with Audi's sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive technology, which distributes power to all four wheels, or the axle that most needs it based on traction gain and loss. I'm a huge fan of quattro. I used this week's tester to access a ski hill during a snowstorm. The icy roads and snow covered parking lot were not impediments to safe travel in the A4 Avant- thanks in part to Audi's Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
A4 Avant handling ability and ride quality exceed expectations
I found it oddly perplexing to think that the same vehicle which effortlessly transported me and a mass of ski gear up a snow-laden mountain road was endowed with handling capabilities sufficient to rival the best sedans from Europe and elsewhere.
Each time I pushed the Avant into a corner or wound it around a cloverleaf, I gave my head a little shake in disbelief of its road-holding tenacity and its balance and poise when tossed. The calibration of its fully independent suspension has captured the elusive blend of ride quality and handling performance. I was quite delighted by the Avant's ability to remain unruffled while ironing-out potholes and the like.
Visceral- I use that adjective quite intentionally in describing the 2.0 litre, turbocharged FSI (Fuel Straight Injection) DOHC 4-cylinder poweplant installed in my tester as the A4 Avant's base engine. (An optional 3.2 litre, 255 horsepower V6 is available). The 2.0T produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque in the most visceral manner.
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| The 2.0T produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque in the most visceral manner. |
Thanks in part to its FSI technology, this little beast is not shy about making its presence known via sound and vibration. Initially I viewed these two defining characteristics as detriments. After living with the A4 Avant for a period of time, I have come to embrace them as qualities.
I enjoy the auditory "growl" emanating from this punchy mill while feeling its low rpm vibration communicate through my viscera in a primitive manner. Once the revolutions per minute depart the cellar, the engine smoothens-out and races uninhibited to its 6,800-rpm redline.
Noteworthy is the production of robust torque early in the 2.0T's powerband. This fortified four-banger is amply capable of keeping the Avant in the fast lane without the need to spin itself mad in search of gusto.
Serious juice is on-tap once the revs surpass 2,000-rpm and the turbocharger works its magic, of course premium fuel is required.
quattro technology nearly unstoppable
The A4 Avant is equipped with Audi's sophisticated quattro all-wheel-drive technology, which distributes power to all four wheels, or the axle that most needs it based on traction gain and loss. I'm a huge fan of quattro. I used this week's tester to access a ski hill during a snowstorm. The icy roads and snow covered parking lot were not impediments to safe travel in the A4 Avant- thanks in part to Audi's Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
A4 Avant handling ability and ride quality exceed expectations
I found it oddly perplexing to think that the same vehicle which effortlessly transported me and a mass of ski gear up a snow-laden mountain road was endowed with handling capabilities sufficient to rival the best sedans from Europe and elsewhere.
Each time I pushed the Avant into a corner or wound it around a cloverleaf, I gave my head a little shake in disbelief of its road-holding tenacity and its balance and poise when tossed. The calibration of its fully independent suspension has captured the elusive blend of ride quality and handling performance. I was quite delighted by the Avant's ability to remain unruffled while ironing-out potholes and the like.
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| The Audi A4 Avant is a marvelous example of how far this once plebian form of family transport has come over the years. |