Final findings
The 2008 Audi A4 Avant is a remarkably solid autobahn slayer that is a joy to drive in the city or on the open road. The intrusion of road and wind noise at highway speed is notably low, adding to the long distance cruising pleasure found therein.
The broad use of glass provides excellent 360-degree visibility. Head and legroom are both generous for the front seat occupants however rear seat legroom can become compromised if the front seats are positioned too far back.
The 60/40-split rear seat can be folded to create a flat cargo bed replete with tie-down points and cargo strapping. My tester was also equipped with roof rails, enhancing its overall practicality. Fuel economy is rated at 11.8 and 8.4 litres per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. In my view, these results aren't particularly impressive for a compact wagon powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine; albeit they're much more palatable when compared to fuel economy ratings of larger, heavier SUVs and crossovers.
The 2008 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T starts at $42,350. Its list of standard equipment and features is extensive. Included among such are driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags. Regrettably, side airbag protection for rear seat occupants is optional, which shouldn't be the case in this caliber of vehicle.
Before assuming that an SUV or some form of crossover is the automotive "Swiss Army" knife, consideration ought to be given to the new breed of wagons equipped with all-wheel-drive technology. This week's tester is a marvelous example of how far this once plebian form of family transport has come over the years.
photo:Rob Rothwell
The 2008 Audi A4 Avant is a remarkably solid autobahn slayer that is a joy to drive in the city or on the open road. The intrusion of road and wind noise at highway speed is notably low, adding to the long distance cruising pleasure found therein.
The broad use of glass provides excellent 360-degree visibility. Head and legroom are both generous for the front seat occupants however rear seat legroom can become compromised if the front seats are positioned too far back.
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| The Avant's cabin exemplifies Audi's inherent ability to craft high quality. |
The 60/40-split rear seat can be folded to create a flat cargo bed replete with tie-down points and cargo strapping. My tester was also equipped with roof rails, enhancing its overall practicality. Fuel economy is rated at 11.8 and 8.4 litres per 100K of city and highway driving respectively. In my view, these results aren't particularly impressive for a compact wagon powered by a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine; albeit they're much more palatable when compared to fuel economy ratings of larger, heavier SUVs and crossovers.
The 2008 A4 Avant quattro 2.0T starts at $42,350. Its list of standard equipment and features is extensive. Included among such are driver and front passenger airbags and side airbags. Regrettably, side airbag protection for rear seat occupants is optional, which shouldn't be the case in this caliber of vehicle.
Before assuming that an SUV or some form of crossover is the automotive "Swiss Army" knife, consideration ought to be given to the new breed of wagons equipped with all-wheel-drive technology. This week's tester is a marvelous example of how far this once plebian form of family transport has come over the years.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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