Geneva 08: The new Audi A4 Avant: Improved weight and consumption
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Following the official introduction of the Audi A4 Avant in Geneva, Audi is ready with the station wagon version. In the European markets, two gasoline engines and three diesels are available, offering between 143 and 265 HP. All engines have direct injection technology (FSI for gasoline, TDI for diesel). The three four-cylinder have also turbochargers. Audi claims that the new compact station wagon is 10 percent lighter than the previous model. All of these improvements give the A4 Avant wagon solid mileage numbers (all rating in this post are in U.S. gallons). The 1.8 TFSI produces 160 HP while consuming 7.2 l/100 km (33 mpg). The other gasoline version is a 3.2 V6 FSI that consumes 9.1 l/100 km (26 mpg).
The TDIs come in three different flavors, all featuring piezo-electric injectors: 2.0 liter 143 HP (an engine found in Seats, Skodas and Volkswagens) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, with an impressive consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (41 mpg). Then there's an more powerful 2.0 liter with 170 HP and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque that burns 5.8 l of diesel every 100 km (40.5 mpg). For motorists with higher needs, Audi installed the 3.0 TDI V6 good for 240 HP and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque, while still getting 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg) to run.
Gallery: Audi A4 Avant 2008
The most attractive midsize station wagon
The new Audi A4 Avant
Audi advanced into new dimensions with the A4 sedan. In just a few weeks the A4 Avant-the sportiest, best-looking mid-sized station wagon on the market- will follow. In addition to impressive handling characteristics and a captivating feel of quality, the Audi A4 Avant also offers a practical bonus for sports and recreation enthusiasts: Its dynamic, elegant bodywork conceals up to 1,430 liters (50.50 cubic ft) of cargo space and numerous well thought-out details.
In terms of technology, the A4 Avant is based on the same layout as the sedan; its newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted far to the front. The advantage to this design is a more balanced axle load distribution that offers maximum handling precision and agility and takes driving into a new dimension. The Avant also delivers the emotion-packed, sporty driving experience that has prompted the automotive press to immediately dub the sedan the best midsize car on the market.
The Audi A4 Avant is making its start with five powerful engines: three TDIs and two gasoline units. The fuel consumption of these engines has gone down by an average of 14 percent over previous models. Also demonstrating the typically high level of Audi technological expertise are the wide array of drivetrains and numerous luxury-class technologies that enhance the sportiness and comfort of the model.
Sales of the A4 Avant will begin in the spring throughout Germany and in other European markets. The basic price of the Audi A4 Avant is EUR 27,550, which applies to the 88-kW (120-hp) 1.8 TFSI to be available in the fall.
[Source: Audi]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
b33gee 5:28PM (3/04/2008)
Want 3.0 TDI. I might even pick one of these over the 335d.
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pip41 5:59AM (3/05/2008)
2.0L-170 HP TDI for the US please.
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Kevin 1:47PM (3/05/2008)
Dear Audi,
Please bring the A4 3.0 TDI V6 Avant to the US. I have a growing family and need the size of the Avant combined with the economy and performance of the 3.0 TDI V6.
Full disclosure, I must admit that I have been a longtime BMW owner and fan. But the design of the '09 A4 Avant along with the rest of the designs from Audi keep getting better and better! As I am sure that BMW will most likely not put their new diesel in the 3 series wagon (and for that matter probably not the 5 either) that would leave the X5 which while nice will likely be priced more than I want to pay (especially with the rumored "premium" they will charge for their diesels).
So please bring the bring the A4 3.0 TDI V6 Avant to the US and please don't charge a premium for the diesel. (BTW, one other reason I've been a BMW fan is their European delivery program which I have used in the past... Thank you for finally setting up a similar program as this is the ONLY way IMHO to purchase!)
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