Over the holiday weekend, I took our long term A4 to Lake Gregory, a small community in the mountains Northeast of Los Angeles. After spending about a week with the car here are a few observations:
I don't need shift paddles or 18 inch wheels - save $1,450 and skip the sport package. Acceleration is more than adequate even at 6,000 ft above sea level. The new A4 feels wider than before but rear seat leg room is lacking especially if you're using child seats that sort of force little kid's feet up and forward. Cargo space in the rear is generous - stuff for 2 adults and 2 kids fit with room to spare. The extended thigh support feature for the driver's seat is awesome - a must have on any car. Excellent wipers - mud, snow, pine needles and water are no match. The automatic smart key release is too finicky - if you don't press hard enough when shutting the car off, the key won't release. On one leg of the trip, I averaged 26 miles per gallon in combined highway and mountain driving. I love MMI - it does what I want without having to think too much; it's intuitive. Finally, this is probably the best looking wagon on the market - it's just a great looking car.
Brian Moody, Senior Automotive Editor @ 5,188 miles
firstwagon says:
03:14 PM, 01/ 5/09
I agree it's a great looking car and I really like the feel of an Audi. However I just couldn't bring myself to buy one.
I can get a nicely equipped Legacy Touring wagon for $17,000 less (Canadian prices). It's also a good looking car that's great to drive, should easily beat the Audi on long term durabilty, is roomier and comes with a real manual trans.
I was riding in my Uncle's Avant a couple weeks ago and it just didn't seem that much better then a Subaru and worse in some ways( driving in snow was poor but that just may be tires.)
hondacura4 says:
03:20 PM, 01/ 5/09
"I don't need shift paddles or 18 inch wheels - save $1,450 and skip the sport package."
I have to have the sport package and a proper manual tranny (if offered) on any car Im going to drive daily. I always get the sportiest trim.
"Finally, this is probably the best looking wagon on the market - it's just a great looking car."
Id say the Audi A4 Avant and the CTS SportWagon are the 2 best wagon designs on the market although Id have to give the Audi 1st place as the Caddy is just a tad too blingy.
The A4s design overall is so cohesive. All the lines on the car "go somewhere" or have a purpose and I absolutely love the graceful arch of the greenhouse. The lines are crisp, sporty and modern yet timeless, conservative and subtle. This car will still look great in 10 years.
I actually prefer the Avants design over the vanilla sedan and given the base car looks this good it makes me wonder what an S-Line, S or RS version would look like.
byronwalter says:
05:57 PM, 01/ 5/09
What!?!... don't need no stinkin' sports package?
I've owned three A4's. The first one did not have the sports package and the car was pure oatmeal to drive. My last two have the sports pack and for me it's a "gotta have". Also it gets your butt in a better seat.
Mr/Ms FirstWagon above mentioned that he/she prefers the Legacy Touring wagon and I did consider one... until I noticed that in the States the best we can do is the OutBack, with its compromised handling due to the jacked up suspension. Darn...
...Then there's the BMW three series wagon but that sucka gets even more expensive than the Avant.
So my Avant, similar to above, should be here early next month. It will have the sports suspension:)
And I think that the new A4 Avant is perhaps the nicest looking wagon that Audi has hatched so far.
firstwagon says:
06:31 PM, 01/ 5/09
"Mr/Ms FirstWagon above mentioned that he/she prefers the Legacy Touring wagon "
Mr.
MS3lvr92 says:
09:35 PM, 01/ 5/09
Great to know... Good post. Also I see the smiley little kid in the back seat. Haha... that made me laugh.
majin_ssj_eric says:
11:21 PM, 01/ 5/09
Yeah, its a great looking car....until you take away the 18 inch wheels that you "don't need". For me the sport package is necessary on any car I'm considering buying just for aesthetics alone...
seppoboy says:
05:35 AM, 01/ 6/09
I'm glad so many people here are so prosperous that they can make decisions solely based upon aesthetic appeal. For those of us of a more practical bent, Brian's comments are in order.
Ultra-low profile tires on big wheels may look attractive, but they are a pain in the butt over the life of the car. Steering becomes woolier, ride harsher, wheels get damaged on road hazards, and good luck finding appropriate snow tires. Sport package suspension changes are helpful, but packaged with big wheels, no thanks.
I will not own an automatic, so this present Avant is not for me, paddle shifters or not. And all the premium makers do insane things these days like keyless start, fragile electronic gizmos of all sorts, which means never own a newer premium car outside warranty period. That happens to be the worst financial position a car owner can make.
I once owned an A4 on 55-series tires and a 328i sport package on low profile tires, the BMW handled well in dry conditions, but the ride was knobbly and tires were hard to keep in balance. Even with all-season tires it was useless in a surprise light snowfall. The Audi rode much better, handling was not as sharp, but it was much easier to live with, and snow tires were readily available in same or minus-one sizes.
Audis are great cars, but best when kept relatively simple since the electronic toys are not problem-free, and life is too short to deal with that kind of nonsense. I'd gladly buy an Avant without smart key, MMI, and with a clutch, on taller tires.
chavis10 says:
11:29 AM, 01/ 6/09
If I ended up getting this car, it would definitely have the sport package. The wheels are too nice not to have. I've seen the base 17"s and was not impressed. This is one good looking vehicle and the A/S5 is even better. Now if they would just update the A6 with it's huge overbite...
briancam says:
01:00 PM, 01/ 6/09
I really can't disagree with the Legacy as an alt comment - probably the way i'd go but BOTH have too little rear seat legroom.
robe457 says:
03:10 PM, 01/ 6/09
Too bad the Legacy wagon is no longer available in the US...
http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t93/specvictory/DSC_3445.jpg
firstwagon says:
04:41 PM, 01/ 6/09
"Too bad the Legacy wagon is no longer available in the US..."
That always seems weird to me.
Here in Canada the wagon version of the Legacy outsells the sedan by a wide margin.
I can't think of a single reason to buy the sedan version over the wagon.
NCAvant says:
06:30 PM, 01/ 6/09
I just purchased the 2009 Audi A4 Avant. Looks very similar to the Test Vehicle. Major difference is that I purchased with Prestige Package and did not get the Sport Package. With Prestige you get 18" Performance All Seasons (Pirelli), some nice electronics (keyless entry, auto rear hatch open and close, etc.) AND B&O sound system. The B&O is reason I went with Prestige and it is awesome.
However, I did not get Sport Package as I did not want 19" wheels with Summer Tires. I need the all seasons. I think I would like the sport seats, but do not miss the sport suspension. The standard suspension is very capable. Car handles very well and was a blast in the NC mountains. Understand from Dealer that I can order the seats separately from parts department. Thinking about it.....
Unfortunately, automatic is the only transmission on the 09. I understand a 6 speed will be an option in 2010. However, I'm very pleased with the auto and very impressed with 2.0 turbo engine. I had an Acura TL Type S with much more hp, but hardly miss a beat with the Audi and very much like the Quattro over the FWD of the TL.
With Prestige package, this car gets pricey fast, but I do like it a lot.
chavis10 says:
08:20 AM, 01/ 7/09
NCAvant- congrats on your purchase. What color did you get?
lhsa says:
04:58 PM, 01/ 7/09
i am the proud owner of the same avant setup, premium plus with sport package in ibis white. i absolutely love the car, but you need commitment to live with the sport package, at least with the 18" rims (and i can't imagine how difficult it will be to live with the 19" summer tires).
my SO hated the firm, rough (but oh so sporting) ride and, being entirely frank, i had to somewhat agree. and this comes from someone who loves a firm sporting ride. after searching for ways to kick down the ride a notch, i finally decided to get a set of 17" all seasons and i am astounded at the change. Obviously, the handling has suffered to small extent, but the ride is now sublime. in contrast to the standard suspension, the sport suspension with 17" wheels hits the perfect compromise. in addition, the sport seats and sport steering wheel are well worth the $1450. the standard seats are flat benches in comparison.
so if anyone is worried the sport package, i recommend getting the package and adding a 17" wheelset.
as to the legacy wagon comparisons, i would say the legacy is nice, but the avant is leagues ahead in every way (except price and power). i previously owned and loved the coveted 05 legacyGT wagon 5 speed, but the avant is simply superior. i'm just waiting for APR to release their upgrade!
NCAvant says:
06:53 PM, 01/ 7/09
Chavis10-My Avant is Quartz Gray with black interior. I added the Walnut inserts. I really like the look.
IHSA - I like your idea of putting on all seasons to improve the ride. Did you consider just adding 18" all seasons? I'm still not sure I made the right choice in not getting the Sport Package. That said, I really enjoy the B&O sound system.
lhsa says:
08:55 PM, 01/ 7/09
NCAvant - i tried 18" all seasons (highly rated bridgestone 960) and they offered improved ride, but still somewhat harsh. the 17" really softens the ride while the sport suspension still provides reasonably tight handling. all in all it still worked out since the avant is my SO's car and my STI got some nice all season tires 8?)