When Audi reveals its all-new A4 Avant at Geneva on March 3rd, eager buyers in the UK will be able to order theirs on the same day – and have it sitting in the drive by June. The truly outstanding feature of the new A4 Avant is the luggage space which, courtesy of a repositioned front axle and hence unusually long wheelbase, leads its class. With the split/folding rear seat upright, there is an exceptional 490-litre space for your luggage; drop the seats and this rises to 1430 litres. The other advantage of that extended wheelbase is, of course, the improved weight distribution – hence more driver appeal through the estate car’s inherent balance and composure; not to mention excellent rear legroom.

Topping the new A4 Avant range will be the 261bhp 3.2 V6 FSI petrol and 237bhp 3.0 TDI engines, with a further 1.8 turbo petrol and two diesel units available. Depending on the engine chosen, there will be the option of either the latest six-speed manual gearbox, an extensively revised, faster-shifting six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission or an updated version of Audi’s continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

A4 Avant customers will also be able to specify Audi’s drive select option at extra cost, enabling the driver to fine-tune the dynamic characteristics of the car via packages which adjust the suspension settings, steering, throttle response and transmission shift points. Further options include Audi side assist, which uses sensors to warn of vehicles approaching in mirror blind spots, and Audi lane assist, which activates steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver to unintentional lane changes. While prices haven’t yet been confirmed, the A4 Avant is likely to be around £1200 more than the equivalent saloon (SE saloon OTR prices range from £22,590 to £30,290).

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Audi