Audi A4 Avant 2017 Review

Audi’s A4 Avant is versatile, spacious and dynamically better than most SUVs; and it’s the latest addition to the long-term garage at motoring.com.au

Long-Term Tests

motoring.com.au aims to make your choice of vehicle easier. Our Editorial section does this via our mix of news, international and local launch reviews as well as our seven-day tests.

From time to time we also take the opportunity to spend more time in a vehicle. These longer-term tests can be as short as a couple of weeks, but more recently we’ve settled on a three-month period as indicative of ‘normal’ ownership.

Long-term tests give our staff writers and contributors a chance to get to know a car as an owner would. While the car is with us, we pay for fuel, pay for the servicing and generally use and live with the car as a new owner would.

We believe long-term tests give car buyers an added insight into the vehicle on test, but also the qualities behind the brand and nameplate. The extended period also allows us to touch base with the dealer networks in question.

It comes as no surprise that manufacturers tend to have a love-hate relationship with long-term tests. Three months is plenty long enough to fall out of love with the latest and greatest, and start to nitpick — just like real owners do.

Audi A4 S tronic quattro 2.0 TFSI

As good it may be, convincing a nation obsessed with high-riding SUVs to make the switch, is something else. This long-term test will be no walk in the park, but I think (and hope) a return to the trusty wagon is on the cards. At this prestige level, you’re not left wanting.

Believe it or not, there’s a small portion of Australians who don’t want an SUV. But, quite understandably, they still need a spacious, family-sized vehicle with a flexible load space. I’m actually one of those people… at least for now; and our long-term Audi A4 Avant fits the bill perfectly.

The two- litre turbo-petrol engine on this variant delivers 185kW and 370Nm, and will move from 0-100km/h in 6.0sec – so there’s much oomph at the ready. It’s mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission which is quick to action, left to its own devices or via the paddle shifts. In terms of driveability, I see absolutely no downside to the wagon body style.

We’re also testing the S tronic quattro model that is every bit as refined as its sedan derivative. Dynamically, it’s better than most SUVs out there. A bit of road noise was probably the only low point to be noted.

Audi brings a more than respectable level of technology as standard, but the options can get pricey. Our long-termer is packed with next-level kit, including the Technik Package, incorporating Audi virtual cockpit ($2100), Assistance Package Tour ($1900) – which includes valuable extras like adaptive cruise control, lane assist and collision warning – and a rear-seat entertainment system ($2000).

It also has Apple CarPlay as standard, which I may be slightly addicted to at the moment – the voice to text function is my hero, enabling me to drive and dictate short messages. Truth is, it can be found in entry level vehicles such as the Holden Spark these days, so it should be standard at this price point.

But for my time in the A4 Avant, performance and technology took a back seat – it was all about versatility and the flexible packaging.

A big square cargo space of 490 litres and a 40:20:40 split fold configuration makes me inordinately happy (sad, I know). It’s the most flexible arrangement available and all cars should have it.

The other thing I love about the wagon silhouette is the rearward visibility it offers. A quick head-check gives you great snapshot of your entire surroundings… then there’s an abundance of smart technology flashing and beeping at you in the event there’s something you’ve missed.

Lucky for me, our long-termer is active-wear-approved, too. Equipped with a roof rack ($643), a 360-litre roof-top box ($1099) and a bike rack ($225), you’re set to carry all manner of well-intentioned gear. Our road bike fits on the top, the kids’ bikes and overnight bags in the boot and excess gear can go in the roof box.

If you’re not sold on the look and feel of an SUV, nor do you need the elevated ride height (for clearance or ease of access), you’ll find that the trusty wagon wears many hats well – all of which will be put to the test over the coming months.
It’s early days for the long term Audi A4 Avant, but first impressions are very good – its ease of use, driveability and versatility winning it big points from the get go.

Stay tuned for more updates.

2017 Audi A4 Avant pricing and specifications:
Price: $72,900 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 185kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 152g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP