Avant arrives: four-cylinder and front-wheel drive only

Audi has eschewed its trademark quattro all-wheel-drive drivetrains with its launch of a two-model front-wheel-drive-only Avant range Down Under.

The fast-growing German marque officially launched its wagon version of the A4 medium prestige family this week in North East Victoria. The two models share specification and a front-wheel-drive, CVT-transmission drivetrain.

Unlike the sedan which offers a V6 quattro option from launch, the wagon will have to wait until the second quarter of 2009 before an all-paw Avant arrives Down Under. That car will be powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged direct-injected petrol engine rated at 155kW matched to Audi's own version of Volkswagen Audi Group's (VAG) latest seven-speed dual-clutch sequential manual gearbox.

At launch, however, the Avant's engine choice is limited to 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol or common-rail 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Both engines are currently offered at the entry level of the A4 sedan range.

The 1.8 TFSI develops 118kW of power and produces 250Nm of torque between 1500-4500rpm. The 105kW TDI engine pumps out 320Nm from 1750-2500rpm. Audi says both engines are "extremely economical" with their official figures 7.4L/100km for the 1.8 TFSI and 6.0L/100km for the 2.0 TDI version.

Like the Avant's sedan counterpart, the key differentiator between the A4's drivetrain and other VAG products such as the Golf, Octavia, et al is that the Audis' engines are mounted longitudinally (along) not transverse (across the car) as is conventional in most front-wheel-drive vehicles.

The 1.8TFSI and 2.0TDI Avants have identical equipment and option lists. In comparison to their sedan equivalents, the variations are related only to Avant-specific equipment such as roof rails and storage options, Audi says.

Audi announced Avant pricing in April at the sedan's local launch (see here), however, the stickers confirmed this week differ.

Initially priced at $57,100, the A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI multitronic hits Audi dealers this week at $56,400. The A4 Avant 2.0 TDI multitronic was expected to sell at $58,500, but will be priced at $57,800. Both prices include an LCT rate of 25 per cent.

Standard 'wagon' features include split-fold rear seats and 'one-touch' luggage cover and a reversible load mat for soiled and muddy items. Other equipment includes electric mirrors, remote central locking, fog lights, climate control, cruise control, electric windows and 10-speaker audio system.

As was the case with the sedan Audi will offer a range of 'big car' features including its MMI system, Lane Assist, Audi Drive Select (with adjustable dampers and/or dynamic steering) and adaptive cruise control. Estate-focussed options include load carrying kits and roof racks. An electric tailgate ($1100) is also available.

The usual S-Line kits, wheel and interior options will be offered along with an Avant-specific Panoramic sunroof.

Look our for our launch review of the new Audi A4 Avant soon or read about the A4 Sedan range here.

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