A few months ago that is for sale the new Audi A4, versions sedan and Avant. You may not have noticed the arrival of the fourth generation, which makes sense because aesthetically evolution is so subtle that it is difficult to appreciate that you are facing a new car.
Whether we realize it or not, it really is a completely new model, a new generation of one of the star models of the brand with the four rings. So we’ve tried in the Avant version 2.0 TDI 150 hp and we tell you what we felt.
As we said at the start of this test, aesthetically evolution Audi A4 Avant is almost imperceptible even though there are changes in almost all component parts. In the front stand optical, now assume a more angular shape at the bottom. This will be the style of the lights of the next Audi, or so we thought until the arrival of Q2.
Also grilled single frame gain weight in the set, thanks to larger proportions and the most marked at extreme angles. With this, it is difficult to differentiate it from its predecessor. But let’s see if the same happens in the rest of the set.
“Aesthetically changes from the previous A4 Avant may go unnoticed, but this is a clear dynamically before and after”
The test unit came equipped with the Sports trim and the S-Line package, hence the marked skirts, side sills or specific tires, which in this case are 19 inches and are optional beyond-Line S package. These are based on the design of the inspirational RS4, and indeed, carry the RS logo hidden in one arm, in a discrete position.
The back may be where most appreciate the evolution over its predecessor, because optical change pretty, stands on the line of the trunk and also now incorporate dynamic lights flashing. At night if the change is noticeable.
In short, we are facing a growing family saloon, as it now measures 4.73 meters and has a wheelbase of 2.82 meters. However, the car weighs less and it shows a dynamic level. But before getting into those aspects also talk inside.
A more spacious interior
To move the cabin, obviously you have to open the doors maneuver is performed pulling on handles new design. These penalize practicality because you have to move them far out to get the door unlocked. As if that were not enough, the setting of the doors does not seem optimal during the test and often was not closed forcing repeat the closing maneuver, problem of this particular unit? We’ll see.
In the passenger compartment, the new model adopts the lines that have marked the new generation Audi in recent times, but also has some important news. The straight lines and pure dashboard combine with air conditioning controls minimalist and modern design.
The touch of the metal buttons that act on climate control is excellent , and that with very good finishes and soft materials to cover the dashboard make the perceived quality is very high, the best in its segment.
The only aspect that does not convince me is the ventilation opening which is arranged along the entire dashboard. Instead of using separate air outlets, it has opted for a single continuous whose design grid, in my view, is not entirely successful.
It also helps to improve the perceived quality of the center screen, which curiously usual against the German mark, it is fixed on the dashboard and cannot hide. It is a screen of 8.3 inches which is combined with the MMI navigation system plus with MMI touch, a controller whose touch and ease of use has also improved over the years. For example now allows zooming in on a map or a picture of the screen just by moving two fingers as if you did on a Smartphone.
Inside, apart from that it seems to have gained something in amplitude in the front and rear seats, the multiple holes to make everyday objects scattered around the cabin are appreciated, especially that is located in the center console from which you can load induction mobile phone (optional).
The S-Line sports steering wheel has a fantastic touch, thanks to very small dimensions and ease of use of the buttons that change the appearance of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. This premiered in the Audi TT and which have already been incorporated as an option other brand models, the optional system is also in the Audi A4 Avant. If you do not ask, forget that modern screen of 12.3 inches and returns to the past with classic watches. When is this element standard in the Volkswagen Group Premium?
“The Audi virtual cockpit, the 12.3-inch screen that replaces the classic watches, makes winning much in appearance, but it is still this element is optional. It’s not very logical in a premium model.”
Seat version with the S-Line finish is excellent, with great lateral support and multiple settings to find the perfect driving position. They also combine the central upholstered in Alcatraz with leather side, which in my view is the most appropriate setting to not die of heat in summer or freeze your cold in winter.
The rear seats are also spacious, allow two adults traveling with ease, and three more tight. The legroom here has grown more than two centimeters over its predecessor. This unit also found the three – zone climate control, which allows you to select the temperate back row independently of the front seats.
The boot, with 505 liters of capacity (15 more than before), has some pretty good and usable forms. They say it is the Premium model with more luggage capacity in its segment. What is noteworthy is that openness is electric series, and so is the tray
I also especially liked the LED lights that illuminate the compartment allow clearly and facilitate the work of loading and unloading.
Real change perceives it up
To put the engine is used to a button that is located on the center console, although very advanced and not all waiting for a hand.
This unit fitted to the engine 2.0 TDI 150 hp, combined with the manual gearbox six matches, which stands out for its good touch, although today in a configuration of this type I prefer a sequential automatic, which improves fuel consumption. However, the average consumption to ensure for this model is very low, namely 4.0 l / 100 km.
A few kilometers of driving, you feel that is a car with good touch, quick and fast. It notes that have lost many kilos of weight over its predecessor, up to 120 kilos less depending on the versions. It is faster movements than its predecessor and is dangerously close to that is the benchmark for its segment in this respect, the BMW 3 Series.
Helps achieve this agility that this version either front – wheel drive and Quattro not. Aerodynamically also, you get some really good coefficients for a car of this size, Cx of 0.26. To this help details like the front apron forms or tiny spoilers on the sides of the rear window.
Another thing that stands out while driving in city or highway of the new model is the soundproofing of the interior. In this sense, a remarkable evolution over the previous Audi A4 Avant is also perceived as both rolling noise, engine and aerodynamic or absent.
The sound of the 2.0 TDI 150 hp is well masked and even barely noticeable cold inside. The same applies to the vibration, almost imperceptible to the touch. I think that in this respect the Audi A4 Avant is the benchmark for its segment and that they say that in the higher range versions with three – liter engine further improves.
The engine of 1,968 ccs, available with 150 or 190 horsepower, this test unit came with 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 3,250 RPM. There are over three – liter versions with the power of 218 or 272 horses.
“The 2.0 TDI 150 hp seems a very logical and balanced choice for a model of this type. It is neither the most nor the least runs consume, but maybe that is its greatest virtue.”
In fact, the version of 150 horses, without having yet tried the others, seems a very logical choice for a car of this type. Nor is the fastest model in its segment and stands out for its super tight consumption, but if it offers more than enough performance for the average driver.
In this version with a manual gearbox is noted more available engine torque from very low revs, which forces not to overstretch marches and allowed to run down playing with precise speed gearbox.
In curves, especially when you take mode Dynamic selected, the car adheres well to the racing line we set the steering wheel, and partly the secret of that good behavior is that the car brakes the inside wheel slightly when you have the address rotated.
Through the Audi Drive Select, you can change significantly touch the car, changing the hardness of the electromechanical steering, suspensions or the immediacy of throttle movements.
The suspensions are brand new and have five arms both on the front axle and the rear. His touch is generally very good, except in the mode Dynamic in which they become somewhat dry for urban use, especially with the optional 19 – inch wheels.
If it were not for that detail, you could confuse the ride comfort of the new Audi A4 Avant with his older brother, the A6 Avant. As in the exterior appearance, moreover, during the test consumption they remained at 7 l / 100 km in normal driving, without seeking efficiency and using all modes of Audi Drive Select, but particularly the Dynamic.
In favor
- Acoustic isolation
- Driving dynamics
- Touch manual gearbox
- Technology available
- Optional wheels design
Against
- Design ventilation outlets
- Optional Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Dynamic dry suspensions
- Design continues
- Touch door handles
Although aesthetically change from the previous generation is not all that remarkable that I wish, I have to admit that dynamically the new Audi A4 Avant if it has evolved much compared to their predecessors. Moreover, car has a touch of much better rolling and what is most important to me, it is perceived as a much agiler and dynamic car.
This version 2.0 TDi 150 hp front-wheel drive also seems a very balanced combination, it noted for its homogeneity in all aspects. If all this we add that in technology, and based book can equip almost like a car of a higher level, I think the A4 Avant 2.0 TDI is an option to be taken into account in its segment, provided they do not amount barely noticeable aesthetic evolution regarding the A4 Avant old.
