Audi A4 Avant to Take Bow in Geneva

Special Coverage

Geneva
Auto Show

Audi AG continues the rollout of its new A4 lineup with the launch of the Avant wagon, slated to make its public debut at the Geneva auto show in March.

The A4 Avant will be offered with two gasoline and one diesel engine initially, but a new 170-hp 2.0L TDI diesel will be added into the mix at a later date. Powerplants available at launch include the 265-hp 3.2L FSI V-6 and 160-hp 1.8L TFSI gasoline engines and 240-hp 3.0L TDI diesel.

A4 Avant

The 2.0L TDI will be offered in two versions delivering either 143 hp and 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of torque or 170 hp and 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque.

Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and tiptronic-type automatic (optional with the 3.2L), plus a continuously variable multitronic transmission is available with the 1.8L and 2.0L engines.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system comes standard with the 3.2L and 3.0L powerplants. An optional drive-select control system allows the driver to select from three settings for the car’s fuel intake, shift points, ride-height and steering angle. If the car is equipped with Audi’s MMI operating system, a fourth, individually programmable mode also is available.

Other options include parking-assist, lane-departure warning and blind-spot detection systems, as well as adaptive cruise control.

Three trim levels will be available, Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente, plus the S line offers additional options of exterior and sports packages.

To accommodate the wagon body style, Audi shifted the A4’s 5-link front axle forward to better distribute axle weight and improve handling. The Avant’s front overhang is shorter than the previous-generation model, and the xenon-plus headlights consisting of 14 light-emitting diodes present a fresh face.

Cargo volume ranges from 17.3 cu.-ft. (490 L) to 50.5 cu.-ft. (1,430 L) depending on whether the 60/40 rear seats are in place or folded down. A power tailgate is available.

The new model will be available in Europe in the spring. The base 1.8 TFSI Attraction, priced at €27,550 ($40,607), won’t be available until fall.