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IBIZA, Spain – A stigma to some, haute couture to others.
That’s the nature of the station wagon, which for many Americans dredges up images of ‘60s-era family road trips in overcrowded and less-than-cool, wood-paneled land-barges, while Europeans see only high style and versatility.
Too bad for the U.S.’s sedan-fixated majority, because Audi’s new A4 Avant is eye-catching, highly functional and a pleasure to drive no matter which of the many available powertrain combinations you choose.
The Avant is the second in the line of new A4s, which debuted in Europe in sedan form in November and already has seen sales reach 60,000 units. It hits the European market later this month starting at €30,600 ($48,140), though a less expensive 1.8L gasoline model will arrive at the end of the year, starting at €27,550 ($43,351).
Both the new A4 sedan and Avant are slated to reach the U.S. and Canada in late September as ’09 models. Prices will be announced closer to launch, but Audi says stickers will rise only slightly from current levels ($28,000-$38,000).
Although expected to comprise only about 10% of A4 sales in the U.S., or 4,000 units, the new Avant gives the sedan a run for its money in many European countries.
