Auto-biographies


by Tim Barnes-Clay Motoring Writer at www.carwriteups.co.uk


Audi A4 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS


Fitted with a 3.0 litre V6 engine, the latest Audi A4 Avant becomes almost too powerful for its own good.


Don’t get me wrong; the diesel lump is a real pearl, but there’s no way it returns the claimed 57.6mpg when riding on 19-inch wheels. I found the car thirsty, and mid-30s was more realistic for me when driving two-up, with no luggage, on a mix of motorways, A and B-roads.


The A4 estate model that Audi sent me came in top S line trim, and starts at £38,895, but with a few thousand pounds of options thrown at it, my test car was waving a £46,395 price-tag.


You get a lot of kit for the cash, though and Audi is well-known for its upmarket, understated interiors that are both perfectly finished and intuitive.


This A4 doesn’t dissatisfy; it has upscale materials everywhere and a straightforward, intelligible dashboard arrangement. Technology is plentiful, too. It includes: a reversing camera, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, heated electric seats, and a powered, hands-free boot.


The A4 Avant is among the best-looking estates on the market in Britain. It’s undeniably classy, and the large 3.0 litre diesel engine is so smooth that it feels more like a hard-hitting petrol unit.


What’s more, indiscernible wind and road noise make the A4 the quietest cruiser in its class – by a long chalk. The ride is wonderful, and easily a match for BMW’s 3-series. The same goes for the car’s bob- on handling.


This practical five-up estate comes with Audi’s standard seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. It changes slickly, keeping the revs low except when Dynamic mode is selected. A moderate push of your right foot is all that’s required to build momentum hastily; stamp down hard, though and you’ll get to 62mph in just 6.4 seconds.


Pros ‘n’ Cons •


• Quiet √ • • •


Fast √ Kit √


Ride √ Thirsty X


Fast Facts (3.0 TDI quattro 218PS) • Max speed: 152 mph •


0-62 mph: 6.4 secs


• Combined mpg: 57.6 •


• Max. power (PS): 218 • CO2: 126 g/km •


Price: £38,895 Engine layout: 2967cc, six-cylinder turbo diesel


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