Audi A4 Avant (2008-) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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Despite the stiffer suspension and larger wheels, the sportier, lower-riding models actually ride better - the softer-sprung versions are prone to wallowing on corners, with a rebound from their springs, and do not seem any better at absorbing bumps or broken surfaces.

The engines are all quiet - though the 3.0 TDI can grumble - and wind, tyre and road noise are all kept to minimal levels. The A4's very nicely insulated.

It's not terribly roomy, however, despite Audi claiming best-in-class interior space. Items such as large central consoles, storage boxes and armrests all eat into the cabin. The slope of the windscreen and tailgate limit headroom (or the sense of headroom) and the manually-adjustable front seats do not slide back very far. Though this is a much bigger car than earlier A4s, it doesn't feel any roomier. Rear legroom is adequate for adults, but not great, and the boot is wide but not super-deep; the rear seats split and fold virtually flat, but do not tumble or slide.

Standard equipment includes climate control, front and rear electric windows, the irritating new Volkswagen Group electronic handbrake (what's wrong with a lever?), a CD player with MP3 compatibility (but no iPod input socket) and 16-inch alloys. SE models add auto headlamps and wipers, 17-inch alloys, three-zone climate control and bright-finish roof rails, an uprated stereo with colour display (still no iPod input), rear parking sensors and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

S-line models add, besides the lowered suspension and larger 18-inch wheels, part-leather seats, xenon headlights with washers and sported-up trim with matt-brushed aluminium details, different bumpers, roof spoiler and side skirts.