Geneva 08: The new Audi A4 Avant: Improved weight and consumption

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Following the official introduction of the Audi A4 Avant in Geneva, Audi is ready with the station wagon version. In the European markets, two gasoline engines and three diesels are available, offering between 143 and 265 HP. All engines have direct injection technology (FSI for gasoline, TDI for diesel). The three four-cylinder have also turbochargers. Audi claims that the new compact station wagon is 10 percent lighter than the previous model. All of these improvements give the A4 Avant wagon solid mileage numbers (all rating in this post are in U.S. gallons). The 1.8 TFSI produces 160 HP while consuming 7.2 l/100 km (33 mpg). The other gasoline version is a 3.2 V6 FSI that consumes 9.1 l/100 km (26 mpg).

The TDIs come in three different flavors, all featuring piezo-electric injectors: 2.0 liter 143 HP (an engine found in Seats, Skodas and Volkswagens) and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque, with an impressive consumption of 5.7 l/100 km (41 mpg). Then there's an more powerful 2.0 liter with 170 HP and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque that burns 5.8 l of diesel every 100 km (40.5 mpg). For motorists with higher needs, Audi installed the 3.0 TDI V6 good for 240 HP and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque, while still getting 7.1 l/100 km (33 mpg) to run.

The most attractive midsize station wagon
The new Audi A4 Avant

Audi advanced into new dimensions with the A4 sedan. In just a few weeks the A4 Avant-the sportiest, best-looking mid-sized station wagon on the market- will follow. In addition to impressive handling characteristics and a captivating feel of quality, the Audi A4 Avant also offers a practical bonus for sports and recreation enthusiasts: Its dynamic, elegant bodywork conceals up to 1,430 liters (50.50 cubic ft) of cargo space and numerous well thought-out details.

In terms of technology, the A4 Avant is based on the same layout as the sedan; its newly developed five-link front axle has been shifted far to the front. The advantage to this design is a more balanced axle load distribution that offers maximum handling precision and agility and takes driving into a new dimension. The Avant also delivers the emotion-packed, sporty driving experience that has prompted the automotive press to immediately dub the sedan the best midsize car on the market.

The Audi A4 Avant is making its start with five powerful engines: three TDIs and two gasoline units. The fuel consumption of these engines has gone down by an average of 14 percent over previous models. Also demonstrating the typically high level of Audi technological expertise are the wide array of drivetrains and numerous luxury-class technologies that enhance the sportiness and comfort of the model.

Sales of the A4 Avant will begin in the spring throughout Germany and in other European markets. The basic price of the Audi A4 Avant is EUR 27,550, which applies to the 88-kW (120-hp) 1.8 TFSI to be available in the fall.

[Source: Audi]