Topic: CD Article: 2008 Audi A4 Avant 2.0TFSI Special Edition

[Autos_Editor]

Today's Test Drive:
Excellent driving dynamics, standard all-wheel drive and a roomy cargo area make the A4 Avant (wagon) an excellent alternative to a crossover vehicle, says Editor-in-chief, Greg Wilson.  But its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine makes an uncharacteristic rattling sound at idle, he says.
 

  More:

Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Mitlov]

I would be soooooo happy with an A4 2.0T quattro...though I'd likely go for the sedan.  I appreciate the privacy and security of a trunk.

My criticisms centre around the size of the buttons on the radio and heater - while they are backlit in a luminous red at night, they are too small to be read and/or operated at a glance.

True.  I have the exact same problem with my Jetta.

[JBrill]

Hmm, my Passat Variant is 2.0 liter, turbo charged, and rattles at idle... yet I think nothing of it  Maybe it's the quattro? 

As for the lack of privacy with no trunk, the privacy cover easily takes care of that.  However, I do agree that the buttons are small and hard to operate with gloved hands.

[mmret]

I would be soooooo happy with an A4 2.0T quattro...though I'd likely go for the sedan. 

Same, but for the reason that I actually like the taillights.

[Snowman]

I was surprised to read other reviews on how unrefined the 2.0TFSI is and how it clatters and vibrates. I would think people would expect more for $45k. There is no more rear passenger room than my 2007 Impreza and for a family would make it tight compared to other wagons and crossovers for traveling.

Audi appears to have pulled itself from the depths of relability ratings in 06 and 07 with the A4 and now is average, let’s hope this trend continues.

[mmret]

Audi appears to have pulled itself from the depths of relability ratings in 06 and 07 with the A4 and now is average, let’s hope this trend continues.

If they still have red dots in 5 years it will be a miracle.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I don't like huge font scripting on buttons (Toyota), prefer smaller or icons. Do agree the A4's HVAC appears too complicated.

Rear seat legroom is very limited. Par for most of the competition it seems. The Passat Wagon or 9-5 SportCombi offer more spacious interiors.

The 2.0 TFSI is diesel-ish at idle from the outside, but never found it generates vibration. I've never minded the sound, but maybe in a car that's supposed to be uber-quiet I'd feel differently.

[carcrazy]

It seems like I'm in minority here, but I like small audio buttons on the console.

Isn't the A4 more like Jetta competition than the Passat? My impression from sitting in a A4 was that it's not bigger, not by much in any case, than my Mazda3 (C-segment).

In my opinion, these wagons cannot really be a substitute for the versatility of a compact CUV (RAV4, CRV, Outlander) in both passanger and cargo space. It's true, they are more vesatile than the sedan verisons though. In conclusion, if you don't need the versatility of a CUV, a wagon or a hatch could be a good alternative to a sedan.

[Mitlov]

If they still have red dots in 5 years it will be a miracle.

How are those "body integrity" dots on your TSX working out?

[ghost]

I am impressed with the new Audi Avant except for the diesel-sounding clackity-clack 2.0T. Not refine at all!

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Drawback of FSI direct injection 

[DoubleClutch]

Yes, the 2.0T is loud and sounds like a diesel but it's only noticeable when you're outside of the car. It's not noticeable at all when you're inside the car even with the windows down. The only exception is when the windows are down and it's parked inside the garage.

[huota]

In Europe, luxury station wagons are more popular than SUVs and crossover vehicles - at least for now...

I just can't help wondering why Greg suspects that SUVs or crossover could become more popular than wagons in Europe? With fuel prices far higher than in North America and the emphasis given to driving dynamics, I have hard time seeing why SUVs or CUVs would gain popularity in any meaningful scale.

[Mitlov]

I just can't help wondering why Greg suspects that SUVs or crossover could become more popular than wagons in Europe? With fuel prices far higher than in North America and the emphasis given to driving dynamics, I have hard time seeing why SUVs or CUVs would gain popularity in any meaningful scale.

Look at what's already catching on there.  There has been a flurry of European-market crossover vehicles  Check out new Euro-Crossovers like the Ford Kuga:



the Nissan Qashqai:



and the Peugeot 4007:

[Spheric]

Drawback of FSI direct injection 

The diesel-esque sound has grown on me.....feels kind of homely. 

I miss it when driving other vehicles. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Drawback of FSI direct injection 

The diesel-esque sound has grown on me.....feels kind of homely. 

I miss it when driving other vehicles. 

Last winter I missed firing it up and hearing the real TDI sound. On cold days, she definitely had character. Admit to liking it as sort of charming - as if the car and I are battling the cold together, while I know most would not. 2.0T didn't seem to quiver in the cold at all.

[Spheric]

Drawback of FSI direct injection 

The diesel-esque sound has grown on me.....feels kind of homely. 

I miss it when driving other vehicles. 

Last winter I missed firing it up and hearing the real TDI sound. On cold days, she definitely had character. Admit to liking it as sort of charming - as if the car and I are battling the cold together, while I know most would not. 2.0T didn't seem to quiver in the cold at all.

Never really thought of it that way.....man and faithful machine battling the elements...almost brought a tear to my eye. 

I have noticed that the Passat does not like cold morning starts, and only wakes up in the 120+ zone.

[mmret]

If they still have red dots in 5 years it will be a miracle.

How are those "body integrity" dots on your TSX working out?

I think its two neutrals and a half-black.

I hope your Jetta dies from an electrical shitstorm.

[Mitlov]

I hope your Jetta dies from an electrical shitstorm.

I hope your torqueless VTEC engine revs so high that a camshaft flies out, penetrates the passenger compartment, and leaves you as username "mmeunuch."

[mmret]

I hope your Jetta dies from an electrical shitstorm.

I hope your torqueless VTEC engine revs so high that a camshaft flies out, penetrates the passenger compartment, and leaves you as username "mmeunuch."

Will you be chasing that ambulance?