CD Article: 2009 Audi A4 Avant 2.0T Sport

[CD_Editor]

         
Test Drive:


Equipped with an aftermarket body kit and 19-inch BBS alloys and Pirelli P Zeros available from Audi's Accessory catalogue, reviewer Peter Bleakney's A4 Avant 2.0T Sport "regularly pegged the needle on the gawk-o-meter" during his week behind the wheel.
 More: View the photos | All the Test Drives

[Giant Dwarf]

That is a hot-lookin' wagon, but geez, pushing $70k for an A4 with the base engine is a lotta clams!  A 535i Touring with X-drive starts at just over $70k and would be a more rewarding car, I'd think. 

I'd happily forego the extra make-up and fancy wheels on the Audi though -- it's a handsome car right out of the box, but as Peter rightly pointed out, if it's going to start out so close to $50k, it's a shame they aren't bringing the S4 Avant here for only a few grand more. 

[toolatecrew]

I imagine some kid will look pretty happy in one of those when Daddy buys him one to take all his stuff to school in. Right up to the point where he gets spanked by a sub 30K GTI.

Personally I think the wheels look silly. With 35 series tires and hollow spoked rims its probaly 2 days from having them destroyed by a pothole. Beteween the Auto tranny and big wheels I'll be its a pig out of the hole too.

I love the A4 Avant. An S$ Auant would be SWEEEET. This? This is just silly IMO

[Flinter]

That is a hot-lookin' wagon, but geez, pushing $70k for an A4 with the base engine is a lotta clams!  A 535i Touring with X-drive starts at just over $70k and would be a more rewarding car, I'd think. 

I'd happily forego the extra make-up and fancy wheels on the Audi though -- it's a handsome car right out of the box, but as Peter rightly pointed out, if it's going to start out so close to $50k, it's a shame they aren't bringing the S4 Avant here for only a few grand more. 

I agree. With the WRX 5-door available in the 33-36K range I'd have a hard time spending even $45-50K for A4 Avant 2.0T. However, a S4 Avant for ~55K would be a very different  value proposition.

[Shnak]

Comparing a WRX to a A4 Avant is like comparing the 10k Accent to a Mini... not even remotely in the same class.

[Flinter]

Comparing a WRX to a A4 Avant is like comparing the 10k Accent to a Mini... not even remotely in the same class.

I see your point and agree that the in terms of refinement, interior quality etc. The A4 is in a different class than the WRX.

However, when I leased my WRX, I also test drove the A4 and BMW 328. In terms of real world performance, these cars are very comparible. At that time, I could not justify the significant price premium ($10-12K) for the extra refinement, and interior quality of the A4 and 328.

 

[Shnak]

And that's fine... but most people looking at BMW's and Audi's don't even know (or care) that Subaru exists.

[toolatecrew]

I think if someone drove a 2010 GTI vs an A4 though it would be a lot closer than one might think.

[Giant Dwarf]

Well we've got two people in this thread alone who have cross-shopped a WRX against BMW's and Audi's.  I've done it before I got my Audi and my BMW.  Interestingly, when I got my Audi, it was actually cheaper to lease than the WRX -- and my CPO BMW certainly was cheaper. 

I think the point here is that as much as BMW and Audi's marketers might not like to admit it, there will be a whole host of auto enthusiasts who want a good high performance car that can also take care of their day-to-day needs.  The Subaru does it with better performance and generally costs considerably less.

[vdk]

And that's fine... but most people looking at BMW's and Audi's don't even know (or care) that Subaru exists.

90% of those looking for a luxury car would go to.. premium brands. This forum is populated by auto enthusiast (or so we'd like to think) which do not represent the general population.
Plus the Avant doesn't come with a stick anymore (something enthusiasts adore), so if you want a wagon and like 3 pedals you'd have to do with a 328xi touring.

One thing though, an A4 Avant without all those stupid accessories is effin' gorgeous.

[Shnak]

Well we've got two people in this thread alone who have cross-shopped a WRX against BMW's and Audi's.  I've done it before I got my Audi and my BMW.  Interestingly, when I got my Audi, it was actually cheaper to lease than the WRX -- and my CPO BMW certainly was cheaper. 

I think the point here is that as much as BMW and Audi's marketers might not like to admit it, there will be a whole host of auto enthusiasts who want a good high performance car that can also take care of their day-to-day needs.  The Subaru does it with better performance and generally costs considerably less.

My point was this: saying a WRX is 35k versus an A4 Avant is 45-50k is simply pointing out the obvious. Of course one is more expensive than the other, it's a premium vehicle compared to a non-premium vehicle with good performance. Sure, a buyer can compare one to another, but as a whole, the WRX isn't a direct competitor to the A4. And I'm not only talking about premium vs non-premium here... I'm talking about the car, its qualities, its typical market. If anything, a loaded up Accord is a much more direct competitor to the A4 than the WRX is. The WRX is performance-oriented above everything else. The A4, not so much. The A4 is for those that want adequate overall performance while being pampered in luxury and a recognized premium brand is a nice touch too.

[johngenx]

Had Subaru still sold it, the Legacy GT wagon would be a closer competitor to the A4.  Yes, I know the A4 is quite small, but in terms of cache, the WRX is still "just" an Impreza in many eyes.

[SiRCivic]

Wow, that's one mean looking wagon - even if the rims are a bit over the top. But 70 grand for a car that's all show and no go? That's just crazy.

As for the cross-shopping thing, my next car is likely to be a wagon/hatch, so I'm looking at everything from a WRX to a 328i Touring. Each has their pros and cons, and I could just as likely wind up with either. For me, the only downside of the Impreza isn't its lack of cachet, but simply the cheap plastic interior: after 10 years in my econobox Civic, I'm jonesing for something a little more luxurious.

I'd be interested in an A4 Avant, but the lack of a manual is a deal breaker.

[ktm525]

The thing is equipped with an autotragic. Yay a 4 cylinder auto sport wagon ....

[vdk]

The thing is equipped with an autotragic. Yay a 4 cylinder auto sport wagon ....

0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. Not too bad I say.....

[Just Bob]

Those wheels are ridiculous!

[johngenx]

Those wheels are ridiculous!

I agree.  Too large and too low a profile on the tires.  Just doesn't look right.

[ktm525]

The thing is equipped with an autotragic. Yay a 4 cylinder auto sport wagon ....

0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. Not too bad I say.....

IMO Driving experience is much more than a 6.4 0-60 run.... Snicking through the sears, a perfect heel/toe..Now that is sport. Oh yeah and ditch the ridiculous wheels.

[carsncars]

The guys complaining about the price have to keep in mind is that the tack on parts are largely responsible for the $70K pricetag. What CD has here is basically... a showcar.

The A4 Avant starts at $42,700 with exactly the same drivetrain and leather. Add the premium package and you're stepping up to $47,100, which, IMO, is quite reasonable. It's one slick looking wagon. But $42,700 is only about $8,000 above a leather-equipped Jetta wagon, and you get AWD, a significantly upgraded interior, and, well, style and the Audi badge.

I might be a bit biased though. If I had one complaint, it's that sometimes the transmission shifts into second too quickly; for example, turning left from a stop at a traffic light. It tends to shift right in the middle of the turn which makes it feel sluggish, which it certainly is not.

[Mitlov]

Had Subaru still sold it, the Legacy GT wagon would be a closer competitor to the A4. 

...so long as refinement isn't a priority.