Audi A4 Avant Review - Why This Executive Estate is SO Popular

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE AN AUDI A4 AVANT FROM OSV: bit.ly/2QfaNH4
Estate cars aren't meant to look as good as Audi's latest fifth generation A4 Avant. Jonathan Crouch checks out a car that continues to be a popular choice in the mid-sized executive estate sector.
Ten Second Review
The fifth generation Audi A4 Avant now features a sharper look and still claims to be class-leadingly efficient, hi-tech and, yes, practical. There's a 510-litre boot that's bigger than you might expect from a car in the compact executive market segment and the usual cool, classy Audi ambience. You'd like one.
Background
Every now and then, the car industry seizes upon a concept and rival manufacturers will indulge in a feeding frenzy to saturate the market. With hindsight, some of these concepts aren't at all clever. In the late Eighties, virtually every manufacturer rushed a four-wheel drive saloon car, hatchback or coupe to market. The Nineties saw a sudden spike in sales of small SUVs that fell over when pointed at a corner, while in the early Noughties, premium manufacturers fell over themselves to launch estate versions of their compact executive models that often actually held less luggage than the saloon cars they were based on. Every one of them an evolutionary dead end. In contrast, the latest smartly-styled and more efficient Audi A4 Avant demonstrates that in the battle between fashion and functionality, there's only ever one long term victor.
Driving Experience
Audi is gradually introducing its mild hybrid 48-volt technology across the four and six cylinder petrol and diesel engines in the A4 line-up. Their power outputs range from 150PS to 347PS - from the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TDI, that S4 now featuring diesel power for the first time. Audi obviously sees more of a future for diesel than some of its rivals; the brand is introducing two more affordable TDI units to the line-up, the 30 TDI with 136PS and the 35 TDI with 163PS. As before, the A4 differs from its BMW 3 Series rival in its use of front wheel drive for most models. Also as before though, quattro 4WD is optional - and standard on the top V6 variants.
The A4 has always struck an appealing balance between handling and comfort and with this MK5 model, the Ingolstadt engineers sought to improve its credentials still further by developing a sophisticated five-link suspension system. Optional adjustable shock absorbers with 'sports' and 'comfort' modes will enable owners to get the most from this and a dynamic steering system is another extra cost feature that'll reward those who like their driving. Both features can be controlled through the standard Audi drive select driving-dynamics system, which alters throttle response and auto gearshift timings in its most basic form. Talking of auto gearshifts, most variants standardise the seven speed dual clutch 'S tronic' unit that claims to be able to improve both performance and fuel consumption.
Design and Build
Styling is a subjective matter, and it's probably not our place to tell you what looks good but let's just say that this MK5 model A4 Avant has dodged the ugly stick by quite some margin. The stylists have been very clever in that they have retained a fairly high roofline at the back for load volume purposes but have artfully used chrome finishing to draw the eye to the sleek window lines instead.
The external changes made to this revised model are relatively slight. The full-LED headlamps have been re-designed and flank a broader, flatter Singeframe grille complemented by re-sculpted bumpers. Otherwise, it's as you were, which - to remind you - sees this MK5 model A4 riding on a light, stiff MLB platform and boasting the lowest drag coefficient in its class.
The interior's been updated too and gains the brand's latest classy centre-dash 10.1-inch 'MMI touch' infotainment display, though unfortunately, that means you lose the previous lower-set rotary controller. The voice control system has been improved and, as before, you get access to the full suite of 'Audi connect' media features. They include online traffic sign and hazard information, an on-street parking search function and newly introduced traffic light information functionality. You view another screen through the steering wheel; Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit' TFT 12.3-inch monitor has now been standardised, so you have to have virtual dials. Overall, you wouldn't call the appearance of this A4's cabin exciting but it would certainly be a soothing environment for long journeys. As for practicality, well this estate variant offers a class-leading 505-litre boot, extendable to 1,510-litres if you wish.
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[@FOXHOUND4143]

I love OSV reviews. They are so in-depth. All you’d probably need to know if you wanted to buy an A4. Superb job guys!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's the goal! Thank you for watching 👌

[@TheIMMVP]

Great timing for this video. Expecting an A4 avant black edition to be delivered in the next two weeks!

[@Farmhandboy]

TheIMMVP lucky you! It's great picking up a new car! One of life's pleasures. Enjoy your new car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We hope you enjoy your new A4 Avant!!

[@Farmhandboy]

Love your reviews OSV. Loads of detail and an essential resource when finalising a purchasing decision. Thank you very much!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching!

[@pagen1963]

Really appreciate your informed and informative reviews. Have recently collected a new 20-plate RS4 Vorsprung derivative after years of piloting A4 saloons. She is a phenomenal piece of kit. The touchscreen MMI, while clear and not unattractive, is a serious driver distraction and the removal of the dial is a retrograde step, IMHO. Audi will point to enhanced voice control, but I’d take direct driver input every time. Notwithstanding, the car is a delight.

[@KjA3R]

Very detailed and impressive review. Well done. Thanks!

[@johnbradshaw5900]

My current car is an A6 but I don't think I will have another Audi as I think their removal of the mmi dial to force the use of touchscreen is a huge backward step to reduce manufacturing costs.

[@BMWF900R]

Well done. if You want all the information we’re you can get this is the Chanel 👍🏻👍🏻

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks, Suna!

[@Elliottcam]

Great review, Jonathan.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks, Jon 👍

[@pjt.2829]

well put together, I got a lot more information from this video that the dealer I spoke too, Thanks

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear, thank you for watching 👍 Be sure to subscribe for more in-depth vehicle reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@gt3076rCA]

Great review, but S4 TDI has a SINGLE turbo.

[@the51project]

You guys have the best reviews

[@chanter48]

Fantastic, in-depth video! We'll done 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Happily, it has cemented my recent decision to go for the 35TDI Black Edition! 😅

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Fantastic to hear! We hope you enjoy your new Audi 👍 Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@yes8032]

One dream car

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We can make that dream become reality, George 👍📞

[@hardhatbirb]

6:10 mirror's edge music any1?😅

[@itspart]

Great review apart from some obvious errors The S4 is single Turbo and has 8 speed box. And there's only half a second difference 0 to 60 from the RS 4 TO THE S4....

[@hussainyoutube147]

Great review as ever. Will you be covering a newer version of the A5?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We'll see what we can do 👍

[@kamlall9722]

Love the colour? What colour is that ?

[@luckyliang3057]

Quantum Grey Solid

[@ollehawes3059]

Do you get the wireless charging pad with the black edition A4 avant?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi there, it's available as an optional extra 👍

[@ollehawes3059]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply awesome thank you, do you know which pack it comes in? Can’t see it listed under any. Thanks for the reviews too! Your videos are extremely in depth and informative.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@ollehawes3059 Our team will be happy to help with this - we supply every make and model available in the UK 👍 Feel free to get in touch here: www.osv.ltd.uk/hello-youtube/

[@sufii_2020]

Videos r too long

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for sharing, we do have shorter versions on our channel to if these are preferred

[@descarroll2039]

Another "Posh Skoda"... although this one will probably break down within a year....

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Des, we have an article on Audi reliability if you're interested 👍 bit.ly/3aYJg71