Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI SE (120ps) 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £25,985
Tax Band: G
Insurance Group: 19
MPG: 42.8
CO2: 154
0-62 Mph: 10.8 secs
BHP: 118 BHP
Range: 593 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The 1.8 TFSI SE 120 is a great, affordable and efficient car, which offers a smooth driving experience (although the suspension is a little firm) and low running costs. However, the diesel engine is more efficient if you make up enough mileage to justify the extra cost.

The SE trim is good value for money as it comes with everything you need in the cabin and the more expensive S line trim only improves by offering sport suspension and some style additions.

PROS:  An affordable, practical car with loads of room and space in the boot. The engine is economical and the SE trim is great value for money.

CONS:  The engine isn’t massive so if you need more a powerful one, it is worth upgrading. Similarly, if you do a lot of driving, the diesel engine is more efficient.

Behind the Wheel

The petrol engine does not suit the A4 as well as the diesel as it needs far more revs to get going. The car is not a particularly sporty one, but has good grip and handling, with the four-wheel-drive offering much more stability than the two-wheel-drive versions. The suspension however, can be a little uncomfortable.

The engine is 1798cc and uses unleaded petrol with a fuel tank capacity of 63 litres. There is a six-speed manual gearbox, which provides smooth acceleration.

Although the cabin is quiet with little road and suspension noise, there is still quite a bit of wind noise around the wing mirrors.

The 1.8 TFSI SE 120 has an 118bhp engine delivering 170lb-ft of torque and reaches 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 124mph.

Looks & Equipment

The interior of the A4 is a little bit of a disappointment, as it feels a little cheaper than an Audi normally does.

The seat and steering wheel adjust comfortably, although the pedals are set off to the right, which can be a bit uncomfortable over long distances. The controls are straightforward and without too much complication, but the dash is a bit cluttered. Rear view visibility is good thanks to a large back window.

The SE trim comes with power steering, climate control, stability control, 17 inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and stereo as standard, with optional extras including leather seats for £1315, satellite navigation for £1620 and metallic paint for £615.

For fuel economy, the A4 has a start/stop system and electromechanical power steering as standard, which allows for great efficiency and low CO2 emissions.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The A4 comes with stability control, electronic brake force distribution, with twin front and side airbags as standard, although without the hatchback’s full-length curtain airbag. The immobiliser and alarm add to security.

The boot is sizeable offering 490 litres with the rear seats up and 1430 litres with the seats folded down (although they don’t fold down completely). The Avant sits four adults comfortably and is definitely one of the best for space in its class. The leg and head room in the back in very generous.

Value for Money

The running costs are good with the A4 and CO2 emissions are fairly low. The 1.8 TFSI SE 120 model costs £24,825 and has a combined economy of 42.8mpg and CO2 emission rate of 154g/km.

The petrol engine is not as efficient as the diesel engine, which is worth the extra cost if you make up enough miles to justify the price and the rising diesel prices. However, the petrol engine is still an economical option.

The SE trim is much better value for money than the S line as it comes with everything you need in the cabin and the S line version does not improve much except to add sport suspension, leather/cloth seats as standard and larger alloys.

The Audi A4 is much cheaper than its rivals, such as BMW and Mercedes and the resale value on the A4 Avant is great so it is a worthwhile investment. Audi promise good service and reliability as well.

Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI SE (120ps) 5dr Car Review - by 
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