Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI SE multitronic 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £30,390
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 30
MPG: 45.6
CO2: 144
0-62 Mph: 7.2 secs
BHP: 208 BHP
Range: 632 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.5/5
The 2.0 TFSI SE Multitronic is a good car with a great engine and economical fuel efficiency with low CO2 emissions too. The SE trim comes with all the equipment of the more expensive S line version.

However, this version is much more expensive than the 160 version and it might not be worth the extra. The diesel engine is more efficient as well, although you do need to justify the extra cost with a high mileage to make the most of the engine and the petrol engine is still fairly economical.

PROS:  A powerful engine with good fuel economy and fairly low CO2 emissions. The SE trim comes with all the essentials and the A4 Avant is a practical car with loads of room for passengers and in the boot.

CONS:  There is quite a jump in price from the 160ps version to this one and it might not be worth the extra money. The diesel engine offers better economy too.

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 1984cc and uses unleaded petrol with a fuel tank capacity of 63 litres. There is a eight-speed multitronic automatic 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 2.0 TFSI SE Multitronic has a 208bhp engine delivering 258lb-ft of torque at 1500-4200rpm and reaches 0-62mph in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 144mph.

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 2.0 TFSI SE Multitronic model costs £30,385 and has a combined economy of 45.6mpg and CO2 emission rate of 144g/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 lesser engine of the 160 version might be better value for money though, as there is quite a big price gap between the two.

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 2.0 TFSI SE multitronic 5dr Car Review - by 
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