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Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI 204 Black Edition 5dr S Tronic [C+S] Review

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Best luxury car

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This is our pick for anyone looking to avoid diesel. With 201bhp the 40 TFSI offers a considerable performance boost over the 35 TFSI (0-62mph takes 7.3sec) without pushing up running costs too much – officially it averages around 45mpg. And it comes with a slick S tronic automatic gearbox. 


40 TFSI 204

Estate

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Black Edition adds, well, black styling details to the S line specification.

Black Edition

40 TFSI 204 Black Edition 5dr S Tronic [C+S]

40-tfsi-204-black-edition-5dr-s-tronic-cs

4 way electric lumbar support for driver and front passenger

6 airbags - Driver, front passenger, curtain and side windows

Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

Electrically folding auto dimming/adjustable/heated door mirrors with LED side indicators and kerb view function for passenger side

Audi parking system plus with front and rear sensors

Storage and luggage compartment pack - A4

Driver assistance pack with steering wheel - A4/S4

Audi A4 Avant

If you want a relatively compact estate with a premium badge, there are lots of things to like about the A4 Avant – particularly if opt for our recommended 35 TDI diesel engine, which is frugal yet punchy, and Technik trim, which is relatively well-equipped. Much bigger estates are available for considerably less money, the best of which is the Skoda Superb Estate, while the BMW 3 Series Touring is as classy as the A4 Avant but more fun to drive.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

Car of the Year Awards 2023 >>

Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI 204 Black Edition 5dr S Tronic [C+S] Review

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