In this section:
- Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
- Equipment, options and extras
- Reliability
- Safety and security
Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
The Audi A4 Avant is more expensive than the non-premium estates, which include the Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat, but it's predicted to hold on to its value well. Resale values are similar to those of the BMW 3 Series Touring and stronger than the Mercedes C-Class Estate. That helps to keep its PCP finance rates competitive, but these will vary depending on the deals that Audi and its rivals are doing at the time. Check out our New Car Buying service for the latest offers.
Executive estates are popular with company car drivers, a car’s official CO2 emissions and P11D value are the critical factors that determine the benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax paid. The diesels emit the lowest CO2 and are all RDE2 compliant (so there's no 4% diesel surcharge), but that's negated slightly by the fact that they’re pricier – and consequently have a higher P11D value – than the petrols. There isn't a plug-in option of the A4 Avant, though. Plug-ins substantially lower your BIK tax and there are many available, including of the BMW 330e Touring, the Mercedes C300e and the Volkswagen Passat GTE.
Equipment, options and extras
Entry-level Technik trim is our pick for the Audi A4 Avant. You get 17in alloy wheels, power-folding door mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, front and rear climate control, cruise control, keyless start, and we've already discussed the parking aids, LED headlights and infotainment features. That's not a bad tally.
That said, we wouldn’t blame you for stepping up to Sport Edition trim. That adds 18in wheels, leather seat trim, sports front seats and more aggressive looks but, importantly, retains the softer Comfort Dynamic suspension for a suppler ride than S line trim.
As well as firmer sports suspension, S line has leather and Alcantara seats, privacy glass and 19in alloys, to which Black Edition adds, well, black styling details and some Audi Sport wheels. You can add very few individual options to an Audi A4 Avant; as a result, you could well end up going without certain features unless you're prepared to spend a big chunk of change on a higher trim.
