A VERY AUDI KIND OF ESTATE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audia4avant_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 92

Here, we look at the thoroughly updated version of Audi's fifth generation B9-series A4 Avant that arrived in 2019. This featured a sharper look and still claimed to be class-leadingly hi-tech and, yes, practical. It was also more efficient thanks to the adoption of Audi's latest mild hybrid engine tech. Out back, there's a 510-litre boot that's bigger than you might expect from a car in the mid-sized executive market segment. And of course there's the usual cool, classy Audi ambience. You'd like one. Let's check it out as a used buy.

Modelsword count: 21

5dr Estate (2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI petrol / 3.0 TFSI petrol / 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI) [Sport, Technik, S line])

Historyword count: 311

It's hard to be successful in the compact executive market sector without a credible estate body style - ask Jaguar or Lexus. That is, after all, what an increasing number of buyers in this segment want. Back in 2019, Audi reckoned to have nailed exactly what they needed with this car, this improved version of the fifth generation A4 Avant. This 'B9'-series A4 Avant was first launched in 2015, then substantially updated four years on to create the revised model we're going to look at here. Buyers had been able to choose the A4 in both saloon and Avant estate guises ever since this model line was first launched back in 1994 and this improved model was made sleeker and cleverer than ever before. Which was important given this car's need to face down direct competitors who by 2019 had absolutely transformed themselves - namely the Mercedes C-Class Estate and the BMW 3 Series Touring. Quite a lot's was new with this facelifted B9-era design. If you're familiar with an original 2015-era B9 A4 Avant model, the styling updates might look quite superficial but actually, only the roof, bonnet and boot lid remained the same as before. Of more significance was the fact that Audi had introduced RDE-1-compliant powerplants and its MHEV mild hybrid engine technology across the range, with a 12-volt system for mainstream models and a 48-volt set-up for the S4 TDI diesel variant. Plus on all versions, the cabin gained a new larger MMI infotainment screen to work in concert with the now-standard 'Virtual Cockpit' digital instrument cluster. There was also more equipment, a revised range structure and some of Audi's choiciest camera-driven safety and autonomous driving technology. These changes just about sustained the A4 Avant model line to the end of its life in 2024, when it was replaced by an Avant estate model range badged 'A5'.

What You Getword count: 396

It's always difficult to update someone else's work, but Audi Head of design Marc Lichte addressed the task purposefully with this facelifted version of the 'B9'-series fifth generation A4, leaving only the roof, the bonnet and the boot lid of Wolfgang Egger's original shape untouched. The previous car was classy, but there was nothing particularly memorable about it. The Avant versions of this updated model have a bit more pavement presence. As ever though with an Audi, it's the interior that'll really sell you this car. In many ways, this remains the defining interior of its class from its era, with cabin quality that's still un-bettered in this segment and the cool, classy feel that's distinctive to this Ingolstadt brand. The key change here as part of this update was the addition of a much larger 10.1-inch centre-dash infotainment screen, with more sophisticated graphics, acoustic touch functionality and 'natural language voice control'. Unfortunately, that meant the deletion of the useful rotary controller that had operated the previous MMI system, but navigation's was added as standard, as were a wider range of cutting-edge 'Audi connect' media features and standard 'Apple CarPlay'/'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. You're positioned almost faultlessly on supportive heated seats in front of the best digital dash in the segment from this era, the 12.3-inch 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' screen, which from 2019 was fitted as standard throughout the range. Wherever you look, touch or feel, there are treats. Buttons click nicely, column stalks feel good and the low-rent plastics you'd find further down in most premium rivals are noticeable by their absence. And in the back? Well in comparison to previous generation A4s, Audi improved the rear passenger compartment of the original version of this fifth generation model by lengthening the wheelbase by 12mm, freeing up 23mm more legroom but that was still only just enough for a tall adult to sit behind an equally lofty driver - and wouldn't be were it not for the scalloped front seat backs. As for luggage space, well Avant estate models got a standard electrically-operated tailgate and with both body styles, the optional 'Advanced Key' package allows you to open either the boot lid or the hatch by waving your foot below the bumper, should you be approaching your A4 laden down with bags. This car's tailgate rises to reveal a 505-litre boot - 25-litres more than the saloon.

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