Another in a series of my reviews that appeared in the online version of African Americans On Wheels, a now defunct automotive magazine that was included as an insert in the Sunday newspapers of major cities.
While my wife really enjoyed the A6 sedan, I was partial to this little wagon. Although I really wanted to drive the 1.8T since I’d already experienced the V6 in both the A6 and the Passat, I didn’t mind experiencing it again. It was a fine engine. Unfortunately, the only thing I really remember about this car is that someone left the rear wiper on and it took me quite awhile to figure out how to shut it off. I kind of pride myself on being able to sit down in a car and be familiar with all of its controls within the first five minutes. Of course, that’s not really possible today, but in the late ’90s, it was entirely possible.
This review ran on November 30, 1998.
Okay, last time: the station wagon is NOT dead. In fact, wagons like the Audi A4 Avant may pry people out of their big, cumbersome sport-utility vehicles and minivans.
The A4, which heralded Audi’s recent surge in popularity, is a good looking sedan, and this is not lost on the Avant wagon. It maintains the stout, muscular stance of the sedan, with a canted rear window that parallels the slanted C-pillars, resulting in a slick “forward motion” look. Thick five-spoke alloy wheels on fat 16-inch tires complete the effect.
Under the hood lies a 190-horsepower, 2.8 liter V6 linked to either a five-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic, Audi’s “manumatic” transmission developed by Porsche for the 911. Our example did not have the optional all-wheel drive Quattro, but standard traction control more than made up for it. Acceleration is quite brisk, and the suspension is tuned for twisty autobahn driving. The price is a firm ride that transmits most road imperfections to the cabin. For 1999, a turbocharged 150-horsepower, 1.8 liter four cylinder comes standard, and the V6 will only be available in Quattro form.
But this is still a wagon aimed at young couples, and Audi hasn’t forgotten that. The interior of our example was nicely appointed with wood inserts and optional leather heated seats. Climate control, power “one-touch” windows, power driver’s seat, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel are standard.
While in price the A4’s closest competitor is the Volvo V70 wagon, it is closer to the Escort and Saturn wagons in cargo volume. The Avant’s short 176.7 inch length and slanted rear window result in a tight 26 cubic feet of cargo space; with the seat down, there is a more respectable 62 cubic feet. Although there is a leather-covered pass-through for skis so the 60/40 split/fold rear seat can remain up, rear passengers will not be happy for long back there. A standard cargo net and retractable cargo cover are convenient touches.
If cargo volume is not a primary concern, however, the A4 Avant offers a sporty and practical alternative to a sedan without the “soccer mom” stigma.
For more information contact 1-800-FOR-AUDI
SPECIFICATIONS
Type:5-Door Station Wagon
Engine:190-horsepower, 2.8 liter V6
Transmission:Four-speed Automatic with Tiptronic
EPA Mileage:18 city/29 highway
Tested Price:$33,945
I’m sorry to say that wagons did not pry people out of their “big, cumbersome sport-utility vehicles,” and those minivan drivers switched to SUVs. Fortunately, there’s still a niche market for wagons, at least for now.
While all wagons are beautiful, this A4 stood toward the top of the crowd in that regard, somehow they were able to make the rear bumper very non-protruding for the US market, making it look more like the Euro version, while the roof doesn’t slope and the D-pillar is at an attractive angle and of a not too wide design.
While never large, it’s surprising to pull up next to one these days as they now appear to be very small, most compact CUVs seem to dwarf them. Audi, after many years of denying the attraction of CUV/SUV to consumers, certainly got on the bandwagon to good effect with the Q5 outselling the A4 Allroad at around a 10:1 ratio and the Q7 doing very well also.
These were tiny. I remember riding in one. There were four men all cramped, with the cargo area over flowing. It may have been a great “hatch” but was a total failure as a station wagon. Nobody wants to ride along in these. It’s a front seat plus baby car. Even then, the baby would be cramped. I remember how much this guy spent on this car.
That same trip, in the next lane, I saw my first Dodge Magnum and really, really wished I was in that car.
With my well known taste for hatchbacks and wagons, each year the Detroit show saw me searching across the show floor for models in these body styles.
Taking a short cut through the Audi stand, I noticed an A4 wagon. Handsome wagon, I thought, as I approached.
Took one look at the sticker and exclaimed “fifty grand for a ride? I’m out of here”. A group of young guys standing nearby must have heard my comment, as they fell over laffing.
These days, I am a happy owner of a Jetta wagon. Meets my needs perfectly, and cost less than half the tab on that A4.
Okay, last time: the station wagon is NOT dead. In fact, wagons like the Audi A4 Avant may pry people out of their big, cumbersome sport-utility vehicles and minivans.
Emphasis on the “may”. Predictions are a bitch, eh? 🙂
Nice review; sweet car. These just felt so solid and well put together.
Thanks Paul. Well, sport-utility vehicles pried people out of their minivans and now both minivans and wagons are niche products. Wagons aren’t any better off than they were 20 years ago.
Nice looking cars but a friend has one she initially loved but is now sick of visiting the dealer to have faults fixed the CEL costs $150 a time to switch off the fault itself is in the 2k region and its not worth spending that on a car worth so little she wanted a 2 door Commodore ‘Monaro’ originally but the Audi drove so nice she bought that, the Holden might have been less trouble but maybe not. Audi at least still exists.
I own a rare Pelican Blue A4 B5 Avant and its amazing. However I do have to agree with having not alot of leg room in the back, but that’s what the Allroad is for!
A friend bought one of these wagons new (IIRC a 99) – a Quattro in red with the V6 and automatic. After 33,000 miles/six years+ she basically gave it away to get out from under repair after repair, each costing thousands of dollars. At around 28,000 the gas tank had to be replaced! I drove it a few times and absolutely loved it. Beautiful interior as described in the review, powerful, solid, planted, wonderful driver. She offered to give it to me if I would pay to ship it to CA. No thanks. Audi: lease, never buy.