Used 2020 (20) Audi A4 35 TFSI S Line 5dr S Tronic in Kilmarnock | Arnold Clark (2024)

Estate cars aren't meant to look as good as Audi's latest fifth generation A4 Avant. Jonathan Crouch checks out a car that continues to be a popular choice in the mid-sized executive estate sector.

Ten Second Review

The fifth generation Audi A4 Avant now features a sharper look and still claims to be class-leadingly efficient, hi-tech and, yes, practical. There's a 510-litre boot that's bigger than you might expect from a car in the compact executive market segment and the usual cool, classy Audi ambience. You'd like one.

Background

Every now and then, the car industry seizes upon a concept and rival manufacturers will indulge in a feeding frenzy to saturate the market. With hindsight, some of these concepts aren't at all clever. In the late Eighties, virtually every manufacturer rushed a four-wheel drive saloon car, hatchback or coupe to market. The Nineties saw a sudden spike in sales of small SUVs that fell over when pointed at a corner, while in the early Noughties, premium manufacturers fell over themselves to launch estate versions of their compact executive models that often actually held less luggage than the saloon cars they were based on. Every one of them an evolutionary dead end. In contrast, the latest smartly-styled and more efficient Audi A4 Avant demonstrates that in the battle between fashion and functionality, there's only ever one long term victor.

Driving Experience

Audi is gradually introducing its mild hybrid 48-volt technology across the four and six cylinder petrol and diesel engines in the A4 line-up. Their power outputs range from 150PS to 347PS - from the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TDI, that S4 now featuring diesel power. Audi obviously sees more of a future for diesel than some of its rivals; the brand continues to include two TDI units in the line-up, the 35 TDI with 163PS and the 40 TDI with 204PS. As before, the A4 differs from its BMW 3 Series rival in its use of front wheel drive for most models. Also as before though, quattro 4WD is optional - and standard on the top V6 variants.The A4 has always struck an appealing balance between handling and comfort and with this MK5 model, the Ingolstadt engineers sought to improve its credentials still further by developing a sophisticated five-link suspension system. Optional adjustable shock absorbers with 'sports' and 'comfort' modes will enable owners to get the most from this and a dynamic steering system is another extra cost feature that'll reward those who like their driving. Both features can be controlled through the standard Audi drive select driving-dynamics system, which alters throttle response and auto gearshift timings in its most basic form. Talking of auto gearshifts, most variants standardise the seven speed dual clutch 'S tronic' unit that claims to be able to improve both performance and fuel consumption.

Design and Build

Styling is a subjective matter, and it's probably not our place to tell you what looks good but let's just say that this MK5 model A4 Avant has dodged the ugly stick by quite some margin. The stylists have been very clever in that they have retained a fairly high roofline at the back for load volume purposes but have artfully used chrome finishing to draw the eye to the sleek window lines instead.The external changes made to this revised model are relatively slight. The full-LED headlamps have been re-designed and flank a broader, flatter Singeframe grille complemented by re-sculpted bumpers. Otherwise, it's as you were, which - to remind you - sees this MK5 model A4 riding on a light, stiff MLB platform and boasting the lowest drag coefficient in its class. The interior's been updated too and gains the brand's latest classy centre-dash 10.1-inch 'MMI touch' infotainment display, though unfortunately, that means you lose the previous lower-set rotary controller. The voice control system has been improved and, as before, you get access to the full suite of 'Audi connect' media features. They include online traffic sign and hazard information, an on-street parking search function and newly introduced traffic light information functionality. You view another screen through the steering wheel; Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit' TFT 12.3-inch monitor has now been standardised, so you have to have virtual dials. Overall, you wouldn't call the appearance of this A4's cabin exciting but it would certainly be a soothing environment for long journeys. As for practicality, well this estate variant offers a class-leading 505-litre boot, extendable to 1,510-litres if you wish.

Market and Model

Prices start at just under £39,000, which means a premium of around £1,400 over the saloon model. That means this A4 Avant is competitively priced against its premium rivals when trim levels and power outputs are taken into account. You get four trim levels - 'Technic', 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition'. And there's a choice of three transmission options, a six-speed manual gearbox, plus two auto set-ups, a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic and an older-tech eight-speed tiptronic.At least standard equipment is pretty complete across the line-up. All trim levels include alloy wheels of at least 17-inches in size, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, the 'Audi smartphone' interface, the 'Audi drive select' driving dynamics system, three-zone climate control and a 7-inch colour MMI infotainment monitor. We'd want to look at a couple of key options. The 'Audi phone box' connects smartphones to the on-board antenna and charges them. Meanwhile, for discerning hi-fi fans, a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System with innovative 3D sound is available.As for safety, well along with the usual airbags and electronic safety nets such as ABS and stability control, there's optional active lane assist, a rear cross traffic alert, collision avoidance assist plus a cruise control system that assists with tiresome traffic-jams.

Cost of Ownership

If you don't care about the bonnet badge, it's tempting to think that you could save £4,000 or so and get a mechanically very similar Volkswagen Passat Estate but before you do, make sure to take residual values into account. Add all the figures up at the end of the day and you may well find that there's less in it than you thought.Running costs are of course a vital consideration in this segment and this A4 offers some impressive WLTP-rated numbers thanks to this generation model's weight reductions and that sleeker shape. The volume 2.0 TDI 150PS '35 TDI' diesel variant delivers best-in-class readings of up to 64.2mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 115g/km. Opt for the pokier 2.0 TDI 190PS '40 TDI' variant and the figures become up to 62.8mpg and 120g/km, so there's no huge penalty for the extra performance. The 1.5-litre 150PS '35 TFSI' petrol engine manages up to 48.7mpg on the combined cycle and up to 133g/km of CO2. Also deserving of a special mention is the 2.0-litre '40 TFSI' petrol engine with 190PS. It manages up to 47.9mpg and slashes CO2 output to as little as 136g/km through the use of a smart combustion process developed using the familiar Miller cycle as its basis, and will be notable for its ability to deliver optimal response across the entire engine speed range.All A4s come with a three year 60,000 mile warranty which can be extended to four years/75,000 miles or five years/90,000 miles for a fee. Audi residuals are some of the best in the business, assuming you pick a desirable engine and trim combination. Some restraint on the all too tempting options list will help too.

Summary

Only very rarely does an excellent product fail. When this happens, it is usually down to poor promotion, but that's certainly not going to be the case with Audi's marketing machine at work. The truth is that this MK5 model A4 Avant is a very tough car to fault. It's superbly built, it's big enough to make a decent first of being a properly practical estate car, it rides on the exemplary A4 chassis so is a strong proposition for enthusiastic drivers and, when whole life costs are examined, it's surprisingly cost effective to run.No car is perfect though and the A4 Avant does raise a few questions. It could be even bigger at the back. And obviously, there are newer designs in the segment like BMW's 3 Series Touring with a bit more tech and showroom appeal. Other than that, it's hard to see this one continuing to sell strongly amongst the best mid-sized executive load luggers.

Used 2020 (20) Audi A4 35 TFSI S Line 5dr S Tronic in Kilmarnock | Arnold Clark (2024)

FAQs

What is A4 35 TFSI? ›

The Cheap Audi A4 Avant 35 TFSI S Line 5dr S Tronic sports a number of great features and technical specs. This includes a fuel economy of 47.1 MPG combined and 136 g/km CO2 emissions from the cylinder, 1984 CC engine with a 7 speed gear box.

What is the difference between 40 and 45 TFSI A4? ›

With 145 kW (197 hp) in the 40 TFSI as a new entry-level engine and 180 kW (245 hp) in the 45 TFSI, both engines afford significantly more power. The 40 TFSI and the 45 TFSI were developed in keeping with the Audi rightsizing philosophy.

Is the 35 TFSI engine good? ›

I don't think there is a bad trim or engine in the lineup of A3s. I questioned whether the 35TFSI (150hp) was enough for a car weighing 1400kg, and it definitely is. It doesn't pull from low rpm as well as a 2.0-litre diesel, but there's not much in it. I've never wanted more power in day-to-day driving.

How reliable is Audi A4 TFSI? ›

In petrol form, it ranked fourth out of 24 cars in the executive car class with a great score of 96%. As a diesel, it placed 13th with a score of 91.2%. Those results placed the A4 above the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class. Audi came 26th out of 32 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 89.1%.

What is the difference between TFSI and normal engine? ›

Improved efficiency: TFSI engines can be up to 15% more fuel-efficient than traditional engines, thanks to their precise fuel delivery and refined combustion process. Together, the power combo of petrol direct injection can achieve V6 levels of thrust while using 10-15% less petrol than the bigger engines.

What does sline mean in Audi? ›

Audi S line – S line is an upgraded sports trim, with a heavy focus on sports styling, in both interior and exterior of specific Audi models and variants.

What does Audi 35 TFSI mean? ›

The TFSI (Turbo fuel stratified injection) is the world's first turbocharged direct injection engine. This system produces higher power output and optimum engine response, all while providing greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

What does 35 mean on Audi A4? ›

This system doesn't take into account the size of the engine, only the power output. In the simplest terms, the smaller the number, the less powerful the engine. So while a 35 TFSI is a 1.5-litre petrol engine and the 35 TDI is a 2.0-litre diesel engine, they both produce a similar amount of power... still with us?

What does Audi A4 TFSI mean? ›

Audi TFSI stands for Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection and is a petrol engine technology that blends the best elements of direct fuel injection technology with turbocharging. This unique Audi powertrain was the first turbocharged direct injection engine on the market when it was first introduced in the A3 back in 2004.

What is the difference between Audi A4 35 TFSI and 45 TFSI? ›

Powering the 45 TFSI quattro S line sedan is basically the same engine as the 35 TFSI but with a boost to 183kW/370Nm. This model also has a seven-speed S tronic auto but drive is to all four wheels.

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