Audi A4 Avant 1.9 TDI > Reviews (10)

The A4 Avant can be characterised as a strange mix of opposites: great to look at, but not to to drive; big on the outside, cramped on the inside, stylish yet dull.

If you want a load-lugging estate car, the A4 is not for you. In fact, if you want a family car then the A4 is probably not the car for you either. The interior and boot could not be described as spacious - front seat occupants are likely to clash elbows and knock their knees on the centre console, rear seat passengers have their knees around their ears, and the boot is no more practical than on the saloon version. Just about everyone I've spoken to complains about backache. Along with the backache, I got cramp in the left (clutch) leg from having the seat too far back just so as I could avoid the centre console...

The 1.9TDi engine is quite punchy, particularly if you are used to a petrol engine or a smaller diesel. It's not a match for the next generation diesels such as the 2.0TDi in the newer A4s or the TDCiMondeo. Its not quiet either, but it is impressively economical - 45mpg is easily achievable on every journey, 50mpg is more the norm for a long distance cruise and even 60mpg is not out of the question if you drive very carefully. The tank is huge too, so with 600 plus miles between fill-ups, it feels even more economical than it really is. The handling is a bit sloppy with lots of understeer even at lower speeds. It does not feel reassuring although it never got me into trouble. The ESP is a must as the front tyres squirm as the turbo kicks in, even in the higher gears.

The interior is a bit dull but faultless in terms of quality. The doors close with a reassuring thud and switches operate with a nicely tactile "click"... it's a shame that they look and feel like they come from a 1990s Golf.

Overall I liked the car. Mine was provided by my employer as an interim vehicle; whether I would be prepared to shell out the best part of £22k for one is another question. The neighbours certainly thought I had gone up in the world but I was counting the days until the replacement arrived. And that's the thing about the A4: it's not as good as many cars much cheaper, but it does come with an Audi badge on the front.