Some estates are designed to make maximum use of every possible litre of boot space. Others, to be more practical than similar hatchbacks or saloons. The Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI S Line S TRONIC is definitely in the latter camp.
The luggage capacity of 495 litres is nothing to get excited about in this estate tow car, although it’s only just shy of the 500 litres in the BMW 3 Series Touring. The load space is well shaped and there’s only a very slight load lip.
We’ve driven the 40 TFSI petrol model, which has 204hp and 236lb ft of torque. The latter figure doesn’t match the mid-range pulling power of the best turbodiesels, although it hauls strongly for a petrol engine. You don’t need to flog it to get up to speed.
We matched the Audi to a Coachman of just over 1300kg, and the A4 towed it well. Not only was the engine comfortably strong enough to cope, but the high-speed stability was also reassuring.
The biggest black mark against the Audi’s towing credentials was how easily the wheels spun on a hill start in wet weather. It’s a shame that, unlike the most powerful diesel, this engine variant isn’t available with Audi’s quattro four-wheel-drive system.
After investing in a new car, it’s understandable that you will want to do everything you can to keep it protected from potential thieves, something that accessories such as the best steering wheel lock in the UK can help with.
Spec of the Audi A4 Avant 40 TFSI S Line S TRONIC
- Price: From £41,735
- Kerbweight: 1610kg
- 85% match: 1369kg
- Max towing weight: 1500kg
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