2008 Geneva Motor Show: 2009 Audi A4 Avant

• Competes with: BMW 3 Series, Saab 9-3 SportCombi
• Looks like: Audi has upped the ante in the entry-luxury wagon field
• Drivetrain: New turbocharged four-cylinder engine with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Fall 2008

It’s a good day to be a station wagon fan. Audi has just taken the wraps off its new 2009 A4 Avant. This wagon is based on the redesigned A4, and both will go on sale this fall in the U.S. We’re really impressed with the design, as it’s a much more noticeable departure from the previous wagon than the new sedan is from the old version.

The rear slopes severely, which gives the car a throwback look to older generations of German wagons. We’ve seen a lot of sharp, angled designs from all the German automakers as of late, so it’s nice to see some curves again.

Inside, the Avant will have a layout nearly identical to the 2009 sedan, which we’ve covered quite a bit. Most noticeably, the Avant adds Audi’s multimedia interface system and a new dashboard layout.

Under the hood, however, will be just one engine: a new turbocharged four-cylinder that Audi is keeping to itself until the Geneva Motor Show in a few weeks. The sedan will get that engine as its base, along with a 265-hp, 3.2-liter six-cylinder. The Avant will come standard with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive and an automatic transmission.

Stay tuned for more on that new engine and pricing, but for now check out more images below and let us know if you like the look. 

Comments

[Randy Delucchi]

Looks like: Dodge Magnum

[L.S.]

Love it!
Was considering the current version about a year ago when shopping for a new car but, unfortunately, the wife hates wagons so we ended up with a Japanese SUV :) Maybe this new design will help change her mind.

[Adam]

I will never understand why Americans hate wagons so much. This new wagon from Audi is hotter than any SUV!

[Mike B.]

Wow -- this is brilliant! Great job, Audi!

[Dee]

I luv Audis new LED DRL's!

[eagle2x]

Looks great. Quite sure it will be too expensive for a turbo 4 banger. Too bad it will not come with the V6 engine and let's hope it has a real transmission in lieu of the CVT.

[Dave T.]

Eagle2X,
I think Audi says it's coming with automatic standard. They would have said CVT if it were there.

Also the old 2.0 turbo engine was a blast to drive with a stick. And was plenty power for the old A4 Avant even with auto. This new one should have more power.

[jacksparrow]

I like the audi wagon, hopefully it is not too expensive, as I would love to replace my 96 honda accord with this Avant.

[eagle2x]

Dave T,
Thanks for the tranny clarification. I am a big proponent of small displacemnet turbo-charged power plants but for me, there's a price limit for this configuration. I fear the new A4 Avant luxury level MSRP will be too steep for its 4 cylinder configuration. Ditto for the Acura RDX turbo four. My preference for 4 cylinder turbo performance and price point is the 4 door GTI. Must still be some residual "boy racer" in me.

[Jordy]

If your pics are correct, Audi could finally be equiping the '09 S-Line A4's with seats that actually hold you in!!! As a '06 S-line A4 Avant owner this is a welcome addition, I hope it's the case!