In 2004, Audi introduced the “all-new” A4 with much fanfare.  Boasting that it overtook its chief rival, the BMW 3 Series in several key markets, this new one wanted to rub salt into the wounds.  Based heavily on a platform dating back to 2001, vast improvements have been done outside, inside and underneath all in the name of improved performance, comfort and practicality.

A walk around reveals the most striking feature: the gaping front grille.  Though it’s been the focus of numerous design debates, this “Bauhaus” styling motif makes the A4 easily distinguishable from its Volkswagen stable mates such as the Passat.  Unfortunately, this very same treatment also makes the A4 too similar to the rest of Audi’s passenger car range.  Granted that the styling is on the bland side (discounting the grille), you can’t deny the handsomeness and timelessness of the A4’s lines.  Despite being an “Avant” (Audi speak for wagon), everything is well proportioned.  There are nice styling details such as the headlamp kink which is echoed at the rear as well.  From the side, the Avant looks sleek with a sloping loading bay and a hard crease running through the length of the body.

Though locally available with a multitude of engines, the most practical choice would be the 2.0 TDI.  Seen as the range-topping engine on the Avant model (mid-range in the sedan), it easily makes more sense than the conventional 2.0-liter petrol.  As the badge suggests, there’s a 2.0-liter common rail direct injection diesel nestled under the hood.  With five-valves per cylinder, it’s actually shocking that it gives only modest performance figures: 138 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque.  There’s some diesel thrumming on idle, but nothing that’s really discontenting.  There’s a nice evenness to the engine, perhaps equaling Audi’s own petrol engine in terms of overall refinement.  A light tap of the throttle induces a nice kick from standstill, but nothing really in the realm of extra-ordinary.  Perhaps the lack of thrust is attributed to the A4’s continuously variable transmission, which is called Multitronic in Audi terms.  It saps power from an already overworked engine—which has to push a not-so svelte 1,470 kilograms of curb weight.

Once the A4 gather speed though, all its weaknesses fade.  Passing and climbing power with the A4 is excellent, as long as you work the transmission correctly (i.e. gingerly throttle application).  If you don’t like the sensation of seamless acceleration, the Multitronic system does come with 7 virtual gears that help bring back the feel of a conventional automatic.  There’s even a paddle shifter attached to the steering wheel, but it’s difficult to use with the shift/gear indicator buried to obscurity on the instrument panel.

It looks pleasantly elegant enough from the outside, but the gaping "horseshoe" grille aside, there's little to talk about the Audi A4 Avant.

Big wheels do wonders to improve A4's stance. On the 2.0 TDI Avant, it rides in 17-inchers. The standard sedan carries on with 16's.