Compact estates in the luxury car market aren’t easy to find. Meet the latest entry that’s actually highly desirable.
What’s new?
When it comes to premium family cars priced in the 3-4 million baht range, Audi has four to offer in Thailand including the Q5 SUV, A4 saloon and A5 Sportback fastback.
Just recently, the Thai Audi importer has added another alternative to its showrooms in the guise of the A4 Avant estate. And it isn’t merely a basic model.
Called Black Edition, the compact load-carrier gets some sporty touches and is only available in that specific trim along with 252hp petrol-turbo power (45 TFSI in Audi’s latest speak).
This particular engine, coupled with seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel-drive transmission, is available in all those other aforementioned compact Audis targeting buyers wanting some driving performance.
Compared to the four-door sibling with 45 TFSI power and Quattro driveline, this Black Edition is 250,000 baht dearer at 3.249 million baht yet far cheaper than the similarly specified Q5 and A5 Sportback. This specific Avant is beginning to sound like a nice deal, according to initial impressions.
What’s cool?
For sporty palates, the Black Edition (together with standard S Line trim) doesn’t get any better than this. There are bespoke 19-inch alloys and racy-looking front seats with nice-feeling leather inside and a sunroof. Oh, the exterior isn’t limited to only black; there are six other shades to choose from.
Performance-wise, the 45 TFSI power strata delivers the same driving experience as in the other Audis equipped with such a drivetrain, that is, reasonably quick performance and good road-holding ability at all kinds of speeds.
As this is an estate we’re talking about here that is conceptually designed to take load, the suspension feels slightly stiffer than in the saloon model yet rarely uncomfortable.
In fact, we find it to still be softer than in the A5 Sportback and probably very close to that setting seen in the A5 Coupe.
What’s not?
If you find an SUV too excessive in size or a saloon to impractical, an estate is mostly the best compromise. But the thing is, this load-carrying A4 doesn’t have rear seats that fold down totally flat when users want to move around stuff that’s bigger than usual.
And while the Black Edition is doing marvels for one set of buyers, others with different kinds of taste don’t have any other choice when it comes to the A4 Avant. The same could be said for the sole engine (and type) on offer.
Buy or bye?
Let’s get one thing straight here with such an imported car. From a general Thai perspective, a practical car for the family is best reflected as an SUV. Which is why an estate would probably be sought by those wanting something that isn’t too commonplace.
And considering that there’s a good chance estate buyers might wish for some special looks and driving experience as well, this A4 Avant 45 TFSI Quattro S Line Black Edition (that’s its full name) actually is a nice choice at a reasonable price (for luxury imports in Thailand).
THE NEXT ALTERNATIVE
Compact estates in the luxury car market aren’t easy to find mainly because of two reasons.
First is the need to import them to Thai shores in completely built-up forms and face high taxes. Second is the ever-growing popularity of SUVs, which virtually jade estates in terms of showroom appeal.
That’s why the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate aren’t being sold in the country anymore, leaving the Audi A4 Avant and Volvo V60 as the only load-carriers available in its class.
Now that the all-new V60 has already been introduced in Europe, it might be the next alternative should Volvo decide to continue official sales of its smallest estate.
The second-gen V60 features the latest design DNA of Volvo, a raft of petrol and diesel engines, as well as plug-in hybrids with performance-oriented all-wheel-drive.
The semi-electric V60 could attract low taxation for hybrids in Thailand to the benefit of lowered retail prices. Like other new Volvos currently on sale, the V60 promises even more impressive on-paper stats than the A4 Avant.