S4SDG

My wife has just picked up her new black 6sp. Thought I would share a few opinions compared to her 95.5 S6 Avant which is depressed over selling.
Her likes: The overall "feel" of quality is improved, although the S6 is by no means cheap feeling.The engine has better low end thrust then her 5 cyl turbo. Brakes feel better, side curtain bags, xenons, Bose definitely improved over her old Bose. The handling on level 1 is similar, granted we haven't stressed the car yet. Shift quality about the same. Likes the option of raising suspension when we go to lake house with it's crummy road.
Dislikes, not a big fan of the plastic cladding. Hates the seats compared to her sport seats. I like her sport seats more than the ones in my S4 because hers give you an adjustable thigh support.
Would have preferred an A6 wagon with the 2.7 turbo engine and sport seats and suspension. The new S6 was too expensive and she likes a manual. All in all the allroad is a compromise (like everything in life) she will enjoy and have no trouble living with.
'02 black 6spd allroad, '00 silver 6 spd S4, '99 Boxster for the good weather (in winter sleep)

GordonC

"Would have preferred an A6 wagon with the 2.7 turbo engine and sport seats and suspension. The new S6 was too expensive and she likes a manual. All in all the allroad is a compromise (like everything in life) she will enjoy and have no trouble living with."

That statement matches our thoughts exactly! I bought the ar for the 2.7T and manual trans combination in an AWD wagon. We've had ours for 3 weeks now, and are almost done with breaking in ;-). We're very happy with our choice, as compromises go this one isn't bad at all!

Regards,
Gordon
2002 allroad Highland Green/green, 6-speed

Paul3.2A4avant

and sport suspension. We already have an MDX to take to the beach and other offroad places. I also went with the ar to get the 2.7T and 6-speed in an avant. Although the styling has grown on me as I don't get "soccer mom wagon" jokes from coworkers anymore as I did with my A4 Avant.

mark_avant

But do not need the adjustable suspension, plastic fender flares, etc. (Although they are cool...)

veloAR

Couldn't agree with you more. Only, my wife is the one buying the S4 (to replace 1.8tq) and I bought the ar. I actually searched high and low for a clean, low mileage 95.5 S6 avant to replace my A6 avant, but prices came too damn close to make it worthwhile over new plus warranty. The ar was the only option with manual trans (S4 avant too small.)

That said, I love the ar so far. Powerful, handles well, wonderful space. Impact harshness leaves a little to be desired when locked in level 1. This improves somewhat at level 2 and 3, at the expense of mileage, and, IMO, the car's balanced "look". More compromise?

adama

And now I breathe a sigh of relief every time I walk up to my car and find someone has parallel parked right against the bumper.
-Adam

jordanh

The 2.7T Manual A6 Avant would be lighter too! WWould have liked the additional boost, but I still love the car.