Audi A4 Avant estate - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Audi A4 Avant has a large range of powerful and efficient engines that keep running costs down. The extra weight of the estate body over the saloon means the Avant isn’t quite as clean or economical as its four-door sister model but it still has the edge over most SUVs with the greenest model emitting just 129g/km of CO2.

It's a shame, however, that there's no plug-in hybrid version of the A4, with only the larger A6, A7 and A8 available as TFSI e PHEV models. The addition of a battery and electric motor helps to reduce CO2 emissions by allowing commutes of around 30 miles using only electric power. Plug-in hybrid rivals are available, including the Mercedes C 300 e and Skoda Superb iV. These days, a plug-in hybrid offers far lower company-car tax than even the most frugal diesel engine.

Audi A4 Avant MPG & CO2

Every Audi A4 Avant gets mild-hybrid electrical assistance. This system uses a compact 12-volt electrical system and a belt-driven starter-generator to recoup energy and store it in a small lithium-ion battery when the car is slowing, as well as giving a modest boost in torque when accelerating and enabling smoother stopping and starting of the enginet in traffic.

Every diesel version of the A4 Avant uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Both the 30 TDI (134bhp) and 35 TDI (161bhp) are likely to appeal to economy-conscious drivers. Regardless of which version you pick, both are capable of identical efficiency numbers, with fuel economy ranging from 51.4mpg to 57.6mpg and relatively low CO2 emissions, depending on exact specification.

The 40 TDI is fitted with quattro four-wheel drive as standard and produces 201bhp. The extra weight and driven wheels affect efficiency, with claimed economy falling to 50mpg and emissions increasing to 143g/km.

Petrol engines have become more popular in the wake of negative press around diesel engines, and Audi offers the A4 Avant with two petrol options. The entry-level petrol is now a 2.0-litre, badged 35 TFSI, and is capable of 39.2-44.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 143-163g/km.

The more powerful petrol choices are both 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, with the mid-range 201bhp 40 TFSI capable of up to 43.5mpg and emissions from 148g/km. When it was on sale, the range-topping 261bhp 45 TFSI got quattro four-wheel drive as standard. This set-up compromised efficiency compared with front-wheel drive models, with fuel economy of up to 34.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 187g/km.

Insurance group

Insurance groups for the facelifted A4 Avant are highly dependent on your choice of engine and trim level. The petrols start in group 22 out of 50, while the equivalent diesel occupies group 25. Expect to pay a lot more for insurance for the S4 Avant and RS4 Avant.

Servicing

The A4 requires two different types of alternating services: major and interim, and prices vary depending on engine size. For the 2.0-litre engines and smaller, a major service costs from around £300 while the interim service starts at £150. These prices rise to around £400 and £200 for larger engines. The interim service changes the oil and oil filter, while the major service includes an air filter change, too. Both services also include a full health check.

Warranty

As with the rest of the Audi range, the A4 Avant comes with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty as standard. This is fairly standard for the class – although neither BMW nor Mercedes cap mileage.