A4 avant review

["Osman Parvez" <oparvez1@nycap.rr.com>]

Hi Folks,
    I'm sure you'd think that selling them I'd have a chance to drive these
 things every day, but it's not so. Even if I do get to drive them, it's
usually just around the block or over to the Mobil station. However, I had
an opportunity to spend a couple of hours driving a A4Q Avant down to NYC
for a delivery yesterday. It was the first time I had an opportunity to
take an extended tour with one. The attention to detail in the cabin is
amazing in the car. I had to shut off the tush heaters after a while
though, It was making me drowsy. The sport suspension on the car does seem
to make a significant difference in the handling. This Q was razor
sharp....it seemed I could think it between lanes instead of steering it. 
     I'm not so sure about the tiptronic yet though. I did find myself
using it a bit, and after a while it felt very natural. The new and
improved 5 valve 2.8 definately has alot more power than the previous 2.8
engine. I didn't push it of course, but the power was clearly there. I
didn't like the thin-ness of the ledge underneath the window. That's where
I tend to rest my elbow on my 200q, and I had to remember to use the
arm-rest instead. 
      The new car definately had more lower end torque than older Audis.
The vehicle itself seemed very well crafted. I'm glad to see Audi making
improvements in quality even as they are increasing sales dramatically.
Prices are reasonable when you compare the vehicles to their true
competition, and it seems that Audi is making strides to bring us some very
innovative products. I like the improvements in the trip computer compared
with my 89. Much more information, better integrated design. 
       My customer absolutely loved the car. The one thing he felt was
sub-standard was the rear view mirror. Yep, he was so used to exceptional
design elsewhere that he felt the rear-view mirror was rather plain. I
guess the only compaints I would have are with the seat piping and the lack
of a 1.8t in the car. Of course, the pathetic cupholders are annoying but I
think it was just a ploy to sell those stainless steel coffee mugs blazoned
"AUDI" with a small diameter bottom that the parts department has. 
Otherwise, what a versatile little machine without the idiocy of a SUV. If
they put the 1.8t in the Avant, you can bet that one day I'll be shopping
for a used one. 
Osman Parvez
Albany, NY
89 200q, TAP Chip, 170K