Reviews & Road Tests
Driven: 2006 A4 Avant 3.2 Tiptronic S-line
By by: Anthony Garbis and George Achorn, photos by authors
Aug 24, 2006, 13:14

In a big family, the middle child can often be overlooked. From the Brady Bunch, one can simply speak the words “Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!” and the idea of the forgotten middle child is immediately conveyed. To take this Brady Bunch example one step further, the cute and spunky 2.0T is perhaps meant to appeal to a younger audience, while the S4 is the more mature and pretty older sister. That leaves the 3.2 smack dab in the middle, neither as cute or as pretty, but every bit the Brady… er… Audi.

I was never really impressed with the outgoing 3.0-liter V6 offering in the previous generation B6 A4. Think of it as Jan with glasses, or Peter trying his best to sing while his pubescent voice starts cracking. Engine choices in the B6 A4s were less than ideal – actually both the 1.8T with an uninspiring 180 hp and the 220 hp 3.0 V6 that was rather boring. Fortunately, Audi knew that when it's time to change, it's time to rearrange. Out came the new 2.0T and 3.2.



I could only hope that the 3.2 FSI would renew my faith in a V6 engine for the A4 when I learned a 2006 3.2 S-line Avant would be gracing our office’s motorpool for a week. The Light Silver Metallic A4 Avant S-line, fitted with the aforementioned FSI-powered 3.2 V6 and Tiptronic has a base price of $37,590. Compared to a BMW 325xi Wagon with a base price of $35,875 with a Steptronic automatic transmission, the A4 3.2 is slightly more expensive, but comes with a larger, more powerful engine. A more appropriate comparison would be the BMW 330xi if it came in wagon form, but currently the only wagon or “Touring” offering in the 3 series range is the 325xi.

The S-Line package on our test car comes at a cost of $2,750. Added to that were the sunroof package ($1,000), premium package (1,050), technology package ($1,775), cold weather package ($400), metallic paint ($450), Audi Navigation plus with a 6 disc changer located in the glove box ($1,950) and finally a destination charge ($720). After adding all the options, this brought the total to $47,710. I was very skeptical if this car would be able to live up to its expensive price tag, as the dollars quickly approach S4 territory.



The 3.2 FSI is rated at 255 hp @ 6,500 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque @ 3,250 rpm, and has an EPA rating of 19 MPG city and 26 MPG highway. This is up from 220 hp @ 6300 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque @ 3,200 rpm, and an EPA rating of 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway for the 3.0l. Audi quotes a 0-60 mph time of 6.8 seconds in Avant form with the Tiptronic transmission.

When you first fire up the engine, you immediately notice a very satisfying soundtrack from underneath the hood - a subtle exhaust note at idle, and a satisfying yet delicate growl exudes from the dual tailpipes when the throttle is pressed. While on the highway the onboard computer indicated an average of 26 MPG, and while cruising around town, it reported slightly over 18 MPG - not bad at all.



On the road is where the 3.2 really shows its improvements. FSI helps fuel mileage, but it’s also great for low-end torque. Like the S4, you feel like you’re driving a car with big displacement. There’s no need to really wind it out to hit that power band, moving the car quite capably.

I'd guess that Tiptronic isn’t high on the “must-have” list of the typical S-line buyer, however the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission managed to earn my affection with quick shifts and it was smart enough to know when to hold the gear longer, even when it wasn’t in sport mode. As part of the technology package, the gear number is displayed on the screen in the center of the instrument cluster - a nice touch. There are also paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel for quick manual shifts, an additional appeasement for those who might prefer the sporting nature of a manual gearbox, but need the convenience of an automatic.

You can always count on Audi to provide you with a feature that you don’t know how you lived without it until you have experienced it. Equipment such as adaptive headlights, which turn left and right depending on how much you turn the steering wheel, or a hands free kit for your cell phone that uses Bluetooth and works through the navigation system and audio system speakers. Pairing my cell phone with the navigation system was an easy task and only took one try – though less tech savvy drivers might take a little longer.



The S-Line package is rather pricey at almost $3,000, but provides a capable sport suspension, 18” wheels with summer tires and bumpers and body trim like those on the S4 save for smaller lower door blades. Inside, changes include the sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, perforated leather and handsome silver/red stitching. Matching perforated leather also adorns the shifter and e-brake handle.

Outside, the stance is low and sporty, yet doesn’t cause a problem going over speed bumps. The ride is firm, yet not intrusive, and has minimal body roll. In comparison to our Four-Seasons S4, the ride and handling is almost identical. “S-Lite” would be a better name for the package.



Not only do you get good looks and the performance to back it up, but also a lot of cargo space. With the rear seats down, there is 59 cu. ft. of cargo space. The A4 Avant is a great alternative for families without the need for 3rd row seating who don’t want to drive a minivan or SUV.

In the A4/S4 range, the 3.2 S-line represents a great mix. It’s not as costly as the S4, though has most of the looks and a much more appealing exhaust and engine note than the 2.0T. Brakes are strong, handling crisp and agile. Think of it as Jan with contacts - not as much of a diva as Marsha, and not the pig-tailed little sister with the lisp.

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