As the top-shelf trim of the handsomely appointed 2012 Audi A4 Avant lineup, the 2.0T Quattro Prestige puts posh at the forefront. This 5-passenger entry-level luxury wagon is only delivered with all-wheel drive (AWD), thus its Quattro designation. Then there’s the 50.5 cubic feet of cargo area (with rear seats folded) that’s reached via a power liftgate, complemented by the standard roof rack. Also look for 18-inch alloy wheels on the outside, as well as heated power-adjustable mirrors and a power sunroof. Inside, expect plush leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, driver's memory settings, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, and S Line Package cabin accents. Remote power door locks, power windows, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, a universal remote garage door opener, tri-zone climate control and cruise control also come standard in this flagship trim, as does keyless entry and ignition. The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) Package with navigation/audio/communications all integrated with Bluetooth hands-free technology, a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, and displayed on a dash-mounted LED screen is also standard, as is a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen premium audio system with 14 speakers, a single-CD player and satellite radio.
The popular Sport Package, with sport-tuned suspension and sport seats, not to mention a sport steering wheel mounting paddle shifters, is optional in the 2012 2.0T Quattro Prestige wagon. Further optional packages, meanwhile, include the S Line Package with 19-inch alloy wheels and S Line sport front seats, as well as the Audi Drive Select Package with driver-selectable settings for adjusting suspension, steering, throttle and transmission settings for Normal, Dynamic, Auto and Individual modes. Standalone options include radar-interfaced adaptive cruise control and genuine wood cabin inserts.
As with its lesser siblings, the 2012 Avant 2.0T Quattro Prestige is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine with direct injection (DI) and variable valve timing (VVT). Mated with the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this peppy four-banger throws out 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/29 highway. The AWD system, meantime, is managed by a mechanical, limited-slip center differential, as well as by auto-locking front and rear differentials.
Safety-wise, the 2012 Avant 2.0T Quattro Prestige is delivered with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Also standard are LED daytime running lights, self-leveling high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a pre- and post-collision safety system, a blind-spot alert and a remote antitheft alarm. Finally, rear side-mounted airbags are optional safety equipment.
