Braking power and feel is outstanding. Add standard stability control and safety features such as side curtain air bags that shield front and rear side windows, and the Avant becomes a practical four-season sporting machine. The standard 6-speed manual shifter, with its longish throw and somewhat flabby action, is the only real performance flaw. It's not so bad that you blow shifts or engage the wrong gear. But it certainly could be more crisp and precise.
Drivers can also opt for a five-speed automatic that also allows clutchless manual gear selection.
Of course, automotive perfection is hard to attain. For starters, Audi's all-red instrument lighting needs to, well, lighten up. Audi itself does a white gauge background in the Audi TT that provides welcome contrast to the crimson tide of displays. The central panel is also busy with small buttons and switches for audio and climate functions. Audi, apparently convinced that all wagon owners are into winter sports, has made a ski sack standard in the Avant.