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Audi’s all-wheel-drive A4 Avant (station wagon) already had all the charm of a wide-eyed puppy, but now that it’s available with the 1.8 Turbo for nearly $5,000 less than the V6, it borders on irresistible.

Why? Because compact sport wagons are some of my favorite vehicles because they have the flexibility of a station wagon and the hot rod character of a sports sedan.

The A4 Avant 1.8T hits the market at $26,440,a price that includes Audi’s outstanding quattro all-wheel-drive system, anti-lock brakes, power windows, automatic climate control, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, AM/FM stereo cassette and remote keyless entry.

The 1.8-liter Turbo is a four-cylinder, dual-overhead-cam unit with 5 valves per cylinder and 150 horsepower. Don’t be fooled by the stated output of 150 horsepower. The small turbo gives a sharp kick to off-the-line performance because it spools up so quickly, while the 5-valve cylinder head improves high-speed zip because it lets the engine breathe freely. The two are perfect partners.

Its across-the-range power comes from having a flat torque curve. Torque is your best friend most of the time, because it is the force that actually moves the vehicles, spins the tires and pushes the seat into your back. Audi says this gem cranks out at least 155 lab.-ft. of torque from as little as 1,750 rpm all the way to 4,600 rpm. On top of that, it is fairly easy on fuel, being rated at 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

On the road, this engine feels bigger than it is, particularly with the 5-speed manual gearbox. Choose the optional Sport Package ($750) of 16-inch alloy wheels, performance tires and a stiffer suspension and you have a combination that provides as much driving entertainment as you like.

The quattro system gives the Avant all-weather invincibility as well as excellent dry-road handling. A central TORSEN (torque sensing) differential distributes drive force from front to rear as traction requires. This year, electronic locking on the front and rear differentials “redistributes drive torque from side-to-side to take advantage of available traction,” quotes Audi’s press material.

For all practical purposes, the Avant has the traction of a sport-utility vehicle and the handling of a family sedan, yet it doesn’t sit tall, feel top-heavy or sway in the wind.

As usual, the A4’s excellent brakes erase speed effectively and confidently.

In line with the lower price, there have been minor changes to the interior. Wood trim has been replaced by tasteful, matte-finish plastic, and perforated leatherette upholstery takes the place of leather. The look, however, is very little different.

Audi has three different “atmospheres,” or interior color schemes, from which to select. Ambition evokes the look of a classic touring sedan; Ambiente looks Mediterranean with lighter colors; and Advance is more natural, with matte wood or aluminum in warm, earth tones.

Our bright r ed test car’s Opal Gray Ambition interior color scheme was most tasteful.

If there is any knock on the A4 Avant, it results from its 103-inch wheelbase and the lack of rear-seat legroom that creates. Space in back is adequate for kids, but if you plan to haul adults on a regular basis they are likely to feel crowded.

Cargo space is less compromised. Fold the seat flat and there is 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Leave one side of the 60/40 seat upright and there is still room for long items, such as skis.

My other complaint centers on a radio that is overly complicated and confusing to use. I overheard Audi officials indicate a simpler design is in the offing for future models.

If you like the A4 Avant but think it is not big enough, take heart. There’s now an A6 Avant that is plenty spacious.

Price

The base price of our test car was $26,440. Options included the Sport Package, which brought the sticker price to $27,500.

Warranty

Audi’s standar warranty is for three years or 50,000 miles, and scheduled maintenance during that same period is free.

Point: The Avant 1.8T offers performance on par with the 2.8-liter V6, yet at a significant price saving. It handles like a sports sedan, yet its quattro all-wheel-drive system gives it tremendous all-weather versatility.

Counterpoint: Back-seat legroom tends to be tight, and the radio is overly complicated.

SPECS
ENGINE: 1.8-liter, 4-cyl.
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed
WHEELBASE: 103 inches
CURB WEIGHT: 3,351 lbs.
BASE PRICE: $26,440
PRICE AS DRIVEN: $27,500
MPG RATING: 21 city, 29 hwy.