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Sport wagons are an intriguing combination of style and function, perfect for buyers who want the zip of a sports sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.

Check out Audi’s restyled A4 Avant. It is not merely an A4 sedan with a long roof, but a car designed as a wagon from the outset. The test car, from Audi’s press fleet, looked squat and purposeful on its optional sports suspension. The 17-inch wheels that so amply fill the wheel wells give it a taut ride and responsive handling, while the quattro all-wheel-drive system contributes to overall balance that enables it to manage greasy pavement or foul weather. Factor in anti-lock brakes and the ESP vehicle stability program and this is a wagon that has uncanny over-the-road performance regardless of weather.

The A4 model line is Audi’s volume segment, and the total restyle for 2002 maintains a strong family resemblance to the previous model while charting new ground with a look that is remarkably handsome. The smoothly carved body is lean and lithe, with razor-thin seams and tiny panel gaps. Overall, the new car is marginally bigger than the car it replaces, yet it is not big enough to be considered competition for the larger A6.

There are two powertrains, a brand-new 3.0-liter V-6 with 220 horsepower or the 1.8-liter, 170-horse turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the model I drove. Equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, its base price was $27,650. (The Triptronic automatic starts at $28,800.) The V-6 with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $33,090 and the Tiptronic automatic starts at $34,140.

Horsepower is like chocolate: It’s hard to have too much. The new V-6, which I have not tried, offers the most performance, but it is $5,440 more than the base engine, and I found the four-cylinder to have more than enough power. The beauty of the turbocharged 1.8-liter engine is its flat torque curve and strong low-speed throttle response. This engine provides decent performance without being revved hard, so it accelerates out of a turn with authority. When you want to wing it, the free-breathing, five-valve cylinder head lets all 170 horses out like a stampede.

From a practical perspective, the 1.8 turbo has more than enough power and saves you money to boot. If performance means more than the bottom line, pick the V-6.

The new chassis is considerably stiffer than the old model, and you can feel it immediately. The whole car feels like one solid piece, and rattles and squeaks are nowhere to be found, Even with the stiffer sports suspension and low-profile tires on 17-inch wheels, the ride remains compliant. Handling dynamics are far from what one would expect of a small wagon.

The front bucket seats are comfortable, although more substantial side bolsters would offer better lateral support. The new interior is handsomely configured, with contrasting textures on the instrument panel and a handsome gauge cluster. Secondary controls are logically locate d and have large, easy-to-grip knobs. Passenger volume is greater than the previous A4, but I would like to see about one more inch of rear-seat legroom.

The Avant has a 150-watt stereo with six-disc in-dash CD player and 10 speakers. An automatic, dual-zone climate control system is standard. Upscale options include OnStar and xenon headlights.

In addition to front airbags, Audi has side-curtain airbags, and rear-seat airbags are optional.

The trunk is finished with thick carpet, chrome cargo hooks and an elastic net to prevent small items from sliding around. A roll-out cargo cover is permanently attached to the wide side of the 60/40 split folding rear seat. Folding down the seat without removing the cover is a one-hand operation, and ease of use is key to a station wagon’s appeal. A center armrest, complete with built-in first aid kit, folds out of the rear seatback.

There aren’t many small, sporty wagons out there, and while they appeal to a narrow segmen of the market, they are perhaps the most sensible vehicles of all.

Price
The base price of the test car was $27,650. Options included the sports suspension, metallic paint, power sunroof, xenon headlights, heated front and rear seats and auto dimming mirrors.

The sticker price was $32,120.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The all-new A4 Avant melds the function of a station wagon with the handling of a sports sedan. While a 220-horse V-6 is all new, the base 170-horsepower four-cylinder has more than enough power. A stronger chassis and body enhances handling and contributes to a solid feel.

Counterpoint: The back seat is bigger but still snug, and the cupholders are right over the center of the dash where spills would end up on the radio.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 1.8-liter, 170-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Five-speed Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 104.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,660 lbs.
Base price: $27,650
As driven: $32,120
Mpg rating: 21 city, 29 hwy.
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