One of the little upgrades I was looking forward to in holding out for the B8 was the side tracks in the rear cargo area for anchoring luggage tie-downs just like in the A6 wagon. I really like those.

I called Audi to ask if all trim levels included them, or if I'd have to go for the Plus or Prestige to get them. They told me they're NOT AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. even though every picture I've seen of an open wagon clearly shows them. Including on the U.S. website (under A4 Avant>Media Gallery>Exterior>Pix 2 & 6).

Say it ain't so!

And standard across the board. In typical AoA fashion the information that the call center folks have may or may not be up to date. Of course it is also possible that the pictures (of Euro spec cars) may be misleading... but I believe it's on the order guide as well as in the brochure.

(If I can trust her internal product specialist)

Thinking back, everything I'd read about its inclusion was probably based on reviewers driving euro-spec cars.

Has anyone seen an actual, honest to goodness US of A version?

I thought I read in the brochure that storage kit or pkg is included.

I do not want that in the back of the Avant, because I really don't want my dogs' paws to get caught in those aluminum tracks.

Then again, I don't want a giant glass sunroof, either.

I wouldn't believe a word they say. They have been playing (or maybe they really are) dumb regarding the S Line package delay.

On the other side it's a rubberized surface - perfect for dogs. I too am very interested in its canine abilities.

Unfortunately, I can't get ahold of my salesman to find out if I've actually been assigned an estimated production date, but last he told me I was on indefinite hold until the wheel delay is sorted out. I'm tempted to switch my order to non-S Line, but can't imagine not having that alcantara/brushed aluminum interior package.

In the UK there's an option called the "luggage rails and organizing bars" or something like that for about 150 GBP. What's mentioned in the order guide is a "trunk storage system" but it shows up in both the Avant and Sedan portions of the guide. I think the "trunk storage system" is just a set of bag hooks and the familiar tie-down loops in the floor, as there's no mention of any sort of rail system, although it is pictured quite a bit.

I think we've been Marketeered again.

First post here...been a lurker for a month or so. I too am interested in new Avant and also like the design of the cargo rail system.

What reason would they have for completely leaving it out of the US market? I'd be happy to pay a few hundred bucks for it.

The same reason we get the packaging concept in lieu of more configuration choices. It keeps the price down but at the expense of considerable aggravation.

Would Audi really skimp like this on the A4 models? It's the same hardware as in the A6.

These cars are de-contented relative to what's possible via the UK configurator for instance. Granted our starting level of equipment is higher, but they had to take some things out to make others fit it seems.