Audi introduced the last generation of the 100 model in 1991. It was available in two body versions: the sedan, and the station wagon, also known as the Avant.
By 1991, the German carmaker had already progressed enough to disrupt the supremacy of BMW and Mercedes-Benz on the market. The front and all-wheel-drive systems, the price policy, and the good manufacturing quality convinced the customers that Audi became, finally, a premium carmaker. Moreover, the 100 series was one of the most important cars in its lineup, competing with the W124 mid-size sedan from Mercedes-Benz and the 5 Series from BMW.
Audi used the form-follow-function concept when it designed the 1991 100 model. It was more aerodynamic and showed a more composed image with a tilted front fascia and squared headlights. The long-roof version used the same Avant designation as its predecessor, but it was a full-legit station wagon, not a liftback or hatchback vehicle. It was the moment when Audi decided to offer a similar cargo capacity as its leading contenders, dropping the idea of a more appealing, yet less usable, shape. Thus, the 100 Avant offered 390 liters (13.8 cu. ft.) of space, which could have been extended to up to 1,310 liters (46.3 cu. ft.) with the rear bench folded.
Inside, the manufacturing quality exceeded all the customers' expectations. Soft surfaces and a well-built dashboard left no room for squeaks and rattles. The center stack didn't look like it was added at the last moment, showing a unitary design with the rest of the cabin. On top of that, the dashboard sported a long, curved visor for the instrument cluster, also covering three extra gauges.
Under the hood, Audi installed a vast choice of gasoline and diesel engines. It also offered the car with front- or all-wheel drive.