The Audi A4 has been the German premium brands best-selling saloon for the past four decades. For this reason, you can understand Audi’s evolution rather than revolution approach with the model.
Available with two petrol and two diesel engines from launch excluding the high performance S and RS models. Petrol: 1.2 TFSI 110bhp or 1.4 TFSI 125 or 150bhp. Diesel: 1.6 TDI with 110bhp or 2.0 TDI with 150 or 184bhp. All engines are available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed S-tronic transmissions to choose from. The 1.4 TFSI petrol engine is available with cylinder on demand technology. Built for mile upon mile of motorway cruising for business executives over the continent. The 2.0 TDI engine is very responsive and free revving, but with the addition of the S-tronic, while fun in sport mode, tends to be a bit fussy in normal mode.
The A4 is a car that has been engineered to carry big speeds on German Autobahns hence it makes an excellent motorway cruiser. Even in S-line guise with stiffer suspension and larger 19 inch wheels, the A4 manages to be a refined ride on motorway stretches. While it feels firm and grips well, it lacks that sense of agility you would hope for. The power steering can feel a bit light around town and at lower speeds which will suit some. Increase your speed and it does weight up somewhat giving the driver more feedback. Cruises well but feels firm over B roads.
The A4 gets intelligent switchable engine mounts and an acoustic noise filtering windscreen as standard on all models helping to reduce noise in the driver’s cabin. You can opt for acoustic glazing on the side and rear windows too if you really crave your cabin serenity. The new A4 has the lowest roofline meaning it is the most aerodynamic car in its class. The 1.4 TFSI turbo charged entry level petrol is an excellent unit offering up 150bhp and excellent levels of smoothness. The 2.0 TDI may have more grunt at the low end but is considerably noisier at idle.
The A4’s interior is a master class in interior design with a clean fresh and uncluttered look, and one we have become familiar with Audi’s of late. Standard specification cars come with Audi’s recognisable analogue dials but you can upgrade to the rather brilliant 12.3 inch TFT instrument cluster, first seen in the Audi TT. All of your infotainment and connectivity is controlled via the 7 inch TFT screen that is now fixed to the top of the centre console and can be navigated via the multi-function. A bit clinical looking for some but a stunning interior never the less.
The new A4 comes with a range of safety features which Audi call Assistance Systems. As standard you get a front facing camera or distance sensor and cruise control system speed limiter and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features range from Audi Pre Sense, traffic sign recognition, driver assistance pack, head-up display, hill hold assist, a range of park assist systems, rear view camera and full size airbags throughout the cabin.
Based on the MQB platform, space is not an issue within the cabin of the A4. In either saloon or estate form head and legroom for adults is ample. The saloon comes with a significant 480 litre boot and should more storage space be required, the rear seats fold in a 40/20/40 split opening up space for larger items. Being the choice of families and executives alike over the last 40 years, the Audi A4 is one of the most practical premium saloon on the market and remain to be the bread and butter model for the German marque.
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