Designers of A4 throw off the shackles to drag model into the modern era

By Gerry Murphy

Some people swear by BMW, and more acclaim Mercedes-Benz, but Audi has been in the mix for many years too and now they have a car that has the quality and the panache to challenge these two brands in the saloon segment with the arrival of the new Audi A4 towards the end on last year.

Of course, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are both rear-wheel drive cars while the Audi is front-wheel drive, or Quattro, if you have the need for four-wheel drive. This does define one of the major differences between the three and it has a significant effect on the interior space too.

While fans of the rear wheels doing the work are often vocal in their preference for same, the A4 is also a highly significant car in the premium segment – and now they have made it even better than ever.

A view can be taken that on looks alone, Audi may not have taken a giant step forward with the latest Audi A4. I would disagree, however, because I think that the sharper lines, a better ratio of metal to glass, and a broader, more imposing stance all give it a more positive presence on the road. For me it is a design that will age better than others before it too, and it has nice mixture of chrome and balanced headlights design that make it a rather handsome car all round.

However, the greatest advances come with the new interior where designers have thrown off the shackles and dragged this new model into the modern era. It is a complete change and vast improvement from the outgoing version. My test S-Line version is a particularly pleasing environment and while there is a continuation of some their well-tried switch gear and controls, they have smartened it up considerably and now it is a more inviting place to take on any journey.

On the road, there has never been a real complaint from customers of previous A4 models. Now, though, driving enthusiasts will be even more impressed with what Audi are offering here. For a car that provides the size of this car to the driver, the road holding, cornering and grip matches both the BMW 3 Series and is better than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Indeed it could be argued that overall it right up there with the 3-Series, which is the benchmark is the segment.

From a safety point of view, Euro NCAP awarded it the top score of five stars for adult and child safety as well as for pedestrian protection. It also gave the Audi A4 the “Euro NCAP advanced” special award for its standard-fit multi-collision brake assist system and for the Audi pre sense basic system, which is available as an option. Multi-collision brake assist automatically applies the brakes in the event of an accident, reducing the danger of skidding as well as the risk of further collisions. The pre sense basic tightens the seat belt in hazardous situations leading up to a collision, and closes the windows and sunroof.

In all Audi have six engines available: two TFSI and four TDI conforming to EU6 emissions standards. Their power output has increased significantly over the previous model and ranges from 150 hp to 272 hp, but fuel consumption has been reduced by up to 21%. The A4 2.0 TDI, which was fitted in the test car promises fuel consumption for the ‘ultra’ engine of just 3.7 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 95 grams per kilometre. My combined consumption after a full week and nearly 1,000 kilometres came in at 5.3L/100km.

The is now up to 120 kilograms lighter than the previous model, making it the lightest and most fuel efficient Audi A4 ever.

Prices for the Audi A4 start at €37,750 but, of course you can see that rise rapidly with your choice of engine and additional options. The base price for the 150hp diesel is €44,200 but with all its additions on my featured car the cost would be in the region of €55,000. For business and for premium, private motoring, the new Audi A4 must be on everyone’s list of potentials.