Audi A4 Saloon full 9 point review
-
Performance
There are plenty of petrol and diesel engines (all turbocharged) to choose from, but so far, we’ve only driven the 2.0 TDIe and 3.0 TDI diesels and the 1.8- and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units. Both diesels give easy performance, pulling well from low revs, and the larger engine gives amazing performance for something that emits so little CO2. By contrast, the petrol units don’t suit the car as well, needing more revs because they don’t have such strong low-down pull.
-
Ride & Handling
Although it doesn't live up to Audi's billing as a sporty car to drive, the A4 is good enough, with well balanced handling and lots of grip. The steering weights up at speed, but has a rubbery feel. However, ride comfort is the A4’s Achilles Heel: all too often the car seems to make a meal of apparently smooth surfaces.
-
Refinement
On the whole, the A4's cabin is quiet. Road- and suspension noise aren't a problem. Most of the engines are quiet, too, but the 1.8 petrol becomes gruff when worked hard. The large door mirrors also create a little too much wind noise at speed.
-
Buying & Owning
Audi generally undercuts its rivals from BMW and Mercedes on list price and that's true of the A4. Although four-figure discounts are available, resale values are high. All the four-cylinder diesels have very competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions, so running costs are a strong point. The V6 four-wheel-drive versions will hit your wallet harder, though.
-
Quality & Reliability
Audi's reputation hinges on quality so the A4 is a bit of a disappointment. At first glance it looks great, but the cabin just doesn't feel as special as it should. The plastics aren't as dense and the carpets aren't as thick as you might expect, while some of the switchgear doesn't feel substantial. As a company, Audi hasn't fared particularly well in our annual Reliability Surveys, either.
-
Safety & Security
The A4 ticks most boxes for safety kit, with six airbags and stability control as standard. Rear side airbags are available as an option, as are lane-departure- and blind spot-warning systems. Deadlocks and an alarm are fitted as standard to guard against theft.
-
Behind The Wheel
A wide range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel means that the A4 caters for drivers of all shapes and sizes. However, the pedals are heavily offset to the right so it can be difficult to get comfortable. Forward visibility is fine, but the rear view is compromised. Controls are logically arranged and Audi's MMI control system is fairly intuitive to use, but the A4's dash layout is busy and can be confusing at times.
-
Space & Practicality
The A4 accommodates four passengers and luggage better than most of the cars in its class. There's plenty of headroom throughout and rear legroom is particularly generous. The boot is the same size as the BMW 3 Series’, and it's a usefully regular shape. Split-folding rear seats are standard.
-
Equipment
Basic SE trim is our favourite, with 17-inch alloys, three-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights and wipers. Diesel-engined SEs can be upgraded with the Technik pack (leather upholstery, sat-nav etc), while sporty S line adds larger alloys and lower sports suspension, as well as a unique look. Beyond that, the Black Editions are based on S line, and add 19-inch alloys, a black styling package and an uprated stereo with DAB radio.
A4 used car reviews
advertisement
Audi A4 Saloon 2.0 TDIe S/S 136 SE 4dr
Some may baulk at the price, but for a company driver, the low emissions and low tax liability of this model could just make it the ultimate A4.
Read review
What Car?
is brought to you by
Haymarket Consumer MediaWhat Car? is part of Haymarket Motoring
© Haymarket Media Group 2012
