Audi A4 review

You won’t have many issues getting comfortable thanks to a generous range of seat and steering wheel adjustments. Sport, S line and Black Edition models have well-bolstered seats that hold you in place more securely through corners than the entry-level Technik, but even that entry-level trim has four-way lumbar support adjustment.

The A4’s minimalist dashboard is simple and easy to use. All models get the brand's Virtual Cockpit system as standard; this places a 12.3in digital display where you’d otherwise find a set of analogue instrument dials. It makes it even easier to control the myriad systems at your fingertips.

Forward visibility is good but your over-the-shoulder view backwards could be better; something that's true of many saloons. Fortunately, all models come with parking sensors front and rear as well as a reversing camera, which will be handy when manoeuvring this sizeable car into tight spaces. The optional Parking Assistance Pack also adds a 360deg camera and park assist, which can automatically steer the car into a space for you.

All A4 models get bright LED headlamps whereas the optional adaptive Matrix LED headlights, which can adjust their light pattern so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers, are clever and well worth considering.

Not only does the 12.3in Virtual Cockpit display we mentioned earlier take the place of conventional analogue instruments, it can also mirror the infotainment screen's media, phone and navigation information onto the instrument panel where it’s just a little below your view of the road ahead. The system has updated graphics for 2020 which make it even easier to use than previous versions. Optionally, you can add up a head-up display that projects your speed, the speed limit and sat-nav instructions onto the windscreen meaning you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

Every A4 gets Audi’s impressive MMI infotainment system in its latest form, with a 10.1in touchscreen. The sat-nav is super quick to respond and can calculate a route quickly. However, there tends to be quite a lot of information on the central screen at any given time, so it can be tricky to read all the stats you need at a glance. We prefer to use the dedicated sat-nav mode for the standard-fit Virtual Cockpit.

The A4’s interior is beautifully crafted from high-class materials. Harder plastics are few and far between and nearly everything else has a plush, soft-touch finish. Real metal or wood veneer trims can be chosen for the dashboard and centre console and combine with well-damped switches to create an upmarket ambience.

The overall level of fit and finish is a grade or two above plenty of other cars in this class, including the BMW 3 Series.