Audi A4 2016 Review

Audi A4 1.4 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI quattro and 2.0 TFSI quattro
Local Launch Review
Mollymook, NSW

The new Audi A4 has landed Down Under priced from $55,500 (plus on-road costs). The lighter, safer and greener new model arrives with an all –new chassis, a choice of four new engines and multi-link suspension all-round. It's bigger than before, and presents more interior space, while also improving on in-cabin refinement and technology levels. It mightn't look a whole lot different, but this is one book that should definitely not be judged by its cover.

Since 1994 the Audi A4 has evolved to envelop the many changes expected of the medium prestige class. Increased luxury and technology levels, more sophisticated and efficient drivetrains, and improved refinement and space utilisation are hallmarks of the model's advancement; though outwardly the changes were always more subtle.

It's a process true of the newly released fifth-generation A4. Stylistically, the model has changed progressively – it's still a car very recognisably an A4. The edgy new single-frame grille notwithstanding, the new A4 boasts a clean, conservative and mature look certain to appeal to repeat buyers, while also attracting cautious first-timers.

That aesthetic juggling act is a crucial, if not imperative element in ensuring the success of a new prestige car – and protecting its resale value. You could argue that the myriad changes beneath the skin are almost secondary to that shiny veneer; and while it may sound fickle, it's a recipe loyal customers love, and one Audi and its rivals know all too well. At the local launch, Audi said simply its customers prefer “enduring design and quality over bling”.

So while you might accuse the latest B9-series A4 of looking much like the old one, the other side of the coin is that it's also a very different and keenly improved vehicle beneath the surface. The latest A4 features Audi’s all-new MLB Evo chassis – which incidentally is shared with the latest Q7 – new drivelines and new aluminium-intensive multi-link suspension all-round. The cabin too is all new (and very classy, might I add), as is the majority of technology within it.

Audi says it has invested heavily in reducing CO2 emissions of its new A4 while also improving aerodynamic efficiency (0.27Cd for Australian spec vehicles). It offers a variety of four-cylinder engine choices that locally tallies four, three fewer than in its home market.

The entry-grade front-wheel drive petrol 1.4 TFSI outputs 110kW/250Nm. Like all in the range is linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It's priced from $55,500 (plus ORCs), the same price as the outgoing 1.8-litre base variant.

The rest of the range steps up in price by $4000 over their respective predecessors, albeit with a far more generous level of kit. The next front-wheel drive petrol variant is the 2.0 TFSI developing 140kW/320Nm (from $60,900 plus ORCs); it is topped by a diesel all-wheel drive variant, the 140kW/400Nm 2.0 TDI quattro (from $66,900 plus ORCs) and finally the range-topping 185kW/370Nm petrol all-wheel drive 2.0 TFSI quattro (from $69,900 plus ORCs).

The 160kW 3.0 V6 TDI quattro we sampled in Europe late last year is also under consideration for the Australian market, but the A4 Avant g-tron (compressed natural gas model) is not. Petrol/electric hybrid e-tron models are expected further into the A4's model life.

Across the Australian line-up, engine power is up by as much as 25 per cent with fuel consumption falling by up to 21 per cent (compared to the outgoing A4 line-up). All engines are Euro6 emissions regulations compliant and include updated idle-stop system and transmission coasting (or free-wheeling) function as standard.

Fuel and CO2 emissions rate from as low as 4.6L/100km and 121g/km in the all-wheel drive diesel model, through to as 'high' as 6.3L/100km and 144g/km in the flagship quattro petrol.

All sedan models grow in length to 4726mm (+25mm), measure 1842mm wide (+16mm) and 1427mm high (unchanged). The new A4's wheelbase extends 12mm to 2820mm, increasing rear-seat legroom by 23mm. Front seat headroom grows 24mm and shoulder-room 11mm.

Crucially, the kerb weight of Australian spec A4s falls by as much as 65kg to 1320kg (the previous Australian-spec entry variant weighed 1545kg). By way of comparison, the entry-spec three-cylinder BMW 318i weighs 1425kg (+105kg), the Mercedes-Benz C 200 1465kg (+145kg), Jaguar XE 20t 1530kg (+210kg) and the Lexus IS 200t a whopping 1680kg (+360kg).

Cargo capacity for the A4 remains unchanged at 480 litres for quattro variants, front-wheel drive models offering 495 litres. The boot aperture is wider than before, while 60:40 split-fold rear seats remain available. Avant (wagon) variants will offer 505 litres when the model goes on sale in April.

The cabin is brimming with the latest technology including (the optional) 12.3-inch virtual cockpit instrument panel, tablet-style 8.3-inch MMI infotainment interface screen with 10GB SSD navigation, wireless phone charging dock, gesture control, voice control, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for as many as eight devices, and a full colour head-up display. It can even read your emails aloud.

Depending on variant the A4 is also offered (optionally) with a choice of synthetic or natural leather upholstery, matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go functionality, variable dampers, self-parking assistance with 360-degree camera, and a 755-watt / 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System.

Audi also claims to offer more standard safety and driver assistance technologies than any of its rivals, the inventory mimicking that of the new Q7's. In all, there are 90 computerised control modules overseeing every facet of the A4's myriad technology offerings. Couple these to a significantly stronger body structure and it's easy to see why the new A4 scores top marks in EuroNCAP testing and local ANCAP safety testing.

On local roads the A4 proved calm and composed. Both front and all-wheel drive models pointed accurately at corners, the revised steering fluid and tactile. An inadvertent excursion down a corrugated dirt road showed the new suspension to be comfortable and quiet, our only real complaint in terms of noise coming from larger diameter tyres on coarse chip roads.

Indeed, the choice of wheel size impacts on ride quality, too. The diameter of the alloy wheels available for the A4 ranges from 17 to 19 inches. Not unexpectedly the bigger the wheel, the rougher the ride. Though we note that the latter was tested in combination with one of two adaptive damper packages, the Sport shock absorbers reducing the ride height (and travel) by 23mm. A Comfort tune is also available, lowering the height of the standard aluminium set-up by 10mm.

Engine variants differ obviously in overtaking prowess, the diesel and high-out petrol especially brisk. But it’s the lag-free 1.4 TFSI that is the genuine surprise package around town, working effectively with the transmission to easily maintain pace with fast-flowing traffic. If only the occasional highway trip was part of your routine, this is very much a model worth considering.

Buyers considering extended touring use with two or more passengers and their luggage would likely be better served by the 2.0 TFSI or ultra-economical 2.0 TDI variants. Each is strong across the rev range and effortless in protracted ascents, especially the latter. The intent of the TDI’s exhaust note is also quite charming – though you’ve got to push pretty hard to hear it.

The A4’s rear-seat legroom is noticeably improved, and feels appreciably more generous than its direct rivals. Back-seat headroom, especially with the sunroof fitted, is a little cramped, but in reality the A4 is no worse than its rivals in this respect.

Up front, the A4 cabin is spacious with well-placed controls. The centre console array is greatly improved, the repositioned ignition button a highlight [I personally felt the previous arrangement was susceptible to accidental use]. Seating comfort and support is top notch, the adjustable thigh and lumbar for both front seat passengers fantastic on longer trips.

If there are any criticisms of the new A4, besides the tyre roar mentioned previously, it’s that the brake pedal’s initial ‘bite’ can be a little abrupt. Pedal progression isn’t as linear as some in this class, though we note the power of the Audi’s brakes is quite exceptional.

Shorter drivers may also find the steering wheel rim can hinder the view of the instrument panel and rely instead on the speedometer in the (optional) head-up display. Yes, the seat cushion can be raised, but in my opinion this slightly upsets the preferred driving position.

Otherwise, the A4 is a vehicle that truly belies its ‘evolutionary’ look. It is a big step forward for not only Audi but also the medium prestige segment. Seamless infotainment and safety technologies, ruthlessly efficient engines and a composed yet tenacious on-road attitude signal a return to form for the four-ringed brand, and were we to re-run our recent comparison, I dare say we may well be looking at a new class leader.

2016 Audi A4 1.4 TFSI pricing and specifications:
Price: $55,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 110kW/250Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 126g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
0-100km/h: 8.5sec (claimed)

2016 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI pricing and specifications:
Price: $60,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 140kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 5.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 119g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
0-100km/h: 7.3sec (claimed)

2016 Audi A4 2.0 TDI quattro pricing and specifications:
Price: $66,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 4.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 121g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
0-100km/h: 7.2sec (claimed)

2016 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro pricing and specifications:
Price: $69,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 185kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 144g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
0-100km/h: 5.8sec (claimed)

Also consider:
>> BMW 3 Series  (from $54,900 plus ORCs)
>> Jaguar XE  (from $60,400 plus ORCs)
>> Lexus IS 200t (from $57,500 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $60,900 plus ORCs)

A4 trivia:
Did you know the new A4 variants can be differentiated by their exhaust outlets? A single outlet on the passenger side indicates a 1.4 TFSI under the bonnet, a dual outlet pipe in the same position means it’s a 2.0 TDI while twin outboard outlets point to a 2.0 TFSI unit beneath the hood. Happy trainspotting!