Audi A4 2020 Review – International
Mid-life makeover leaves Audi A4’s endearing character unaffectedIf you want proof Audi has plenty on its mind at the moment then the updated A4 is it. This car has been the cornerstone of Audi’s line-up since the mid-1990s and this is the most important set of changes the fifth-generation B9 has received since its launch in 2016. Calling them mild is entirely appropriate, especially since one of the most promoted updates is a new mild-hybrid system that is extremely mild and barely hybrid. It’s not hard to figure out Audi’s attention is elsewhere; on SUVs, EVs and even dieselgate – or at least the money it’s flushed on that self-inflicted debacle. The A4 is due in Australia by mid-2020 and it will face plenty of challenges when it gets here. The new BMW 3 Series is terrific and a recent update of the Mercedes-Benz C-class has been effective, while upstarts like the Alfa Romeo Giulia are hunting market share.
What’s coming in 2020?
The upgraded Audi A4 will again come to Australia as a sedan and wagon (Avant), which in turn will continue to spin off the jacked-up allroad variant.
The A4 45 TFSI quattro S tronic (previously known as the 2.0 TFSI) will definitely continue in Australia. That’s a 180kW/370Nm all-wheel drive model fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission on-demand all-wheel drive.
The notable change there is a 5kW drop in power from the old model’s 185kW. Audi claims a WLTP fuel consumption claim from 6.5-6.8L/100km and a 0-100km/h time of 5.8sec for the sedan (6.0sec for the Avant).
We’ll also continue to get the turbo-petrol V6-powerd Audi S4, but not the new turbo-diesel version which is currently slated only for Europe.
Beyond that, nothing’s guaranteed. The 140kW/320Nm front-wheel drive ‘40’ is likely and we may also see the 110kW/270Nm ‘35’.
The Audi A4 allroad will continue as a single 45 turbo-petrol model. No word yet on the hectic RS 4 Avant.
Unlike Europe, where a plethora of spec levels and options are available, Audi will offer each A4 drivetrain in a single standard equipment level, most likely continuing with S-Line.
It’s way too early to talk about pricing, but Audi Australia is sending signals it could well go up, reflecting an increase in standard specification led by a significant boost in connectivity capability.
Connecting the dots
Precisely what that connectivity package will include is set to be unveiled in Australia in the next few weeks.
That’s because this initiative isn’t linked only to the A4, but will start rolling out in the revised A6 large sedan that goes on sale in the third quarter of 2019.
So what could be included? Well, in Europe Audi’s promoting its latest iteration of Audi connect plus, which offers web-based Car-to-X services that tap into what’s called the “swarm intelligence” of the Audi fleet.
That means heaps of Audis providing data that helps all of them navigate the road system. Among other things, there will traffic light information, hazard warnings and on-street parking services.
Audi owners will also be able to customise their infotainment functions and swap them in and out as they desire.
We’ll soon find out what is coming from that lot, as well as what other elements Audi’s new Australian connectivity package features.
Related to all the above, Audi’s introduced a touch-screen based smartphone-inspired infotainment system with upgraded sat-nav and boosted computing power. That means the previous MMI rotary dial and push buttons have been banished.
The other hyped highlight of the 2020 AudiA4 is that 12-volt mild-hybrid system. And it’s really mild. There’s no electric motor and no inverter. The system comprises a belt-driven starter/alternator connected to the crankshaft and a tiny 0.5kWh lithium-ion battery.
The BAS feeds power to the battery, the battery then cranks the BAS to refire the engine from a stop-start episode, or after a maximum 10 seconds of coasting.
It’s all designed to save fuel, albeit just 0.3L/100km by Audi’s estimate, as well as a few grams of CO2. Ah well, it all helps.
By the way, the petrol S4 doesn’t get the 12V mild-hybrid, or the 48V system fitted to the diesel model that includes an electric compressor. It reportedly will get the battery and BAS from the 48V system.
Outside, believe it or not, almost every panel of the A4 has been modified in some way. The most obvious change is the flatter single-frame grille, flanked by new LED headlights.
Some things stay the same
The good news is the Audi A4 45 was a terrific car before the facelift and it remains the same now. The bad news is the changes made by Audi deliver little palpable improvement.
The mild-hybrid is well named. Apart from a gravelly stop and a very smooth and quick start, it’s transparent in its impact. I am not sure we ever coasted.
The move to a touch-screen allows more storage space in the centre console. That’s the good bit. The bad bit is the screen looks tacked on like someone rushed down to the local electrical retailer at the last minute and rummaged through the specials bin.
Both myself and my co-pilot struggled to make the interface work to our satisfaction. Familiarity would improve that but initial impressions aren’t great. No argument though, it’s better than a million buttons festooned everywhere.
No arguments about virtual cockpit either, as it remains a great execution, with its ability to tailor the digital instrument panel to your liking. It’s expected to continue as standard in the 45 and S4.
Driving this car is to understand the true meaning of competence. The 45 offers relaxed comfort that simply inspires confidence.
The ubiquitous EA888 engine is a strong and responsive, if audibly subdued in this environment. The S tronic auto can stab through the gears or slur casually. Whatever character is engaged, it presents with a sense of separation from the driver.
The all-wheel drive system provides reassurance, but the A4 isn’t the type of car that really encourages you to seek it out. It’s happy going quick, just as happy cruising.
The steering never quite gets intimate. It does weigh up in dynamic mode, while the adaptive dampers that are expected to be optional in Australia squish some of the comfort from the ride.
Note though, our test car rode on 18-inch rubbers, not the 19s the 45 is expected to continue with in Australia. They’d be a good no-cost option, except no-one could cop how scrawny they look under the wheel-arches.
The 45 backs up its ride quality with seats that are truly supportive and generous in their size and there’s room front and back in this car for four adults. There’s also space for their stuff in the cabin and for their baggage in the sizable boot.
Verdict
The 2020 Audi A4 update will allow Audi to spruik it as “all new” when it lobs next year. It’s not, but every car company uses that phrase, some with much less justification than this.
But that doesn’t make the A4 a bad car. It’s not. In fact just the opposite. This ‘mild’ update proves what a good effort the B9 was in the first place.
How much does the Audi A4 45 quattro S Tronic cost?
Price: $73,000 (estimated)
On sale: Mid-2020
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/370Nm (auto)
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.5-6.8L/100km (WTLP)
CO2: 146-155 g/km (WLTP)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2015)
- Comfort
- Quietness
- Quality drivetrain
- Mild-hybrid is almost invisible
- Touch-screen looks tacky
- Not enough updated
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