Audi A4 3.0 TDI 2006 Review

What we liked
>> Engine refinement and creamy automatic
>> Well balanced AWD driving dynamics
>> Performance and fuel economy

Not so much
>> Badge-ignorers won't guess it's a diesel
>> Bar-lifting V6 TDI only in premium model
>> A bit nose-heavy in hard cornering

If you've been deciding whether to consider a diesel-powered premium compact/medium car, Audi's delivering an answer. Now bolstered by essentially the same drivetrain as the A6 diesel, the A4 quattro with 3.0-litre V6 TDI stands as a big-enough compact model with outstanding build quality, lavish equipment level, large-car refinement and a heart as pleasing to use as it is usefully thrifty on fuel.

While the three-litre V6 TDI isn't simply a three-fourths cut on A8's 4.2-litre V8 (they share bore size, but not stroke), its entire architecture and TDI technology are the same. To that end Audi's design differs from most in chain-driving its dual overhead camshafts from the rear of the crankshaft. Additionally, the cam-drive system extends beyond the sides of the cylinder block to meet shafts from the power-steering pump and air-conditioning compressor, leaving only the alternator belt-driven from the front of the crankshaft. The shortened engine reduces overhang and moves mass back towards the axle, benefiting weight distribution and handling balance.

Nose-heaviness and scrubby understeer may still visit if the A4 3.0 TDI is bullied into tight corners, but front-end push invariably occurs later and less than with the previous, more overhung design.

Ordinarily, the A4 3.0 TDI carves through corners with athletic aplomb. For brisk cruising it is in its element making light of sweeping curves where it points strongly, stays fairly flat, and feels very securely planted while changing direction with streaming fluidity and forceful conviction.

There's sometimes a hint of ire when plunged deep into sharp bends, where broken or rippled roadside raises A4's hackles ever so slightly. It's only then that the well-connected mid-weighted steering is sufficiently moved to flutter the wheel in your hands; raising comment, not criticism.

Like the quattro's sure-footed and efficiently distributed traction, A4's powerful brakes and consistent pedal feel are givens. The overall ride quality is laudable too, for the suspension combines resiliently supple, bump-blotting absorbency with well-disciplined body control that avoids busyness and doesn't inflict harsh firmness. (Ed: in this respect Audi has it all over the run-flat shod BMWs)

The quietly spoken but enthused 3.0-litre diesel makes a formidable team with the highly cultured six-speed automatic which can be left to its own very skilled devices or, if preferred, shifted manually with the selector lever or toggle switches behind the wheel spokes.

Either way, the performance is decidedly brisk once wound up after a launch that's tempered by almost too much AWD traction. Even so, from standstill the 3.0 TDI reaches 100km/h in just 7.5sec (claimed). And, abetted by the responsive automatic, the great torque makes short work of rolling acceleration.

The icing is the 8.4lt/100km official fuel number. Compare this against 10.8lt/100km for the $3.4K cheaper, 75kg lighter petrol-fuelled A4 3.2 FSI quattro.

That's not to overlook the Audi's many and palpable material attractions. For example, typically Audi, the A4 espouses standards of fit, finish and furnishings rarely equalled in this class, and never bettered. It's well outfitted also.

There are options of course (it's German, after all), but the 3.0 TDI is hardly found wanting with standard inclusions such as leather, electric seats, multi-function steering wheel, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth phone provision, active front headrests, eight airbags, dual zone climate control, cruise control, split-fold rear seat, trip computer, heated mirrors, fog lights front and rear, and automated wipers and headlights… Among other things.

Clearly, while the A4 mightn't be biggest, in its own way it's a lot of car with a lot of quality. And as the 3.0 V6 TDI quattro, it has a lot of engine. No question.

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