Audi A4 2013 Review

Audi A4 A5 2.0 TDI and TFSI quattro

The Audi A4 has always tended to be a little over-shadowed by the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That most obviously applies in sales terms, where the 3 and C have a long established ascendancy. but there’s also been a driving enjoyment return from the two rear-wheel drivers that the Audis have struggled to match.

Maybe now as quattro all-wheel is spreading down and throughout the range more comprehensively, that is an advantage that will be negated.

There’s more detail on the nitty and gritty of that expansion here.

Certainly, when you take into account the long acknowledged quality of the design, materials and build of Audi’s compact premium offering then there is a strong platform on which to build.

The reality is, after sampling the latest petrol and diesel quattro A4 (and its Sportback close relation, the A5) on some enjoyable roads in the Murray Valley, the gap seems to be closing but is yet to be fully filled in.

The new A4 and A5 2.0 TDI turbo-diesel quattro S tronics and the updated 165kW 2.0 TFSI turbocharged petrols join a range in the latter years of its lifespan. They are expected to help hold the sales line rather than boost interest significantly (hat will more likely happen when a new generation A4 arrives in 2014 and the second generation A5 spins from it).

Judging from our drive we wouldn’t say the A4 and A5 are desperately in need of overhaul, but if the rumours and reports emanating out of Europe about Audi’s having started from the ground up with an all-new ‘B9’ generation A4 are anywhere near accurate, then we should be getting excited about what the future holds.

For now, driving these cars provides more a sense of reassurance than real pleasure.

That especially applies in the case of the TDI, which is the first four-cylinder turbo-diesel all-wheel drive model to be part of the A4/5 family in Australia.

This 130kW/380Nm engine is impressively refined and quiet by diesel standards. At times it is almost impossible to hear or feel it operating. Only when you jump straight into the TFSI do you realise there is a noise, vibration and harshness gap.

In isolation it would be hard to imagine anyone being offended and plenty being surprised when told they are driving a diesel. There are giveaways – like the signature low-end response that a fat torque band delivers. Tick. And the way revs square off before 5000rpm. Cross.

The 165kW/350Nm TFSI engine feels lighter, more enthusiastic and energetic. It has less bottom-end shove but accelerates on for thousands of rpm after the diesel has given its best. In an enthusiast sense that makes the TFSI a more involving and rewarding engine to operate.

If on the other hand you are motivated by low fuel consumption numbers, the TDI will appeal more. But then again, the front-wheel drive multitronic 2.0 TDI is still in the range (as a special order) and is cheaper and even more thrifty.

The TDI quattro ultimately has better grip than the front-driver but permanent all-wheel drive doesn’t transform it. Handling is competent, feedback steering feedback minimal and accuracy acceptable. There is a sense this is the best car computers can build. It seems a bit devoid of the human touch, doing everything competently but without excitement.

Again, the TFSI quattro is the better enthusiast’s choice. Maybe it’s simply down to being a 55kg lighter car (1645kg claimed versus 1700kg kerb weight), so it felt that much more responsive on its wheels.

The engine probably helped too. The electro-mechanical power steering is recognisably devoid of feel and simply too heavy in dynamic mode. Comfort is the better choice.

In other ways both the A4 sedan and A5 Sportback we sampled simply excelled. The dual clutch S tronic, for instance, is now at a very high standard shifting automatically and remains excellent when operated manually.

These are large and comfortable cars inside – except for the middle rear passenger who much contend with a significantly intrusive transmission tunnel. All offer plenty of features, well executed controls and a large boot.

There are differences; the A5 is perhaps more stylish thanks to its frameless doors and sloped and hatched rear-end. Countering that is a $10,100 higher price for the S5 Sportback with no extra equipment over the A4.

Either way, you get a very solid and well executed car. Go the TDI and you get a more middle class middle aged experience. Opt for the TFSI and it’s a younger and more energetic blend.

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