Audi A4 and S4 2013 Review

Audi A4 and S4

What we liked
>> Subtle restyle
>> LCT-beating engine options
>> Smarter MMI interaction

Not so much
>> Subtle restyle...
>> Standard equipment omissions

In terms of the local line-up, the new A4 brings better equipment levels and a shift in pricing. The release here of Audi’s newest mid-sizer follows the introduction of all-new and well-rated options from immediate competitors, so its mid-cycle refresh had to be good.

Equally important is the fact the A4 attracts loyal, returning customers and, over eight generations, “represents the face and development of Audi”.

The new A4 range is definitely more interesting and now includes a wild wagon at the top-end in the form of the S4 Avant. We’re also promised the return of the A4 Allroad by the end of this year but in the meantime tech and style updates for the road-only line-up serve to keep Audi in the frame when there’s good reason to look elsewhere.

Nonetheless on paper the new A4 starts cheaper than ever, and with gains in equipment and/or performance across the range. The manual 1.8-litre petrol sedan costs $52,700 (before on-roads) or $55,500 with an eight-speed multitronic CVT auto, including a more powerful and efficient engine, plus tech updates like idle-stop, which is applied as standard across the range.

A 2.0-litre turbo-diesel option with aforementioned multitronic auto comes next, priced from $57,900; followed by the quattro-equipped 2.0-litre petrol model at $61,700 for the manual or $64,500 with s-tronic seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

Two 3.0-litre diesel models - one with front-wheel drive and multitronic and the other with quattro and s-tronic, for $68,900 and $88,000 respectively - replace the 2.7-litre option, while the top-flight 3.0-litre petrol-engined TFSI A4 quattro starts at $93,400.

The Avant range is similarly equipped regarding engines (there’s no manual option); starting from $58,500 for the 1.8 model. The 2.0-litre ($60,900) and 3.0-litre ($71,900) diesel models are FWD; the quattro version with 2.0-litre TFSI starts at $67,500.

This time Audi’s A4 proposal includes the smart and sporty S4 wagon, with 3.0-litre TFSI and quattro for $123,900. The same treatment has been applied to the sedan, for $120,400.

Equipment upgrades include a multi-function sports steering wheel as standard-fit across the range and neater control layout for accessing the trip computer and (if so-equipped) Audi’s MMI sat-nav/infotainment and Drive Select program, now with Efficiency Setting.

Audi says it received requests to include a flat-bottomed steering wheel among the A4’s options. Its driver assist system with lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control (for around $900, depending on model spec) is also new to the list.

The S-Line specification is again available, adding sports-oriented exterior and interior features, while Audi’s standard equipment list at base level includes dual-zone climate-control, rear parking sensors, an eight-speaker stereo and combination leatherette/leather seat trim.

Opting for the higher power models brings features like front and rear park assist, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and keyless entry and start. On the latter feature: considering its frequency in cars costing much less, the convenience of keyless entry/starting warrants its standard addition down to the base model.

The turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engine is rated at 125kW/320Nm; beating the outgoing version’s 118kW/250Nm. Its combined consumption figure is also better, at 5.8L/100km (versus 7.1).

In sedan form, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder (with 130/380kW and using 4.8L/100km) and 3.0-litre V6 diesel (150kW/400Nm, 4.9L/100km and 180kW/500Nm, 5.7L/100km) options join the 1.8 and the 2.0-litre (155kW/350Nm; 7.0L/100km) petrol A4 models in a wide-ranging, LCT-beating line up. The supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 A4, with 200kW/400Nm and quattro, misses out at 8.1L/100km.

Other good news is the addition of electromechanical (in place of rack-and-pinion) steering and tweaks to suspension.

The entry petrol and diesel A4 models come with 17-inch alloys; the 2.0 TFSI quattro, 3.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI quattro and 3.0 TFSI quattro models are offered with a choice of two 18-inch wheel designs. Sports suspension, Audi’s Drive Select system and a sports differential for the 3.0 quattro versions are among listed options.

The S4 sedan and Avant use the supercharged 3.0-litre petrol V6, tuned to deliver 245kW/440Nm, with  the S tronic seven-speed auto and quattro drive.

Audi claims the 0-100km/h sprint takes 5.0 seconds in the sedan and 5.1 in the Avant. 18-inch alloys and sports suspension come standard but Adaptive Damper Control is optional (for another $2200).

Mr Hagen suggested the small-scale restyle has a big effect for buyers of the model. “Residual value is something we are focussed on, so we try to develop a car into the next step. But not too high because the person who bought this car yesterday shouldn’t be driving an old car tomorrow.”

There’s more going on under the skin of the updated A4 range. “Facelift implies just a vehicle’s appearance has changed but drivetrains and supporting systems have been improved,” said local A4, A5 and Q5 product planner, Peter Strudwicke.

New interior trim options are available to order and the 15-tone exterior paint range includes six fresh tints. Those and the aforementioned modification to onboard system accessibility round out packaging updates; for details on dimensions including cargo space, see our reviews on the release of the eighth-generation A4/S4.

The S4 Avant features an electric open-close tailgate, exterior styling package and aluminium roof-rails.

Starting with the S4 sedan was a good way to get things rolling and fortunately we were on a decent stretch not far from Launceston airport. The sports sedan sounds great and generally feels the part, with trustworthy grip and balance. Acceleration is slick and the auto doesn’t fuss in its pace through the speeds.

The Avant version performs the same but has that little dose of special belonging to sport wagons. Aside from extra cargo room compared to booted equivalents, hot haulers stand out from the SUV crowd. This one in particular looks neat, however, the wagon’s rear seat is upright and legroom for passengers is tight behind a tall driver and/or co-pilot. Audi’s new A6 Avant offers a solution.

As conveyed in our international launch review, the 3.0-litre diesel quattro sedan is best of the bunch for its mix of strong performance and lean running costs. The lower-output front-wheel drive model also uses the engine to good effect but Audi Australia is expecting most of us will flock to the quattro version with good reason.

The entry 1.8-litre petrol model deserves more time. In both sedan and wagon form the engine is easy to keep on song and impressive under various demands. Naturally, the V6 petrol model tops the A4 chart in terms of output, but even the entry model performs well.

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