Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro 2012 Review

While the transmission did creep a little at low speeds, it wasn’t as pronounced as the Volvo S60. The idle stop-start system worked well, firing quickly when compared to the Mercedes-Benz, but without the smoothness of the BMW.

With larger tyres and all-wheel drive grip, the Audi A4 was a competent corner carver. It felt closer to a neutral ideal than the Benz, too. Indeed, the Audi's abilities are only hamstrung by the car’s inconsistently weighted electrically-assisted steering.

Ride/handling compromise was listed as just short of the BMW’s. The A4's wishbone (front) / multi-link (rear) arrangement soaking up all but the largest craters with aplomb.

Progressive feel from the brake pedal contributes to confidence-inspiring performance from the all-wheel disc brakes. These stoppers are among the best on test. Annoyingly, however, Audi Hold Assist (brake-hold function) did not sync with the car’s idle stop-start system, meaning the engine would not switch off at idle when the brake-hold function was operative.

If we had one final criticism it would be that the turning circle was the second-worst on test, trailing just behind the Volvo. The 'wind-up' of the quattro all-wheel drive system is also felt on full-lock at low speeds.

We felt the styling wasn’t different enough when viewed against the outgoing model. Trainspotters will pick the new model from its predecessor. Joe Public will not.

Inside, the gain in equipment over the previous model is best described as marginal. That said Audi does pack a lot into the A4 and even with the modest options fitted to our test car – Metallic Paint ($1270), Sports Front Seats ($577) and Audi Hold Assist ($154) – it was still the second cheapest ($66,501 as tested).

Whether it was the vehicle’s added all-wheel drive weight, the sportier engine tune or its dislike of stop-start traffic, Audi A4 scored third place for fuel consumption behind BMW and Volvo. The total figure was 12.9L/100km – this compares to the ADR combined figure of 7.0L/100km.

Panel fit and alignment was excellent, the finer details such as badge alignment also demonstrating a level of care not always seen in other makes.

In contrast to recent years, some of our judges felt the interior was a step behind the other Germans on test and that the leather has a synthetic, almost “scratchy” texture about it. Some of the interior plastics and switchgear felt as if it was sourced straight from Volkswagen ilk and would wear more quickly. It’s a similar story with the Lexus/Toyota relationship.

PURPOSE
A4 has gained improved interior space over previous model, though this has given the exterior a ‘stretched’ look that detracts from the simplicity of the original.

The optionally fitted sports front seats were rated as comfortable, despite the texture of the upholstery, with both front and rear accommodation ranked as “very good” by even our tallest judges. The driver’s position was also listed as one of the better in the comparison with outward visibility ranked equal second with BMW, and just behind the Mercedes-Benz.

A4 also scored well for oddment storage while equally the best-in-class for boot space [BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 both offer 480 litres of cargo space]. It is fitted with a space saver spare wheel as standard.

The engine Start/Stop button is hard to locate (on left of console in silver, doesn’t light up, engraved text doesn’t stand out), and seems obsolete given that the car also starts when the key is inserted into the slot.

Depending on the age of the pundit concerned, Bluetooth connectivity was noted as “very easy to set up” through to “couldn’t easily use Bluetooth”. The choice of steering wheel-mounted controls or console mounted master knob also baffled some testers; most also approved of the electric park brake which was a little smarter and better positioned than that found in the Volvo S60.

Safety systems and airbag numbers also ranked highly when viewed against the rivals tested, as did the quality of the audio system which ranked a not-too-distant second place behind Lexus’ Mark Levinson package.