Audi A4 2016 Review

Audi A4 2.0 TDI quattro
Road Test

Audi’s new A4 brings a triple threat to the medium-sized prestige segment with keen pricing, options galore and prestige kudos, leaving it to the buyers to dial up the drama to a level just perfect for their needs. Priced at $66,900, the A4 2.0 TDI quattro is the sole diesel offering in the four-model line-up that starts at $55,500 (plus on-road costs). But does the German manufacturer’s reputation for pricey options take the shine off an odds-on favourite?

When Audi’s updated A4 hit the Australian market, it was met with worthy rivals – Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and BMW top those charts. Without even turning over the engine, it’s clear that Audi was well prepared for that. Extensive on paper specs and sharp pricing (from $55,500) suggest that Audi’s fifth-generation mid-sizer is in fine form.

Our test vehicle is the A4 2.0 TDI quattro, which sits one below the range-topping 2.0 TFSI. The only diesel-powered unit in the four-model range, it’s host to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 140kW/400Nm, arming it the most with the most torque across the A4 line-up. And it’s paired to a seven-speed S tronic transmission, common to all new A4 models. Top speed for the A4 TDI is listed at 235km/h with a 0-100km time of 7.2sec.

Inside there’s been a few changes (the large vent-style design that spans the full length of the dash I’m not a fan of), but for the most part it still remains a modern design that proves restraint can work. It’s showy, but not brash; modern, but not overwhelming. And the fit and finish is near flawless – a tactile feast at that. While there are no risks taken when it comes to design, conservatism is rarely rewarded. Don’t worry, there’ll be an option to fix that.

Modern technology is a major feature of the A4, even in the base model. But our vehicle takes it next level, with $7650 worth of extras. The big ticket item is Audi’s virtual cockpit priced at $2100 coupled with Audi assistance package ($1900) which features advanced safety kit including active lane-assist and adaptive cruise control.

In all honesty, the virtual cockpit is the bomb – a visual feast – and you’ll probably forever be cursing should you not option it. While lane-keep and adaptive cruise were much coveted features that made a long trip on a mind-numbingly boring freeway a little less tedious.

Back to the basics that you’re not forking out extra money for… and there are plenty. Standard infotainment equipment includes satellite navigation, 10-speaker sound system, smartphone interface including Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity all controlled via an intuitive command-style dial and buttons, and viewed on the 8.3-inch tablet-style screen.

Other nice-to-haves include electric adjust seats with two memory positions and tri-zone climate control which not even my children managed to break.

Ergonomics are spot-on and design execution is excellent. It’s a driver-centric cabin that is really easy to settle into and simple to navigate. My only gripe is one step too many to adjust climate control.

Second-row space is generous and comfort is also very good. You’ll easily accommodate three passengers. And if you’ve got littlies, there’s two ISOFIX mounts and anchor points.

With just two in the back, the centre armrest offers two sturdy cupholders and a small storage spot – home to the ‘dud team’ footy cards and Lego in our case. In-door storage and back of seat pockets means more places for stuff you’ll forever be searching for. It also has its own 12-volt outlet. A USB point would complete this picture.

Behind the wheel, the Audi A4 brings a dose of maturity and composure that is typical form for the sophisticated German manufacturer – but we’re not taking it for granted.

Plant your foot, hard, and power from the 2.0-litre engine is both prompt and graceful. And with quattro all-wheel drive grip on its side, you’re nothing short of confident in all manner of driving conditions.

Tipping the A4 into tight corners around the Otway ranges revealed a character more typical of a smaller, sportier car – not a 1650kg sedan measuring 4.72m. Even gravel roads proved an easy task for the grippy A4 – traction control doing its thing relatively unnoticed – all the while maintaining a comfortable ride for all passengers.

Adaptive sport suspension (a cost option at $1700) no doubt had its part to play in this smooth transition.

The seven-speed transmission is smooth in its transitions, and quick to drop a gear when you need some extra punch. Paddle shifts bring a new level of involvement if you feel so inclined – and they’re quick to respond too. On those winding Otway bends, they worked a treat.

Familiar enough with Audi’s optional drive select, it was Sport mode where I felt the happiest balance of effort and reward. Pedals feel good underfoot, and brakes were quick to bite. But changing to Sport mode just tightened up the show somewhat – and more revs brought a slightly better throttle response and audible enjoyment too.

The Audi’s steering is probably one of the areas where it’s not quite so perfect, well, at least not for all occasions. There’s good feedback at the wheel, but it lacks engagement you’ll find in other medium-sized rivals, like the Jaguar XE for example. It just feels a little artificial, and as a result you don’t feel that sense of emotion at the wheel.

What you do feel however is a great sense of composure and predictability – which has its obvious benefits. The tight chassis and adaptive sport suspension combat any external force that dares to threaten a truly refined ride. Rolling on 19-inch alloys, there is a bit of tyre noise, however.

It’s versatile too. We packed for a weekend away (envision weeks’ worth of gear) with the greatest of ease. With 480-litres at the ready (and 60:40 split folding seats), it’s hard to go wrong. You also get a luggage net and tensioning straps to safely secure items. But I do think they could have thrown in an electric boot close at this price point.

The Audi A4 was awarded a five-star crash rating from ANCAP, and includes good safety tech as standard, including high and low-speed autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention alert and blind-spot warning sensors.

And at the end of a week which included a good balance of city and freeway driving, the A4 returned an average consumption of 6.2L/100km – suitably frugal, but still short of the claimed 4.6L.

Audi offers a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and recommends service intervals of 15,000km, combined with a separate Car Care Service Plan rather than the more familiar capped-price scheme – not as generous or straight forward as others.

With options fitted, our test vehicle totals $78,427, but the best part of options is you don’t have to choose them – despite the writer’s advice that you definitely entertain the idea…

At a base cost of $66,900 you can put your calculators away – the A4 2.0 TDI quattro is a prestige favourite worth backing.

Our most recent prestige sedan comparison cpmarison will give you all the details on the A4 range when pitched against some heavy-hitting rivals.

2016 Audi A4 2.0 TDI quattro pricing and specifications:
Price: $66,900 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 140kW/400Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 4.6L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 121g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Jaguar XE (from $60,400 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz C-Class (from $60,900 plus ORCs)
>> BMW 3 Series (from $54,900 plus ORCs)