Audi A4 Reviews

Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI and Volvo V60 D3 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

If you want to succeed in the prestige car business in this country you need to field a competitive mid-sized model.BMW gets by on the back of its 3-Series, 'Benz depends on its C-Class, and Audi its A4, so when it comes time to renew these models there's an understandable level of nervousness among executives of the respective companies.It was the turn of the Audi execs to feel the heat when the company revealed its new A4 in 2008. The company had established the credibility of the A4 over previous generations, but knew the on-going success of the brand depended heavily on the eighth generation model. The previous generation fell somewhere between the BMW and 'Benz. It didn't handle as well as the 3-Series and wasn't as comfy as the C-Class, but the B8 A4 was improved on most fronts, which was needed to keep pace with the competition.Unlike its rivals the Audi is predominantly front-wheel drive with some premium four-wheel drive models. There was quite a selection of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from a 1.8-litre direct injection turbo four boasting 118 kW and 250 Nm to a 3.2-litre V6 petrol with 195kW and 330Nm powering the range-  topping four-wheel driver.The base four came standard with a six-speed manual; the diesels were hooked up to a CVT, and the 3.2 V6 to a dual-clutch auto. With its engine moved back a little and the steering rack shunted forward the A4's handling was improved, although it was still not quite in the 3-Series league.The ride was also found to be a little too hard for the class, especially when stacked up against the C-Class. Inside, the cabin was well fitted out and nicely refined, with little road or wind noise to upset the inner peace. The seats were comfortable and supportive, and there was plenty of head and legroom for those in the front and the back.As befits a car in it class the A4 came with a decent list of gear, like climate-control air, auto headlights and wipers, leather trim, fog lights, alloy wheels, 6.5-inch colour info screen and a split-  fold rear seat.IN THE SHOPThe eighth gen A4 is relatively new to the market, so there's little to report in the way of niggles or serious flaws. Right now it's important to find a car that has been well cared for and serviced according to the book.Most on sale will be fresh out of a lease so should have been maintained, but check for a service record anyway. Oil changes are important with modern engines so make sure the oil and filter have been replaced at the correct intervals.VW and Audi engines tend to consume a little oil, which makes it important to keep an eye on the oil level at regular intervals. The oil usage is minor and not an issue, but it has caught some people out before when they never bother to lift the bonnet. Make the usual checks for panel damage, that's poor panel alignment and mismatched paint etc.Overall the A4 is a sound vehicle and not one to give serious trouble.IN A CRASHFive stars says it all, there's no higher rating available. To get the top tick of approval the A4 had eight airbags, ABS brakes, traction control and stability control.UNDER THE PUMPThe choice of petrol and diesel engines gives buyers plenty of choice when it comes to fuel consumption. The best of the bunch is the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel at 5.8 L./100 km; the thirstiest is the 3.2-litre V6 that Audi claimed would do 9.0 L/  100 km. All petrol engines required 95-octane premium unleaded fuel.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $50,900 to $88,500Engine: 1.8-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol, 118 kW/250 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 105 kW/320 Nm; 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel, 140 kW/400 Nm; 3.2-litre V6, 195 kW/330 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 8-speed auto, 6-speed auto. FWD and AWDEconomy: 7.2 L/100 km (1.8 TFSI), 5.8 L/100 km (2.0 TDI), 6.9 (2.7 TDI), 9.0 L./100 km (3.2 V6 Q), 7.4 L/100 km (2.0 TDI Q), 6.9 L/100 km (3.0 TDI Q)Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagonVariants: 1.8TFSI, 2.0TDI, 2.7TDI, 3.2-litre FSI Quattro, 2.0 TDI Quattro, 3.0 TDI QuattroSafety: 5-star ANCAP.Not as sporty as the 3-Series, not as comfortable as the C-Class, the A4 fits somewhere in between. Worthy of a look.

You only have to look around you while parked in the daily traffic grind to know that Audi has made great strides in recent times; the multi-ringed badge of the German prestige brand is now a familiar sight on our roads. Where once Audis had a reputation for smoky engines and rusty bodywork they're now cars people

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?

Fuel efficiency is becoming a giant focus in Australia, even for luxury car brands.  We have yet to see a stop-start system in a Rolls-Royce, or a petrol-electric hybrid Bentley, but both are probably on the way and Ferrari and Porsche are already committed to hybrids in their lineups.At Audi, the efficiency message is spreading fast with all sorts of changes.  Its current green flagship is an A4 called the 2.0 TDIe, although it is also mightily proud of the E-Tron plug-in electric concept cars based on its R8 supercar.The A4 fuel miser is a super-efficient turbodiesel with rated fuel economy of just 4.8 litres/100km, and the sort of car which will happily clock 1000 kilometres and more on an interstate highway run. Audi proved its potential with a fuel economy run last year through the outback which reflected its claims on the car.But this test is not about the diesel hero. Instead, we have a car that is much more like the Audi an ordinary person would buy. It runs on petrol power and, despite a couple of economy tweaks, is basically an everyday prestige car.DrivetrainThe Audi in question is official the A4 2.0 TFSI quattro manual, which picks up a stop-start engine system and a gearshift advisory which points you to the most-efficient gear for any driving situation.Audi Australia says work on the 'regular' A4 petrol has cut its fuel consumption by 20 per cent since the 2005 model year, yet the current car still has 155kW of turbo power with economy of 7.3 litres/100km.  "Being green is a bonus and a competitive edge," says Roxanne Persehais of Audi Australia."We will put a diesel TDIe through the Carsguide test soon, but in the meantime the basics of the A4 are much as before with a four-door body, quattro drive in this model, and the petrol turbo engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.PricingThe A4 is not cheap, and a few pieces of optional equipment - pearl pain, MMI navigation, wood inlays and special leather - take the test car just a whiff below $76,000. That's hefty, particularly as Audi quotes a basic price of $69,300.Driving - Paul GoverThe A4 has always been a smooth operator and this car - with its sweet turbo petrol powerplant - is particuarly good.  I come expecting a definite efficiency focus but the only giveaway is the stop-start system which triggers at the first lights - and re-lights the engine as well as any system I know - and a small gear number light which gives a green hint of the next ratio when it's time for an early upshift to save fuel.I do not know if it's anything special in this car, or just a top-of-mind focus on economy, but my time with the A4 goes quickly and I have no trouble matching the official 7.3 litres/100km fuel figure.  The engine gives a nice surge of power from very low revs and I'm not really tempted to head for the redline, relying instead on six gears to keep things moving along. The shift is good and the car is very, very quiet at freeway cruising speeds.I'm less impressed - as I have always been - by the dynamics of the A4, even with quattro all-wheel drive. It does not feel as planted and responsive as the latest C-Class Benz or the 3-Series from BMW, and the all-new Volvo S60 I drove last week in Portugal will also be a better choice for keen drivers.But that's not what this A4 is about - it's a prestige family car.  So I like the space in the cabin and the fit-out - but not the price of the extra options - the giant boot, the Xenon headlamps and the clear dials and easy-to-use controls.Time with this particular A4, which I had planned to focus on efficiency, actually serves as a reminder of the all-round strengths of the mid-sized Audi. It has definitely moved up a few points on the Carsguide score chart and is a car I would easily recommend, although not as an all-round winner over the Benz C.She says - Alison WardWow, I didn't expect this car to cost quite so much. I'm a bit ho-hum about it in the beginning, but it grew on me over time like a nice glass of wine.  I also have to remember it's up against BMWs and Benzes.I love how incredibly smooth it is to drive, and the quietness. Even the blinker is relaxing, and that's coming from someone who cannot stand the clang-clang-clang reminder you get even in some very expensive cars.I also really like the boot, which is huge and easy to use, and the leather seats which are comfy and also give protection against the bub and those messy dogs who come riding sometimes.  I hate that it doesn't have a reversing camera and the industrial styling inside does nothing for me, but it is a quality car that is very easy to live with every day.I know if you had one of these you would still like it in 10 years time, and that's a major plus.  So I guess it has won me over and I really like that it is so easy on fuel, without resorting to hybrid gadgets.Score 79/100The Bottom LineA sweet car with impressive economy, but not cheap.Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro (stop-start)PRICE $69,300ENGINE 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinderPOWER  155kW at 6000 revsTORQUE 350Nm from 1500-4200 revsTRANSMISSION Six-speed manual, quattro all-wheel driveECONOMY 7.3/100km combinedEMISSIONS 169g/kmRivalsBMW 323i: 79/100 (from $59,100)Mercedes-Benz 250 CGI: 82/100 (from $65,900)Lexus IS 250 Luxury: 76/100 (from $77,400)  

IN this country, you might as well market a car without wheels as one with a manual transmission.  Australian drivers have become shiftless slobs for whom changing gears is as inconceivable as flicking channels without a remote. But would you  (re-)learn the art of stick-shifting to save the planet?I ask because the leanest-running sedan in the country is not Toyota's taxpayer-underwritten fleet machine, the Camry Hybrid. It's one that, while $10K more expensive, plays in a different class and benefits from an exemption to Kevin Rudd's idiotic luxury car tax.Bizarrely overlooked by certain media outlets at its launch, the `e' version of Audi's A4 diesel can, in ideal conditions, return a Prius-approximating 124g of CO2 per kilometre and 4.8L per 100km — 1.2 better than the stolid Camry.  More tangibly (and perhaps more impressively, after spending last week solely in Sydney's ever more appalling traffic), we averaged 7.7L per 100km.A small part of that is due to the "stop-start'' system that switches off the engine when you're halted, gearstick in neutral. It re-starts seamlessly when you depress the clutch (automatically, when it feels it has been off for too long) — a system compatible only with a manual transmission.Other consumption-enhancing tweaks are a lowered ride height; a higher final-drive ratio; low-resistance tyres; a system that recovers energy lost under braking; and an instrument-panel readout that tells you when to change up for optimum economy.Although a petrol-electric hybrid will almost always drink less in the city, the Audi would always do better on the open road.  The A4 TDIe's eco-friendly tweaks do nothing to compromise its driveability, which is acceptable for a front-wheel-drive diesel, rather than exceptional. Steering feel is, as ever, Audi-lite.As an engaging experience, the A4 isn't within a bull's roar of BMW's 320 diesel. For that matter, it isn't up to the Mazda6 oiler either, but the former is unacceptably expensive and neither runs as lean as the Audi. And, objectivity out the window, neither looks nearly as cool.Even more to the point for an Audi buyer, the luxury packaging and quality feel it does almost peerlessly is present and correct.  No doubt some will complain of the diesel's noise, and they'd have a point if you could drive with your ear pressed to the bonnet.It's refined and smooth, with all the mid-range punch of the conventional A4 two-litre diesel.  A pity, then, that the only real caveat goes to the heart of the TDIe's manual operation.We've asked before, we'll ask again: what is it with positioning the pedals so far to the right? This is especially noticeable with the constant early shifting required to obey the dash display. Nor is there sufficient room in the footwell.  Then again, this is for the planet, people — so harden up and stop being a soft cog.Audi A4 TDIePrice: $49,900Engine: 2L/4-cylinder 100kW/320Nm turbo dieselTransmission: 6-speed manual, FWDThirst: 4.8L/100km (claimed)Rivals: BMW 320d ($58,300); Mazda6 Diesel Sports Hatch ($42,815); Toyota Camry Hybrid Luxury ($39,990)

The A4 range is littered with drivetrain options and the latest in the ever-increasing Audi line-up isn't another go-fast model, but a go-further variant.  The A4 TDIe follows in the tyre marks of the smaller A3 with the same badge that launched here in mid-2008, boasting even better fuel economy than the already-frugal diesel models.Engine and gearboxThe TDIe shares the same engine with its TDI sibling - a four-cylinder double overhead cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine with a variable-geometry turbocharger and a particle filter.  The TDIe produces 100kW - down by 5kW - with the same 320Nm of torque.The frugal version actually boasts a higher top speed by 5km/h (it's 215km/h, thanks to a higher final drive ratio) but is only 0.1 of a second behind.  Sitting 20mm lower, the A4 TDIe lays claims to an ADR laboratory-derived figure of 4.8 litres per 100km and 124g/km, which is one litre per 100km and 30g/km better than the mainstream diesel model with the CVT.Priced from $49,990, it's also $3000 cheaper, thanks in part to its LCT exemption but the payoff there comes from the lack of any automatic transmission - six gears and a clutch pedal is the only choice here.Fit-out and equipmentThe leather-trimmed cabin is not much different than the bulk of the A4 range - quality materials and assembly, functional layout and a features list that isn't too bad.  The safety features list has dual front airbags for the front occupants, as well as side and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, stability control and anti-lock brakes.The TDIe gets fog lamps front and rear, remote central locking, climate control, cruise control, power windows, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, manually-adjustable front seats and a 10-speaker single CD (MP3 compatible) sound system.Among the options are Bluetooth phone link, which should really be standard, for $1006, the multi-media MMI satnav system, which has a hard-drive and Audi Music Interface for $3390 or a pack that comprises electric seats (with memory function for driver), exterior mirrors (with folding, auto dimming and heated) and an auto-dimming centre rearview mirror for $4226.Cabin space isn't overly abundant, but it's enough for average-sized adults and a couple of kids in the back and they will all be pretty comfortable.DrivingThe driver gets a vehicle that is light and easy to drive, although the clutch takes a little getting used to for feel and the gearbox can thump a little if you're over eager on the change.  Short-shifting is easily achieved with the engine's strong bottom-end, which also helps to keep the thirst down.Audi isn't the only brand with diesels devoid of an automatic option and it will limit the car's appeal in the Australian market, given the high percentage take-up of autos.  But the boffins at several companies - not just the Audi engineers - are working on Start-Stop functionality within an automatic.  The Start-Stop function takes some getting used to but works well.The engine turns off at a standstill when out of gear and the clutch pedal is released, and kicks over again as soon as any pressure is put on the pedal again.  The standard system is at its most effective during traffic-choked city driving, where Audi claims as much as 1.5 litres/100km can be saved.Some similar systems require the clutch to meet the firewall.It's better than having to floor the clutch before it re-fires, making it a little less worrisome at the traffic lights.  The fuel-saving list also includes a partially-enclosed front grille, underbody aero panels and regenerative braking, which stores energy in the car's battery and redeployed to the car's systems as needed.A shift indicator also prompts the driver's gearshifts for maximum efficiency.  The diesel needs a few revs on board before it really gets into the swing of things, but once on boost there's plenty of drive on offer.It's a smooth and quiet drive, although the lowered sports suspension may be on the firm side for some.  The Audi A4 TDIe is a good example of what can be done to reduce fuel use and emissions without going over the top and detracting from the real-world useability.Audi A4 TDIe sedanPrice: from $49,990.Engine: two-litre DOHC 16-valve common-rail direct-injection turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder.Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive.Power: 100kW @ 4200rpm.Torque: 320Nm between 1750 & 2500rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 9.5 seconds, top speed 215km/h.Fuel consumption: 4.8 litres/100km, on test 7.4; tank 65 litres.Emissions: 124 g/km.Suspension: Five-link front suspension, upper and lower wishbones, tubular anti-roll bar (front); independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear suspension with resiliently mounted subframe, anti-roll bar (rear).Brakes: front ventilated discs, rear discs, with anti-lock and stability control systems.Dimensions: length 4703mm, width 1826mm, height 1407mm, wheelbase 2811mm, track fr/rr 1568/1555mm, cargo volume 480/962 litres, weight 1475 kg.Wheels: 16in alloysRivals:Alfa Romeo 159 1.9 JTD, from $52,990.BMW 320d, from $58,300.Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI, from $$61,400.Volvo S40 D5, from $42,950.

Pedigrees do not come much better than Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI engine. It won its category at this year's engine ‘Oscars’, having been voted best-in-class in the 1.8 to 2.0-litre category. But what does all that mean for consumers?Unlatch the bonnet and they will find this turbocharged engine in the engine bay of many Audi models. It is available in various tunes from 125kW to 188kW in the A3 Sportback, A3 cabrio, S3, A4, A5, A6 and Q5.In its most potent form it develops 200kW in the TTS coupe with S-tronic. The award cited the turbo's match of power and economy. There's no doubt that combined with Audi's seven-speed S-tronic gearbox, the engine is a blast to drive in the newest $73,900 A4 sedan 2.0 TFSI.After a week pedalling the A4 quattro fitted with the 155kW/350Nm turbo four; buyers looking for performance but with an eye on the hip-pocket at the petrol pump will appreciate this modest drinker.Audi quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 7.4 litres/100km. That seems achievable but when you use the available low-down performance as we did, economy takes a back seat. With the 350Nm available from just 1500 revs the A4 will slingshot away from traffic lights with the single mindedness of a racing greyhound.There are no real surprises with A4's S-tronic gearbox, essentially Audi's version of a dual-clutch transmission. The S-tronic is well matched to the turbo four and reacts quickly and seamlessly once under way. But like many of the newer dual-clutch gearboxes, it still has momentary lapses in concentration at idle, a bit like a seniors' moment.The well equipped A4-2.0 TFSI combo is at the top end of Audi's mid-size lineup. Like most of the German brands though, the sting is with the options, the most outrageous being $1695 extra for metallic paint.Adding some spice with the $1695 18-inch alloys, $3390 for the navigation package, Audi's $3390 drive select with adaptive dampers, $1324 for side assist and $318 for high beam assist catapaults the price to more than $85,000. But even at this price the 2.0 TFSI is a worthy thoroughbred.

With different engine and transmission choices, plus the models that offer the German brand’s signature quattro drive, there’s probably an A4 for nearly every individual taste. And then there are some that should have appeal across a wider demographic. The A4 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with the quattro all-wheel drive is one of those.ExteriorAudi have made a big effort to make the new A4 appear more athletic, with taut, dynamic outlines and short front body overhangs, and the longer bonnet and wheelbase helping to give it more street presence.A strongly-tapered rear, 18in alloy wheels and bold wheel arches emphasise the vehicle’s muscular, sporty look.Wraparound xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights are standard, and are echoed by the Led indicators in the exterior mirrors.Other features include keyless entry and start, plus Audi’s parking system with audible alerts.InteriorThe longer wheelbase of the new A4 makes for increased leg, shoulder, head and knee room and Audi have managed to incorporate more storage space throughout the cabin.The dash is simple and intuitive and shows careful attention to detail with good quality materials and workmanship. A large metallic dial on the centre console and a clear electronic display operate many of the vehicle’s features with minimal driver effort - as does the multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.The instrument cluster is easy to read and switches on the dash have a precision feel.The ‘symphony’ sound system is mp3 compatible and pumps out of 10 speakers, while for an extra $1589 you can upgrade to a Bang and Olufsen system.Three-zone electronic climate control airconditioning with sunlight dependent control, regulates the air temperature, flow rate and distribution. The new perforated leather seats with electronic adjustment and memory allow the flow of the airconditioning through seat base and back.The practical flat-surfaced boot holds a best-in-class 480 litres, which increases to 962 litres with the back seats folded down. Unfortunately, some of that space gain means the sacrifice of a normal sized spare in favour of a space saver.Drivetrain The 3.0 litre V6 trubo-diesel engine puts out 176kW at 4000-4400rpm and 500Nm at 1500-3000rpm.The quickest in the A4 range, it motors from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds via a six-speed tiptronic transmission with a direct-shift program that monitors the driving pattern and adjusts the shift characteristics to match..CO2 outputs are reasonable at 182gm/km as is fuel economy at 6.9litres/100km.Ride and handling The use of high grade steel in the body shell has saved on weight and contributed to the level of rigidity necessary for precise and accurate handling while still giving a comfortable ride, partly due to helping suppress vibration.Five-link front suspension coupled with an independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear system with brake assist have improved the dynamic behaviour.SafetyAudi’s latest A4 has won the top five-star ANCAP crash rating and comes with a comprehensive airbag package, electronic diff lock, stability and traction controls, and anti-skid brakes with brakeforce distributionPricing The A4 range starts at $50,900 for the 1.8 TFSI, with the 3.0 TDI we tested at $86,056. The range tops out at $90,900 with the 3.2 FSI.Driving This car feels solid and dependable. Overall, it does everything it was designed to do well and in a stylish manner.Audi have led the way in the refined turbo-diesel market and to this point they have had that niche sewn up. A lot of people would probably not pick at first that this is a diesel. And the efficiency of this V6 turbo becomes an even more attractive option with the price cap now closing again between deisel and unleaded fuelA diesel four-door family sedan that works at the entry level to the prestige market is becoming a higher volume niche, even here in Australia. Mercedes are now coming after Audi with their new BlueEfficiency 250 CDi engine in the C-Class, which promises similar performance and refinement in a twin stage turbo four. But for now, Audi has a distinct head start as well as the marketing lead with yet another win on debut of this year’s diesel GT1 racer.The A4’s exterior styling is clean, and the Audi family nose is one of the better and easiest to identify design cues around. The interior is also one of the best with the centre console controls being the most logical on the street - at least for my logic.Performance and economy are well balanced. Put the foot down and there is plenty of pick-up, with torque always an advantage of a diesel. Be gentle on the pedal and you will be rewarded in the hip pocket.Rating - 8.6

Think German car makers and you’ll most likely think of ’Benz and BMW, and possibly also VW, but you may not think of Audi. Despite a glorious history of engineering excellence and sporting achievement, the four ringed badge of Audi barely gets any attention here.Audi has been sold here on and off for many years, but those early models are now largely recognisable for the large rust holes appearing in the bodywork, and the copious clouds of smoke belching from their exhausts. You notice them for all the wrong reasons.That changed a little when the brand made a new start under the stewardship of Inchcape.The 80 was a decent enough car, nothing remarkable, but good enough to win a small following of those who wanted German engineering, but didn’t want to follow the pack into the ’Benz or BeeM fold.It was the 80’s replacement, the A4 that really began to build Audi’s reputation here. It was the first of the new generation of Audis, a competitor for the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class that could be taken seriously.Simply changing the name was enough to signal the company was making a new start.MODEL WATCHThe A4 was essentially the same size as the 80 it followed, but it was based on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and wider track. The overall length was the same, it was actually one millimetre shorter, but it was significantly wider than its predecessor.The A4’s weight was cut by 45 kg, not by the use of aluminium body panels, which was being pioneered on the large A8, but by the extensive use of plastics in non load bearing locations.Aluminium was employed in the A4’s compact four-link front suspension, brought over from the A8.Under the stubby tail of the front-wheel drive models was a conventional torsion beam, from the 80, while four-wheel drive models had a double wishbone arrangement.Unlike most other front-wheel drive cars the engine was located longitudinally in the chassis, but that was because it suited the use of four-wheel drive.The engine choices were almost bewildering. The main four-cylinder choice was a new long stroke fuel-injected 1.8-litre, with five valves per cylinder, which Audi claimed delivered better torque and much improved fuel consumption through more efficient combustion.For more dash Audi also offered a turbocharged version of the 1.8-litre four. With 110 kW at 5500 revs and 210 Nm from 1750 rpm to 4600 rpm, the blown four put out 18 kW and 37 Nm more than its naturally aspirated cousin.When pressed the A4T would race to 100 km/h in 8.3 secs, and reach a top speed of 222 km/h.Audi also offered a choice of two V6 engines, both lifted from the larger A6 without change. The 2.6-litre boasted 110 kW, while the 2.8 had 142 kW. In 1998 the 2.6-litre was replaced by a 121 kW 2.4-litre V6.Braking the A4 was easy with discs at each corner, assisted by standard ABS, and electronic brake force distribution.Inside, the A4 had quality plastics and trim, along with a long list of standard features, including dual airbags, auto air-con, remote central locking, power windows, and super sound.IN THE SHOPChris Lake services many A4s in his Auto Deutsche workshop, and says the A4 has no major problems with its body/engine combinations.He says the timing belt replacement is due at 90,000 km intervals, and is a major repair best done by removing the front of the car completely.Rebuilding the auto transmission is also a very expensive exercise, starting at $4000 and climbing from there.Other items regularly repaired are engine mounts, C/V drive shaft boots, lower control arm bushes, front end knocks, oil leaks on V6 engines, climate control displays not reading properly.The A4 generally stands up to high mileage quite well, but it’s important to find one with a verifiable service record from an acknowledged specialist. It’s particularly important that the engine oil has been changed regularly, as the sludge build up as a result of missed servicing can be terminal.In overall quality terms, Lake rates the A4 behind the C-Class Benz and the E36 BMW, its main rivals.OWNER’S VIEWPeter Colaci’s 1995 A4 2.6 has done 140,000 km, and he says it drives beautifully. He bought it because of its build quality, safety, and styling. In the 18 months he’s owned it he has had to replace the thermostat, otherwise it’s been trouble free.LOOK FOR• zippy turbocharged engine• solid build construction• expensive servicing• regular servicing• poor resaleRIVALS• BMW 3-Series – 1994-2001 – $21,000-$60,000• Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 1996-2000 – $32,000-$62,000THE BOTTOM LINEGood performance and handling, with build quality expected of German car, but held back by relatively poor resale.RATING60/100