Audi A4 FSI 2.0 2005 Review

Certainly, you are going to pay a premium for this level of substance – $61,300 in the case of the A4 FSI 2.0-litre turbo – but even this can be value when the experience is seamless. The new generation of A4 brings a mix of all-new and status quo to the table.

Immediately noticeable is the signature single-frame grille, which was introduced on the A6 and is trickling down the range.

Equally noticeable is the lack of change to the interior – not such a bad thing as the superceded model had the interior style many more expensive rivals wished for.

The real beauty of the new A4 FSI turbo is when it is out doing what it was designed for – putting long stretches of tarmac behind it in short order. This car is hugely different in character to the previous model.

That character is defined not just by the brand new 2.0-litre FSI turbo under the bonnet – the first generation of the petrol direct injection technology – and its 147kW and 280Nm. Neither is it only the multi-tronic, continuously variable transmission which,

in sport mode, is as aggressive through its seven pre-determined ratios as any paddle-shifter could want. It is all of that ... and the substantial work Audi's suspension engineers have done.

Much of that work has been concentrated at the front end, where rebound has been stiffened – allowing the car to stabilise quicker over broken surfaces with less propensity to wallow and dive.

On the road the real ability of the A4 is still not evident until the pace picks up and the road begins to snake. There are early clues this is an improved car, with more compliant ride and sharper steering, although there is still a slight vagueness just off centre.

However, as soon as you tuck the front end into a corner you know there has been some serious work done here. No longer does the car fight to continue straight ahead but hunkers down and follows the steering input with enthusiasm. There is some kickback over broken surfaces but more noticeable is the amount of feedback that is being communicated through the wheel.

In this front end is a new-found confidence and composure that the previous A4 had promised but never really delivered.

All the while, working behind the scenes should enthusiasm surpass ability, is the latest generation of Audi's acclaimed stability program – more effective and less intrusive, just how it should be.

The ESP now also allows for dual-stage de-activation by the driver. The first stage cancels the traction-control component.

Holding the button down for slightly longer will disable all functions of the program.

There is also a disc-wipe function which works to keep the brake discs dry in wet weather and dust-free in all conditions.

The system uses low-hydraulic pressure to regularly brush the pads against the discs.

Passive safety has not been ignored, with active head restraints now standard along with side airbags for the rear passengers – taking the car's total airbag count to eight.

Minor changes to the interior are headlined by the new multi-function steering wheel – radio, trip computer and paddles for the automatic transmission – which apes the shape of the A4 grille. The interior is highlighted by plenty of polished aluminium trim in a slightly longer and wider body.

Boot space is impressive and aided by the flat-floor treatment, which allows for several large suitcases or a couple of golf bags.