TOBY HAGON August 04, 2012
Update brings better value to an impressive luxury sedan.
It's action stations in the entry-level prestige sedan market these days. While attention is slowly swinging to the SUVs and new breed of upcoming affordable prestige littlies, the $60,000-odd four-doors still make up a fair chunk of the bread and butter of the luxury-car buffet.
That's perhaps no surprise given that for Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus the best selling model is still a traditional four-door sedan.
Perhaps no surprises, either, that the German trio mimics each others' moves when it comes to pricing and trends. So when BMW arrived with its all-new 3-Series it was almost perfectly choreographed with a freshening of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Now it's Audi's turn with a facelifted version of its A4. The range has been pared back but is still expansive, including better-equipped four- and six-cylinder models with sedan and wagon body styles and a price range that spreads to $70,000.
New lights and a freshened interior are the main obvious visual differences to what is a familiar but still stylish shape.
Details:
Price: $61,700 (man), $64,500 (auto)
Country of origins Germany
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 155kW at 4300-6000rpm
Torque: 350Nm at 1500-4200rpm
CO2 Emissions: 59g/km
Transmission: 6-sp manual or 7-sp dual clutch auto, four-wheel-drive
Weight: 1570kg
Safety: 8 airbags; stability control
Pros: Quality interior; strong turbocharged engine; agile dynamics; slick gear changes from auto transmission.
Cons: S-Tronic gearbox can be grabby from a standstill; firm ride; steering doesn't always deliver fingertip feedback.
Fuel use: 7.0L/100km (average)
Performance: 99kW/tonne (average)
Boot: 480 litres (good)
Resale: 51 per cent (average)
What do you get?
As with its key rivals - the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class - the A4 has had a price realignment, which is a neat way of saying reduction. But it's not the entry-level cars that have been chopped; they've just had more equipment added.
Instead Audi has joined its competitors by making it more appealing to step up in the slightly simplified model range.
All A4s come with rear parking sensors, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, electronic park brake, alloy wheels, automatic airconditioning, eight airbags (dual front, front- and rear-side and side curtain) and stability control. There's also a space-saver spare tyre and the trim is only partial leather, with lookalike stuff making up the rest.
Step up from the base 1.8 TFSI ($55,500 plus on-road and dealer costs for an automatic) or 2.0 TDI diesel ($57,900) and the 2.0 TFSI Quattro we've tested here is bang in the sweet spot, with a price tag of $64,500 for the auto, plus costs.
As well as Audi's Quattro four-wheel-drive system it also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, satellite-navigation, smart key with button start, electric seats, front parking sensors, aluminium trim inside, three-zone climate control airconditioning and a thoroughly respectable 10-speaker sound system. There are various packs available depending on the model, incorporating everything from radar cruise control and sporty design elements to heated and ventilated front seats, and a reversing camera (which should be standard).
What's inside?
There's a quality feel to the A4 from the driver's seat, from the detailed but clear red-and-white instrument cluster to the colour centre screen that's subtly tilted towards the driver. It reinforces the A4's intentions of being a driver's car more than a luxury machine.
Space up front is very good. Major functions are controlled by the MMI buttons and joystick near the gear selector, and team with the buttons on the steering wheel.
The rear seats aren't as generous when it comes to legroom. But there are rear air vents and a fold-out armrest that make it comfortable enough for two. There are no seatback pockets but decent binnacles in each door for storing odds and ends. The boot has a relatively small opening but is flat and usefully long, as well as having split-fold seats and some classy chrome tie-downs in the floor.
Under the bonnet
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is a familiar one throughout the Volkswagen-Audi world, but that's no bad thing. While its 155kW of power is nothing special, the 350Nm of torque is. Response just above idle is meaty, making it easy to build speed effortlessly around town or punch up a hill without requiring too many downchanges.
The seven-speed twin-clutch automatic is a smooth shifter once on the move and decisively selects the appropriate ratio. As with its competitors it calls for a diet of premium unleaded and is claimed to use 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres; we found it used more than 10L/100km in predominantly around-town running.
On the road
It's clear the brief with the A4 was more about driving enjoyment than comfort. Suspension is firm and the low-profile Pirelli tyres riding on 18-inch wheels are not the most compliant, which means bumps will most definitely be felt.
It's not jarring, but nor is it particularly comfortable. Brakes are solid and responsive and the TFSI is impressively agile and responsive to changes in direction. The steering feels laden in some situations and lacks the precision feel of some competitors.
Driving all four wheels, the 2.0 TFSI also punches reassuringly out of tighter corners and adds surety on slippery surfaces.
The competitors:
BMW 328i
Price: $64,600
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo; 180kW, 350Nm, 8-sp auto, RWD
Fuel use/C02 emissions: 6.3L/100km, 147g/km
Pros: Immensely flexible four-cylinder engine; smart auto; confidence-inspiring dynamics; elegant interior.
Cons: Engine doesn't sound great; ride can be fidgety at low speeds; no spare tyre; sound system could be better.
Our score: 4/5.
Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI
Price: $65,600
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl turbo; 150kW, 310Nm, 7-sp auto, RWD
Fuel use/C02 emissions: 7.2L/100km, 167g/km
Pros: Stylish interior; strong, frugal engine; comfortable.
Cons:Options can add up.
Our score: 4/5.
Lexus IS250 F Sport
Price: $66,800
Engine: 2.5-litre V6, 153kW, 252Nm, 6-sp auto, RWD
Fuel use/C02 emissions: 9.1L/100km, 214g/km
Pros:Value; good equipment; quality; refinement; big boot.
Cons:Thirsty; tight back seat; automatic geared too tall; firm ride; restricted rear vision.
Our score: 3.5/5
The verdict
The updated A4 may not bring the "all-new" tag of some competitors, but it arguably doesn't need to. Fresh engines and a closer look at the value equation have turned an already stylish sedan into an impressive luxury contender. And while the ride is firm, the A4 fires back with the sort of agility and competence that make it an enjoyable drive.