Audi A4 2008 review

Audi’s latest version of its mid-size entry is safer, lighter and sportier than its predecessor; and with four new refined engines, including two diesels, its greener too. We tested the two litre diesel but also in the new range is the 1.8 litre TFSI, the 2.7 litre TDI and the flagship 3.2 litre FSI quattro.

Exterior

Audi have made a big effort to make the new A4 appear more athletic, with taut, dynamic outlines and short front body overhangs. The longer bonnet and wheelbase help to give it more of a presence on the road. A strongly tapered rear, 16 inch alloy wheels and bold wheel arches emphasise the vehicles muscular, sporty appearance. Seventeen and eighteen inch wheels can be fitted. The 18’s come standard on the quattro. Wrap around xenon headlights contain 14 white light-emitting diodes for daytime driving. Exterior mirrors are electronically adjustable and house LED indicators. Remote central locking, a security engine immobiliser and front and rear parking sensors are standard across the range. A rear view camera is optional. The A4 is available in 15 body colours, more than any of its competitors.

Interior

Thanks to the longer wheelbase of the new A4, leg, shoulder, head and knee room have all increased and Audi have managed to incorporate more storage space throughout the cabin. The dash is simple and intuitive and shows careful attention to detail by way of good quality materials and workmanship. A large metallic dial on the centre console, together with the clear electronic display operates many of the vehicles features with minimal driver effort. The instrument cluster is easy to read and switches on the dash have a precision feel. There is an optional extra interior lighting package to add more sparkle to the cabin. The concert sound system is mp3 compatible and pumps out of 10 speakers including a subwoofer. For an extra $1500, a Bang and Olufsen system is available. Three-zone electronic climate control with sunlight dependent control, regulates the air temperature, flow rate and distribution. New ‘Climate Comfort’ perforated leather seats are adjusted electronically and have a position memory. The boot holds 480 litres which is more than any competitor and together with the flat floor and flat side panels, is extremely practical. With both the back seats folded down, capacity increases to 962 litres. The new A4 carries a space saver spare tyre.

Drivetrains

Our front wheel drive test car was powered by a two litre, 105kW/320Nm four-cylinder DOHC TDI engine with a VTG turbocharger. The bigger diesel version carries a V6 that steps power up to 140kW/400Nm. The smaller petrol engine in the range runs on a 1.8 litre, 118kW/250Nm, four cylinder TFSI engine, whilst the bigger quattro tiptronic V6 gives you 195kW and 330Nm. The 2.0 litre diesel shoots form 0-100 in 9.4 seconds and uses 5.8 litres in 100kms.

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, and a comfortable ride. It has also suppressed the potential for body vibration. Five-link front and independent-wheel, trapezoidal link rear suspension with brake assist have made this version of the A4 dynamically superior to Audi’s previous offering. Safety

Audi’s latest A4 has received the top five star ANCAP crash rating and comes with a comprehensive airbag package, ESP, ABS, ASR, EDL and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution. Pricing

A worthy rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series, the 2008 Audi A4 starts at $50,900 for the 1.8 manual petrol, up to $88,500 for the tiptronic 3.2 litre petrol quattro.

DRIVING

Halligan says

The A4 2.0 TDi is a practical car; it will find favour with a growing audience that wants to be seen as making sensible decisions that go some ways to helping the environment. Audi are doing a fantastic job at making a diesel an option to the everyman, even here in Australia. Winning Le Mans consistently and showcasing the R8 V12 TDi has certainly helped this profile. However, the 2.0 TDi has little in common with an exciting R8 in any flavour, save for quality engineering. While it is very competent and would make a fantastic taxi, it lacks the refinement and driver experience you expect from an Audi.

Both the braking and acceleration grab and jerk, and while the turbo is responsible for some of this it doesn't sit well with the profile of this car as transport for people who will pay a bit extra for German engineering over domestic.

It cruises well on the freeway and acceleration is good from any speed so long as you are not expecting it to be applied in a linear fashion.

At speed in the test car there was quite strong wind noise emanating from the rear door sills, again not expected from an Audi.

All controls are easily accessible and you don't need to read a manual to know what's what. I don't like the orange/red dash lights that are common in most German cars these days. Whatever useability expert came up with these as the default did not interview me. Please go back to light shades of blue and green so I don't have to keep putting my glasses on just to read the dash.

Audi seats are incredibly uncomfortable, with a convex curvature at the lower lumbar that pushes your spine all the wrong ways.

Another seat gripe for families with young kids is that the rear seats sit very low, and the belt line is quite high, which means the kids struggle to see out the window.

It is amazing to think that the A4 2.0 TDi and RS4 utilise the same platform. One is immensely desirable while the other is pedestrian.

Unless you are adamant you want a diesel, buy domestic or save your pennies a bit more and buy a C-Class.

Verdict: 7