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Originally Posted by 20Veetee  Why shouldn't it do well?
I drove an A4 2.0 TDI with about 20k euro in options. It's difficult to compare option prices over different countries as cars/options on cars are expensive in my country. However, it stays a fact that the new A4 requires a lot of options to look as good as the Audi press pictures make it look.
If I compare it against the C class, that looks great in Avant Garde, and the 3 series that is becoming much more loaded with standard options as the model ages. The A4 is now the most expensive option if you compare it against BMW/Mercedes.
And then, the A4 is lacking RWD, so you will have to go for quattro or settle for FWD.
Now for the drive itself, it drove very well. I drove a standard chassis (non sports) with 17" rims. It was a bit too comfortable for my tasting, steering was as expected from Audi. I missed a bit of feedback. Overall the car was neutral with a natural tendency to understeer. The new 2.0 TDI engine (common rail) was absolutely great, it reminded me of the fantastic 2.0D engine from BMW. Smooth, silent almost petrol like. However, it misses 30bhp to really compete with the BMW 320d.
But the driving itself did not push my button, it was nice but not great.
Interior is great looking but again requires all the right options to look like the Audi press pictures. Please remind that if you don't take the most expensive navigation you will not get the nice color screen and MMI.
Overall a nice car, but expensive, and really can you explain why an Audi should be more expensive than a BMW or Mercedes? |
I don't know how it is in your country but here in the US, the AUDI's are usually a bit cheaper than the BMWs which are just a bit cheaper than Benz.
As for your driving impressions of the car. Nice little write up you did there, but it is your opinion. It's not right or wrong, it's just how you feel. But most people in the world who will end up buying this car will buy this for the way it looks on the outside, the room on the inside and trunk.
Most people don't have any idea what "engine smoothness", "sports handling" or even "steering feel" is all about. Hell, there is a reason why people love lexus in the US, and that's thanks to the way the cars take the bumps and there is no feedback/drama in the steering wheel. Sure, us enthusiasts hate that but the rest of the public is pretty much ignorant about that subject and can care less about it because to them the car is meant to go from point A to point B and they buy the car that can do that in the most luxurious way that their budget can afford.
So for what it's worth, this car one of the best cars that upper-middle class family could afford without TRULY breaking their bank. So, this is a good car and is up to date with todays standards. As for the options, I believe the Germans are the stingiest F__ks when it comes to them. When everyone else is making some of the basic sh!t like HID lights standard, the Germans insist on charging for them, and not even a fair price either. They freakin charge anywhere from $900 to $1500 for HIDs. Hell, you can find 'em for FAR cheaper in after-market. As for the press pictures comments, dude it's called marketing. They're not going to show their most basic POS interior/exterior, so they show WHAT you can get if you pay the price. That goes for ALL automakers in the world.