Is the German firm's flagship A4 diesel strong enough to take on the BMW 3-Series? We find out.



Only 10 years ago, Audi’s UK range consisted of 12 models. Today, its line-up is 25-strong and includes a super*car, while a new supermini will soon boost those numbers even further.

In spite of these signs of soaring growth, it’s the A4 compact executive that remains at the core of the firm’s operations – and as the new version hits UK roads this week, we drove it first to deliver our verdict.

We have already been impressed by the 1.8T FSI and 2.0 TDI variants in left-hand-drive form. Now, it’s the turn of the top-spec 3.0-litre diesel to be put through its paces. And with 237bhp and 500Nm of torque, it’s a strong performer – a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds means acceleration is nearly as fast as a Porsche Cayman.

But it’s the smooth nature of the V6 powerplant that really stands out, along with the effortless way it performs. Maximum torque is available from 1,500rpm and there’s virtually no turbo lag, so the A4 feels tractable from low speeds. As you’d expect, in-gear acceleration is good, too.

Our model was equipped with the optional Audi Driver Select (ADS) system, which enables you to optimise the power-steering assistance, adjust the dampers and sharpen throttle res*ponse according to road conditions.

There are three packages depending on which engine you opt for, but we tried the full set-up. Comfort, Dyn*amic and Auto presets are included, while Individual mode allows you to save your own settings.

Grip
In everyday situations, Auto is the best option. However, engage the Dynamic mode, and the A4 proves a real thriller. Thanks to its quattro four-wheel drive, grip is superb. Body control is equally impressive and the Audi is happy to be thrown hard into bends.

It’s not quite as engaging as the BMW 3-Series, yet it’s still competent, while the 4WD gives the A4 an advantage on slippery roads. The quattro system is currently available with a six-speed gearbox, but a revised Tiptronic auto will appear this year. Audi also offers technology usually found in the class above, such as lane assist, a reversing camera, electric handbrake and blind spot warning system.

Add all these features to the great engine and strong dynamics, and the flagship A4 diesel is a great package.

Rival: BMW 330d SE
The 3-Series is the benchmark in the class, and is the car Audi is aiming for. Both offer similar power outputs, kit and prices. The BMW has a narrow edge on driver involvement, but it can’t match the A4’s space and comfort.

I guess I'm so used to seeing the new A4 in white and red (in person) that this silver really looks good. Looks like a blend of the previous and current A6.

M

in case someone missed my photos from my A4 testdrive

BMW and Mercedes still have some ways to go to match Audi interior for interior across the line. The A4 shames the C-Class and 3-Series in this respect.

M

Yes, Audi interiors look more special. They are much better designed. BMW and Mercedes Interiors in this class are boring to say the least. Audi atleast makes there interiors look special and luxurious.

But after study the new A4 , the quality materials isnt better than bmw/mb. audi has gone a little bit lazy with the latest interiors or its cost savings audi is thinking about.

hi i like the new a4 ,,but i think they should have done more with design both int and exterior


i no most off you love the a4 interior but i must say i prefer the interiro of the new c class i like the a4 steering it looks thicker and more feel to it.


i find the centre console to busy especially near the gear and the mmi area

also the screen for navi is small compared too the c class

all in all imo the c class interior i would go for and also the exterior is fresher and different from the previos mo


i like audis although i am a mb man mainly but i felt that with the new a4 the design both int and ext is lacking and too similar to the previus a4 and other cars in the range

just my opinions havent driven one yet hope too soon


forgot to add i do like that the a4 interiro is angled towards the driber like the old 3 series bms in the 90 and other bms ..it was 1 part off the bmw interior i loved .dont know why they changed that..

Funny, I think the exact contrary...The A4 interior is, for me, badly designed, with no cohesiveness or harmony, and in fact no real design effort...

They had things like heaters, screen and buttons to put in it, and they did it where they could, without really thinking to it...At least it is my feeling for this interior.

I really don't like Audi's screens in there interior. There very small compared to what BMW and Mercedes offer. I also think they over style some parts of the interior that make it look fussy, eg. there instrument clusters. I also dislike the massive slap of plastic the passenger has infront of him. The interior is driver orientated yes, but BMW still made added design to thr passengers side instead of leaving it practically blank like audi have. It doesn't create a very cohesive design. It still looks more special then what BMW and Mercedes offer however.

Why Tiptronic is still not available on A4 3.0TDI? Is it coming or not?