Good:

Looks, room, performance, ride and handling
Not so Good:

Pricey extras, slightly notchy gearchange
Overall:

When it comes to the premium car market, the Germans have it covered; BMW, Mercedes and Audi rule the roost, while Jaguar, Lexus and the rest are left scrabbling for crumbs. The “small executive” sector is particularly sewn up by the chaps from southern Germany, with BMW’s 3-series outselling even the Ford Mondeo. Having set the background, any new model from “the big three” causes excitement, with the new Audi A4 being particularly keenly awaited. We drove three of the new A4 models at the car’s UK press launch in Portugal and can confirm that the wait was well worth it.

The new A4 uses the same platform as the A5 coupé launched in 2007, with the front axle being pushed forward. This results in the longest wheelbase in its class and makes the A4 look like a slightly smaller A6. Ride and handing are a definite improvement on the outgoing car, with the Portuguese roads failing to ruffle the car’s composure over the two days.

Initially, only SE models are being offered in the UK, with S-Line variants joining the line-up in April. An entry-spec 1.8 litre TFSI engine also joins the range in the spring, which will bring the choice of engines to five – two petrol and three turbodiesel. We didn’t try the 3.2 litre FSI but did sample all three of the TDI engines, which are now all common-rail powerplants with Piezo fuel injection. The 2.0 litre was particularly impressive and is a lot smoother and quieter than the “old” engine. Our favourite was the 3.0 litre V6, which will hit 62mph from rest in just 6.1 seconds while still returning nearly 41mpg. Like all quattro models, however, it will understeer if pushed hard.

The long wheelbase means both a huge boot and bags of room for rear-seat passengers, while major changes to the front suspension mean the driver will be more than happy, too. Another feature that’s a huge improvement is Audi’s “Drive Select” system, that controls throttle response, suspension and steering settings. Choose “Comfort” and the car will waft along, while “Dynamic” sharpens everything up to give a more sporty feel. Do what we did and leave it in “Auto” mode and the car decides for itself what mood the driver is in and what it should do as a result.

Of course, the “Drive Select” system, like so much else on the A4s we drove, is an option. Both the 2.7 and 3.0 litre cars had price tags on the wrong side of £40K, which is an awful lot of money. Of course, that’s a criticism that can also be aimed at the Audi’s two German rivals, but that didn’t make us feel any better. If you have the money, you can specify the A4 with no fewer than three separate radar systems to keep an eye on the cars ahead and alongside you and whether you’re wandering across white lines. Standard levels of equipment on SE models include three-zone climate control, keyless ignition and an electronic parking brake, while S-Line A4s get LED daytime running lights, part-leather upholstery and lowered suspension. Six-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all but the 2.7 litre TDI, with that car getting a CVT automatic transmission.

Whether it’s front wheel drive or quattro 4WD, the new A4 is a very good car. We doubt it’ll topple the 3-series from its lofty perch, but we prefer the stylish and laid-back Audi image and, given the choice, would opt for the A4 every time. It’ll be interesting when the RS4 comes along to tackle the M3, but that’s a debate for another time……

Report by Mark James



To see the video review of the Audi A4 visit ukcarnews.com