Audi A4

Expert Review by Maxabout

Audi India launched the much-awaited New A4 on 3rd May, 2012 in Indian market. It is available in three variants with prices starting from Rs. 29.86 lakhs (Ex-showroom Maharashtra). New model of A4 features all-new headlights and tail lamps. As per the company claims the the new model is also marginally larger in comparison to the outgoing model and new models are also more fuel efficient and comfortable. Looking at the rising competition from Mercedes and BMW, Audi has re-launched A4 with few changes to take on its rivals.

Exterior

The new Audi A4 borrows some of the styling bits from its elder sibling A6 and looks much premium and classy than before. Most noticeable changes are made to its front and side styling. The new face features two prominent Audi characteristics which includes hexagonal grille and LED daytime running light strips in its xenon headlights with more angular fog lights which are rectangular in shape. The side creases also gets bolder and sharper and it looks extremely aerodynamic when seen from either side. It has a short rear overhang with stretched bonnet and fender which makes it look like a coupe and its 16 and 17 inch five spoke alloy wheels looks cool and sporty. The rear profile has been slightly tweaked but you will need a magnifying glass to point out the changes.

Interior

The interior of this car almost remains unchanged with similar color and visual appearance. However it gets a new 4-spoke multifunctional steering wheel with new gear lever wrapped in leather. It uses brown colored wooden trims on its door panels with optional leather upholstery. Five adults can easily fit into this car with ample amount of headroom and legroom. The overall quality of interiors has improved than before and can easily impress you.

Comfort and Convenience

The new A4 features three-zone automatic air conditioning, front centre armrest with rear headrest. For better visibility, its front seats are electrically adjustable. It also features glass sunroof and cruise control which gives you stress free long rides. It has electrically adjustable, fold-able and heated outside mirrors which helps you while parking with Audi parking system plus. Other features include electric sun blind for rear window and manual for rear side windows.

Dashboard and Storage

It has a black colored dashboard with wooden inlays and a centre console. The touch and texture quality of the plastic is very satisfactory. It also houses the familiar instrument panel and Multi Information Display. This dashboard has a huge glove box with pockets on all doors, back pocket on front seats and bottle holder in floor console. It has a massive boot capacity of 480 litres which can easily take the luggage of a full size family.

Music System

New Audi A4 sports a concert radio, Audi music and Bluetooth interface with steering mounted controls to make your rides musical and enjoyable.

Engine and Gearbox

There are 3 engine options available in Audi A4. One of them is a 1.8L TFSi petrol unit. This turbocharged engine now churns out a maximum power of 170 bhp at 4500 rpm with a maximum torque output of 320 Nm ranging from 1400-3700 rpm. This engine is mated with an eight speed automatic transmission. The other two are the diesel engines. One of them is a 2.0L TDI engine which generates a peak power of 177 Bhp at 4200 rpm with a torque output of 380 Nm available at 1750rpm.This engine is mated with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. The second diesel engine is a powerful V6 3.0L TDI engine with a power and torque output of 245 bhp and 500 Nm coming at 4000 rpm and 1500 rpm respectively. It uses a 7 speed S-tronic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

Its 2.0L TDI engine feels the most underpowered and slowest amongst the all 3 engines. It does 0-100km/hour in more than 10 seconds with a top speed of 210km/hr. It’s also slower than its rivals. The petrol engine, thanks to the increased power output now takes around 8.5 seconds to reach 100km/hour from standstill. It manages to reach a top speed of 225km/hr. It feels better than before and responses well in comparison to Mercedes C class but it is nowhere near to the petrol engine used in the new BMW 3 series. The V6 3.0L diesel engine is the fastest amongst all and does 0-100km/hour in less than 6seconds and reaches a whacking top speed of 250km/hr. This engine is specially crafted for enthusiasts and feels best in its class.

Mileage

Audi claims that the new A4 is 10% more fuel efficient than before. They claim a fuel efficiency of around 15km/ltr with both 1.8L petrol and 3.0L diesel engine. Expect these figures to be around 10-12km/ltr in daily usage. The 2.0L diesel engine can give you a mileage of around 13km/ltr in city conditions.

Safety Features

New Audi A4 comes with 6 airbags for front and rear, ABS with EBD and ESP to maximize your safety in this car. Other safety features include anti-theft alarm and bolts with auto release function.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension in this car is specially mated for Indian conditions and works brilliantly at all speeds. Potholes are easily digested and you get a comfortable ride. All four wheels are equipped with ventilated disk brakes.

Ride and Handling

Audi A4 handles really well in city conditions with its light steering wheel. The low ground clearance of 128mm may be an issue while crossing big potholes. With a wheelbase of 2808mm and R16 and 17 sizes of tyres, it holds the road really well and it is fun to drive at high speed corners as there is no body roll and car feels very balanced.

Warranty

A4 is available in six shades and three variants with three different engines. All three variants come with a warranty of 2 years/unlimited kilometres.

Variants

New Audi A4 is available in three variants: A4 1.8 TFSi, A4 2.0 TDi and A4 3.0 TDi Quattro.

Verdict

The new Audi A4 is cheaper than its outgoing model and other rivals. This is the biggest USP of this car. With new styling and increased power output, its petrol version makes more sense than before but it’s the diesel version which makes it a good buy. Its 3.0L diesel variant makes it a complete value for money car as with this engine it gives you the best performance and mileage in its class without any kind of compromise. We believe this flagship car from Audi will continue to be their best seller in India.