Styling
From the front and back, the A4 looks similar to A5 Coupe which was launched last year, but the tell-tale difference is the stylish new front lights with a band of distinctive LED's for sidelights available on selected models. The rest of the design follows current Audi styling cues, with its high-waistline and defining crease along the side. It's a good-looking car and suits most colours, but some of the nicer design details were lost on the dark greys and blues of the test fleet we tried. We think an A4 S-Line in white or bright red would really look the part.
New technologies
We've established that the new A4 is a looker, but it's the underpinnings that are more likely to cause a stir. This car is the first to use the Audi drive select (ADS) system which at the touch of a button varies the suspension damping settings of the A4. There are three settings: Comfort, for maximum refinement. Auto, which optimises all the suspension settings depending on conditions and Dynamic, for a sportier drive. Models fitted with the Satellite Navigation system Plus, can add a Individual setting enabling the driver to set up the handling to his or her needs. We tried the system on the 2.7 and 3.0-litre diesels and found the system to be at its best in Dynamic mode where the A4 delivered a sporty ride and handling package during the twisty test route.
Other new technologies included on the new A4 include Side and Lane Assist, which warn the drivers of approching vehicles in the blind spot and alert the driver when he or she crosses lane markings. Other changes include shorter front and rear overhangs and like the A5, the rack-and-pinion steering has been placed closer to the wheel centre to improve steering feel and response.
On the inside...
Inside, there's the usual peerless build quality. The launch cars we drove were fitted with Audi's intuitive MMI system (Multi-Media Interface) with DVD navigation. Music lovers are well catered for with the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system delivering 505 watts of music power from 14-speakers!
The A4 boasts class-leading interior space. Rear passengers really feel the benefit of the extra 12cm of legroom, but sit behind a taller driver and it's still a squeeze.
On the road
I drove the 240PS 3.0-litre TDI diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox, the 190PS 2.7-litre TDI diesel with seven-speed multitronic CVT transmission and the 143PS 2.0 TDI with six-speed manual transmission. Top speed for the range-topping 3.0-litre TDI is 155mph, with 62mph coming up at an equally impressive 6.1 seconds. Performance for the 2.7-litre TDI was equally impressive and this engine is well matched to the seamless multitronic CVT transmission. Despite being fitted with steering paddles, this gearbox is definitely not sporty - and is best suited to cruising.
I liked the steering feel on the 2.0-litre version best. This engine is lighter, I could make the most of the A4's excellent, exploitable chassis.
Although the 2.7- and 3.0-litre diesel were an exciting drive, it's the 2.0-litre TDi I would rather take home. The 2.0-liter TDi engine felt refined and in the real world it's not far off the larger diesel engines in terms of speed and acceleration. The top speed is 133mph, with the 0-62mph dash covered in a respectable 9.4 seconds.
The A4 will go on sale here in February, with prices starting from £22,590. The latest BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class had better beware. The latest A4 is a stylish and seriously competent alternative.
Tiscali verdict: Runs the 3-Series and C-Class very close 8/10
Fancy a closer look? Check out our New Audi A4 gallery
