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The first impression

The A4 is Audi’s saviour. Launched back in ’94, it put the brand back on the map. Today Audi as a whole needs no help in proving its worth, in fact in many respects and product categories Audi will out arm-wrestle its German rivals.

The A4 is the oldest duck in the pond of compact executive sedans, with the current model being launched in 2008. Its younger rivalling ducks, the BMW 3-Series which was launched in 2011 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (World Car of the Year winner 2015) which was launched last year. By comparison it has held its age well. Like all cars in this category it’s been tweaked and prodded during its life - to keep up with 'Schmidt's'. Being seven years old - in car years it should be past its prime. But in fairness to the A4, after spending a week with it, it’s definitely a CILO (a car I’d like to own) and I’d happily drive one on my daily commute.

On the road

The A4 on test was fitted with a 2.0 TDI engine, which effortlessly went about its business. It’s mated to a CVT multitronic gearbox. Although I generally dislike CTV gearboxes, the one fitted to the TDI seems like a great match. Being a diesel engine car, it has large amounts of oomph also referred to as torque (380 N.m to be precise) and this surge of power is well suited to the linear power delivery of the TDI engine.

It’s quick off its feet without being super-fast, hitting the 100km/h mark in a fraction under 8 seconds. The A4 also feels refined without feeling like it has been injected with an Epidural. The Sport plus edition of the TDI on test was fitted with optional S line sports suspension, which enhances the driving dynamic of the car, yet doesn’t compromise ride quality. It is supple, despite having lower and stiffer shocks than the standard set-up. The gorgeous 19” Audi exclusive 5 segment-spoke alloy wheels can jar the ride over unsavoury road scars. Something that wouldn’t happen on smaller tyres with a higher profile.

The cabin is luxurious without losing any of its comforts and utility. The overall sensation that washes the A4 is its built quality – this can be felt in the operation of all aspects of the car: opening and closing doors or using the cars ergonomic switch gear. But being seven years old and by comparison to new Audi interiors, the A4 is dated. Insulation is a highlight of the car, with road and engine noise being kept to a minimum.

What I liked

• The sexy cosmetic look of the Sport plus edition
• The quality of the car
• The engine refinement
• The performance
• The comfort

What I’m not mad about

• Pricey optional extra’s
• Perhaps a touch bland

The figures

The extra stuff

The A4 comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km (Freeway) maintenance plan and a 1-year unlimited warranty. As far as safety goes, it’s a priority for Audi, the A4 scored 5 stars in the EURO NCAP   

The verdict

I like the way this car drives. I think the basic A4’s styling is perhaps on the safe side of stylish and can come across as bland – like pair of stone chino’s paired with a white shirt. Its classic but to some, a bit boring! The newly launched Sport plus edition takes the said chino and white shirt combo and jazzes it up. Now with just the right amount of fashionable accessorising - giving it that funky look it deserves.

Though the A4 I reviewed is listed at R423 500, which is good value by comparison to the alternative choices listed above, the additional optional extras added to the A4 increased it retail selling price somewhat. E.g.: the test vehicle was fitted with S line sport suspension at R32 870, MMI navigation plus at R 22 200, 19” Audi exclusive 5 segment-spoke alloy wheels at R21 260, Xenon plus headlights at R11 950, a glass sunroof at R11 000, Park aid plus R8 250, front sport seats at R6 380, Black styling package at R 4 510, heated front seats at R4 510 and a leather-covered multifunction sports steering wheel at R 2 310. Total extras amounted to R125 520. This takes the test units price up to R 549 020, which in my opinion is overcapitalising. One or two extra are enough to make this a fantastic executive choice and still undercutting the competition.

This is a very competitive segment, with the majority of the sales going to the C-Class followed closely by the 3-Series, then the A4 and last but not least the niche Swede. I suspect that Audi have a card up their sleeve in the new A4 that will be launched later this year, but until then you can’t go wrong with the outgoing model.

www.audi.co.za