The new Audi A4 testdrive

Just_me · 01-19-2008, 09:43 AM

I think it's swedish premiere this weekend for the new A4. So I went to see the car today. They had a darkblue in the showroom. The car really look good and its a nice update from previous A4. Very similar to A5 and even if its boring that they look alike, the new A4 is pretty to look at.
When you get inside you notice the car grown a little bit, particulary in the backseat. I had plenty of room for my legs and I can sit properly without my head touching the roof , which wasn't possible with Audi A5.

The letdown is the interior, it hasn't been better compared to previous A4. Many plastic pieces covered the interior. Its not like the interior isn't well-made becuase it is. The interior feel solid but there are no exclusive buttons or materials that other germans don't have.
I can't figure it out why the interior in A4 should feel more exclusive than a 3-series or a C-class? The interior has the same material quality and feels well-built like a 3-series or the new C-class.
You might like the interior layout better in A4 but there are no heaven and hell differences compared to BMW and Mercedes.

It was finally time for a testdrive. They only had one engine choice to testdrive and it was a A4 2.0 TDI with 143hp. But it doesn't matter since I just wanted to know how the new A4 feels is to drive.

In this review I will compare how the car is to drive compared to my babybimmer.
You clearly hear its a diesel engine, it aint a pretty sound at idling. A gasolin engine sounds better.
At low RPM the car pulls nice thanks to the torque. With my car you need to reev higher before the car really starts to shine but that is okey since I rather reev up all the way to 7000 rpm than only 4500 rpm.

The steering in A4 is precise but like the C-class its too light for my taste. The steering in my car is "meatier" which I prefer.
The steering wheel is too thin for my taste but this I think with almost every car I drive when I compare it to my steering wheel in my bimmer. I have the M-package on my car and then you get a thick nice M-steeringwheel.

The gearbox in A4 is okey but the gears goes in too easily, I want a little resistance when I change gear.

It was a pleasent surprise that the new A4 handles well despite being a FWD. The handling have been really good compared to previous A4 and have enough grip for the average driver. I have no complaints here.

So, have I been converted to an Audi freak after this testdrive?
No, but it doesn't mean I think its bad car because it isn't. All three (A4, 3-series and C-class) are extremly good cars and it comes down to personal preferences which one you rather be driving.
I think many current A4 owners are going to trade their car for the new A4 becuase they will feel like home. You immediately know its an A4 you are still driving.

Centurion · 01-19-2008, 10:42 AM

The comments about regarding the interior quality don't come as a surprise to me. When I stepped into the A5 a few months ago I was underwhelmed by the interior quality which is small step down compared to the B7 and A3. The buttons on the center console is my main consern and many other buttons don't have the typical high quality platic/rubber feeling.

BMW Power · 01-19-2008, 08:22 PM

those seats look like a good place to be. Are they recaro's?

Audi hands down have the best looking interior in their class.

Tarek · 01-20-2008, 03:33 PM

The quality thing is very well expected and it's generalised across the equivelant cars from the three germans.Same quality standard from the same suppliers i guess.

CorpusCallosum · 01-20-2008, 07:40 PM

Thanks Just_me for the review

Car looks very nice!

Just_me · 01-21-2008, 07:38 AM

Im I really the only one on this board that driven the new Audi A4? noone with any inputs?

cawimmer430 · 01-21-2008, 08:14 AM

Nice review and pics.

Mockenrue · 01-21-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_me

Im I really the only one on this board that driven the new Audi A4? noone with any inputs?

So far only LHD showroom cars have made it into some UK Audi Centres. I believe the first demostrators are due late Jan/early Feb.

I sat in one on Saturday and was very impressed overall. The only criticism I have is the same as that for the A5, namely those ugly black plastic boot lid hinges. I much prefer the elaborate hinge mechanism of the previous models.

fortuner · 01-31-2008, 04:19 AM

hi nice review

hey would u like to tell us what are pros and cons between the 3 cars the a4.cand 3 er

i must say i agree with you on the interiro the other day i sat in a q7 and from all the things i heard regarding audis interior i was bit dissapointed i wont say its bad but it was too busy way too busy the centre consola and the navi screen was small pluss those buttons aroun the mmi the quality off those buttons were lacking

Tumbo · 01-31-2008, 07:09 AM

I testdrove exactly the same model the other day.
What impressed me the most is that the car didn't sound like a diesel at all. Maybe only when you give it a full throttle and then let go of the gas pedal.
Anyway, the most attention the car of course gets from the front. All the cars are moving when they see this thing in the rear view mirror. Kind of cool, hehe. Even old ladies look. The car handles much better and is much bigger insine.

BUT, here goes my disapointment.
I do not like the interior fully. Those silver coloured plastic thigns around the gauges look soooo cheap! I was actually very disapointed. I didn't feel that special interior quality, as for examaple in the old B7 A4! Even the TT, R8 etc.. Those have fantastic interiors..