Audi A4 2009 review

Pedigrees do not come much better than Audi's 2.0-litre TFSI engine. It won its category at this year's engine ‘Oscars’, having been voted best-in-class in the 1.8 to 2.0-litre category. But what does all that mean for consumers?

Unlatch the bonnet and they will find this turbocharged engine in the engine bay of many Audi models. It is available in various tunes from 125kW to 188kW in the A3 Sportback, A3 cabrio, S3, A4, A5, A6 and Q5.

In its most potent form it develops 200kW in the TTS coupe with S-tronic. The award cited the turbo's match of power and economy. There's no doubt that combined with Audi's seven-speed S-tronic gearbox, the engine is a blast to drive in the newest $73,900 A4 sedan 2.0 TFSI.

After a week pedalling the A4 quattro fitted with the 155kW/350Nm turbo four; buyers looking for performance but with an eye on the hip-pocket at the petrol pump will appreciate this modest drinker.

Audi quotes a combined fuel economy figure of 7.4 litres/100km. That seems achievable but when you use the available low-down performance as we did, economy takes a back seat. With the 350Nm available from just 1500 revs the A4 will slingshot away from traffic lights with the single mindedness of a racing greyhound.

There are no real surprises with A4's S-tronic gearbox, essentially Audi's version of a dual-clutch transmission. The S-tronic is well matched to the turbo four and reacts quickly and seamlessly once under way. But like many of the newer dual-clutch gearboxes, it still has momentary lapses in concentration at idle, a bit like a seniors' moment.

The well equipped A4-2.0 TFSI combo is at the top end of Audi's mid-size lineup. Like most of the German brands though, the sting is with the options, the most outrageous being $1695 extra for metallic paint.

Adding some spice with the $1695 18-inch alloys, $3390 for the navigation package, Audi's $3390 drive select with adaptive dampers, $1324 for side assist and $318 for high beam assist catapaults the price to more than $85,000. But even at this price the 2.0 TFSI is a worthy thoroughbred.