Audi A4 2009 review

With different engine and transmission choices, plus the models that offer the German brand’s signature quattro drive, there’s probably an A4 for nearly every individual taste. And then there are some that should have appeal across a wider demographic. The A4 3.0-litre turbo-diesel with the quattro all-wheel drive is one of those.

Exterior

Audi have made a big effort to make the new A4 appear more athletic, with taut, dynamic outlines and short front body overhangs, and the longer bonnet and wheelbase helping to give it more street presence.

A strongly-tapered rear, 18in alloy wheels and bold wheel arches emphasise the vehicle’s muscular, sporty look.

Wraparound xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights are standard, and are echoed by the Led indicators in the exterior mirrors.

Other features include keyless entry and start, plus Audi’s parking system with audible alerts.

Interior

The longer wheelbase of the new A4 makes for increased leg, shoulder, head and knee room and Audi have managed to incorporate more storage space throughout the cabin.

The dash is simple and intuitive and shows careful attention to detail with good quality materials and workmanship. A large metallic dial on the centre console and a clear electronic display operate many of the vehicle’s features with minimal driver effort - as does the multi-function sports steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The instrument cluster is easy to read and switches on the dash have a precision feel.

The ‘symphony’ sound system is mp3 compatible and pumps out of 10 speakers, while for an extra $1589 you can upgrade to a Bang and Olufsen system.

Three-zone electronic climate control airconditioning with sunlight dependent control, regulates the air temperature, flow rate and distribution. The new perforated leather seats with electronic adjustment and memory allow the flow of the airconditioning through seat base and back.

The practical flat-surfaced boot holds a best-in-class 480 litres, which increases to 962 litres with the back seats folded down. Unfortunately, some of that space gain means the sacrifice of a normal sized spare in favour of a space saver.

Drivetrain

The 3.0 litre V6 trubo-diesel engine puts out 176kW at 4000-4400rpm and 500Nm at 1500-3000rpm.

The quickest in the A4 range, it motors from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds via a six-speed tiptronic transmission with a direct-shift program that monitors the driving pattern and adjusts the shift characteristics to match..

CO2 outputs are reasonable at 182gm/km as is fuel economy at 6.9litres/100km.

Ride and handling

The use of high grade steel in the body shell has saved on weight and contributed to the level of rigidity necessary for precise and accurate handling while still giving a comfortable ride, partly due to helping suppress vibration.

Five-link front suspension coupled with an independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear system with brake assist have improved the dynamic behaviour.

Safety

Audi’s latest A4 has won the top five-star ANCAP crash rating and comes with a comprehensive airbag package, electronic diff lock, stability and traction controls, and anti-skid brakes with brakeforce distribution

Pricing

The A4 range starts at $50,900 for the 1.8 TFSI, with the 3.0 TDI we tested at $86,056. The range tops out at $90,900 with the 3.2 FSI.

Driving

This car feels solid and dependable. Overall, it does everything it was designed to do well and in a stylish manner.

Audi have led the way in the refined turbo-diesel market and to this point they have had that niche sewn up. A lot of people would probably not pick at first that this is a diesel. And the efficiency of this V6 turbo becomes an even more attractive option with the price cap now closing again between deisel and unleaded fuel

A diesel four-door family sedan that works at the entry level to the prestige market is becoming a higher volume niche, even here in Australia. Mercedes are now coming after Audi with their new BlueEfficiency 250 CDi engine in the C-Class, which promises similar performance and refinement in a twin stage turbo four. But for now, Audi has a distinct head start as well as the marketing lead with yet another win on debut of this year’s diesel GT1 racer.

The A4’s exterior styling is clean, and the Audi family nose is one of the better and easiest to identify design cues around. The interior is also one of the best with the centre console controls being the most logical on the street - at least for my logic.

Performance and economy are well balanced. Put the foot down and there is plenty of pick-up, with torque always an advantage of a diesel. Be gentle on the pedal and you will be rewarded in the hip pocket.

Rating - 8.6