Audi A4 1.9 TDI, 1.8T, 2.0 manual & Multitronic

The thinking man’s car really comes of age

Regarded as the “alternative” amongst the German trio of smaller, exclusive sport sedans, Audi has always been dominated by BMW and Mercedes-Benz on the sales front. Granted, when the A4 was still built here, build volumes were rather limited, but as a full import there is now no excuse for it not to be right up there with the rest – especially since this model range has truly come of age in the styling, build, dynamics and performance departments. We drove four samples, including the 1.9 TDI manual (the most fuel efficient car of any size and engine capacity on the road today), the 2.0 manual and multitronic, and the 1.8T manual. 

In years past, Audi was beset by quality control problems, something which may have caused it to potentially be regarded as the lesser choice amongst the German marques available locally. That maxim no longer holds true. Today there are five A3 models to choose from, 11 in the A4 range (mostly front-drivers only, with more quattros and convertibles to follow), 10 A6 models, two A8s and two TTs. So Audi lovers can have a field day when shopping for wheels, especially when looking at the A4 range, which offers a choice of five engines, two types of transmission, and 16 body colours.

Concept and Styling

Significantly, Audi seems to have consolidated its looks and styling dynamics, an aspect setting it apart from its German competitors. Any Audi in the full line-up is today instantly recognisable as such, unlike BMW for instance, whose styling house seems to have gone haywire by developing a different look and feel for each of the model ranges. Where a generic look and feel has always been a strong BMW selling point and important to its customer base, these days the individual models could as easily have been from any manufacturer should you take the badges off. A Compact has no resemblance to a 7 or a 5, bar the kidney grille. Seemingly, BMW designers make changes for the sake of changing (on the latest 3, for instance, the front indicators now tip up instead of down, the side repeaters are mounted on the highest point on the valance instead of lower down, etc). Are these guys on drugs?

On the Audi ranges, however, one has to look twice to identify the individual ranges. From a distance viewed from the front, is that an A3 or an A4, and from the rear or three quarter view, is that an A4 or an A6?

While the previous A4 was undeniably clean and attractive lines, the latest version is also a stunning car, the only real criticism being that it looks too much like an A6 (a matter of personal opinion whether this is a good or bad thing) and that there is a certain heaviness around the C-pillars and boot which seems to be out of proportion to the rest of the car’s lines.

Strangely, the A4 looks good in just about any body colour – even red, always regarded as one not really befitting an upmarket luxury car. Other good choices are green and dark metallics – but beware of our pet hate: a dark body colour mated to black leather, an unbearable heat trap in our hot climate. Best have that climate control on constantly and seek out the shade wherever possible…

At first glance, all A4’s look identical but for the nomenclature on the bootlid and the positioning of the exhaust pipes Perhaps Audi could distinguish the various models by using different types of alloy wheels on each of the models?

Ambience and ergonomics

Audi has always built superb cockpits – upmarket and classy – providing a full command centre from which to pilot these missiles (more about performance later). All models have full instrumentation and an information display regarded as some of the best in the business. It leaves the driver wanting for nothing.

The fascia is logically laid out, all functionality clearly marked, blending together well. Really very neat. One shortcoming may be that Audi does not offer a multifunction steering wheel on all its models (unlike the rival BMW 3-Series and Merc C-Class). Once used to this functionality, one is spoilt and immediately misses it on the next car you drive without it

Equipment

Buyers in this price category and market segment have come to expect their cars to be fully loaded off the factory floor. This the A4 is – all models feature automatic climate control with individual temperature choice for driver and passenger; alloy wheels; full driver information display; electrically windows and mirrors; power assisted steering; and high-grade Concert sound system with front-loading CD. In fact, the only options are sport seats, xenon headlights, sunroof, an acoustic parking system (standard on 1.8T), tow hitch, cabin wood trim, higher grade Symphony sound system, and cruise control on four cylinder models. All models bar the 2.0 and 2.4 Standard manual have leather trim with heated seats (optional on the 2.0 Std), and the split rear seat is not available on the 2.0 Standard manual, 2.0 multitronic and all 3.0 models. Audi should add the multifunction wheel as standard across the range.

Accommodation and Space

Despite its relatively compact dimensions, the A4 is relativey commodious. It is a genuine 5 seater and can carry a full 445 litres of luggage (1072 with the rear seats down). In the comfort department, all passengers are therefore well off, better than in its predecessor, though the Merc C-Class still beats the A4 (and BMW 3-Series) in the space race.

Ride Integrity and Safety

The latest A4 is a safe car indeed. According to Audi, the A4 has achieved a magnificent result in the Euro NCAP crash test programme (regarded throughout Europe as the toughest and most highly regarded method of assessing a car’s passive safety) by achieving a four star rating in the side crash and pole impact categories and good performance in the frontal crash tests. A large measure of the A4’s safety success is particularly due to the SIDEGUARD head-level airbag system and full-size side bags and front bags – all as standard.

Other significant safety enhancers are an electronic stability programme (ESP), an ABS braking system with Brake Assist, up-front sensors for optimised airbag activation, decoupling pedals (to prevent foot trapping in an accident), and high-strength aluminium Audi Space Frame body structure (no less than 45 percent more rigid than that of its predecessor).

Build Integrity

As a result of the A4’s high solidity and safety grading, it is a very sturdy, solid car. All Audi’s available in SA are fully imported, boasting top notch build quality. Not one of our four drive cars had any rattles, squeaks or obvious flaws.

All A4s include a Freeway Plan (Audi-speak for a maintenance contract) good for 5 years/100 000 km (a la BMW’s Motorplan). There is also a three year paint warranty and 12 year warranty against rust.

Performance and economy

Of the four drive cars, all but one were exceptional performers. The disappointing one was the 2.0 manual, which was just that little bit underpowered and needed constant attention at the gearshift to make the most of its performance. Surprisingly, the same power plant mated to Audi’s exceptional multitronic gearbox proved an effortless performer, no doubt a subjective conclusion as a result of the absolutely superb performance of this seamless, “gearless” gearbox. The multitronic comes highly recommended and has to be experienced to appreciate its full virtues – out of all the automatics available in the market today, it is definitely the ‘box of choice and points the way to the future. Once day, maybe all auto’s will be this good…

First prize for best performance and consumption goes to the 1.9 TDI with high-pressure pump-injector fuel injection. This engine – with peak figures of 96 kW and 285 Nm of torque at just 1750 rpm (according to Audi a record for a four cylinder engine) - uses no less than 6 litres/100 km in the combined cycle and 4.5 litres on the highway, needs 10 secs to reach 100 km/h from rest, and has a top speed of 207 km/h. In all, the TDI offers a mind-blowing drive, superb power and exemplary performance in all respects.

Then there is the 1.8T, with such an abundance of torque that it can run up and down mountain passes, fully loaded, in fifth gear without the need to change down ever so regularly. Its figures are 110 kW and 210 Nm of torque available all the way from 1750 rpm to 4600 rpm. It has a top speed well over 220 km/h and uses just over 8 litres/100 km in the combined cycle.

The 96 kW/195 Nm 2.0 litre four cylinder is a new engine for Audi, and its figures are 9.9 secs for the 0 – 100 km/h dash, a top speed of 212 km/h and a consumption figure (according to Audi) of just on 8 litres/100 km. Its most important technical innovations include continual intake camshaft adjustment for optimum engine charging, mapped cooling for improved efficiency, new two-position variable intake manifolds for full torque and high performance, and a balancer shaft for better refinement. Still, we’d say the 1.8T’s price premium of just over R12 000 over the standard 2.0 is well worth it, considering the abundance of extra performance this engine offers.

Conclusion

No longer the outsider amongst stiff competition in the marketplace, Audi’s A4 has what it takes to be an exciting and rewarding car to own – if only the buying public would see that. Price no object, the model of choice has to be the 1.9 TDI (its frugality and performance is just exceptional), followed closely by the 1.8T manual. We predict no more quality problems and second hand values to hold their own. Does anyone need more convincing?