Audi A4

Overview

The long-standing entry-level sedan before the arrival of the Audi A3 globally, it was the Audi A4 which acted as the entry gate in the world of Audi’s expertise in making world-class business sedans. The executive luxury sedan, which was pitted to challenge the likes of Mercedes Benz C-Class and BMW 3 Series, has entered in its fifth generation version.

Interior & Features

Compared to the outside, be ready to witness a whole new cabin as you get welcomed on the inside. The boring and dated looking cabin of the previous generation model has departed for an all-new in-your-face layout inspired from that of the current generation Audi SUVs.

The steering wheel hexagonal center boss is an all-new unit, and so is the full TFT 12.3-inch instrument console, which apart from telling you the regular details, also has crisp displays for Audi’s MMI interface as well as navigation.

The center console has also got a complete overhaul. While the trapezoidal free standing infotainment screen at the center top is replaced by a new rectangular unit, the bottom portion of the center console gets a revised design for AC vents and buttons for climate control. There is a nice faux wood finish running in the center line of the dashboard, which with the piano black inserts at places, uplifts the premium feel of the cabin.

Exterior

On the outside, the Audi A4 bears the manufacturer’s all-new design language for its sedans, which premiered with the most compact of them all, the A3 sedan. In this process, the A4 looks like a slightly scaled up model of the A3, which might not appeal to many those who seek individualism.

The new Audi A4 has got sleek and edgy looking full LED headlamp setup, which is kinked towards its inner edges, in order to give it an edgy appearance. The hexagonal grille, which has become the face of Audi vehicles for quite a long time now, looks purposeful here. The same angular and sharp treatment have been given in the front bumper as well, as the air dams which also house fog lamps, look large and give the A4 a muscular stance.

From the side, we have to admit that this is the sleekest and smoothest looking side profiles in the history of A4. The rearview mirrors are now door mounted, just like on the A3, which give it a sporty flair. As before, there is a prominent line running all the way from the front headlamp to the rear tail lamp, giving it a sharp road presence.

At the rear, Audi has toned down the looks for good, as the tail lamps now look slightly smaller, but sleeker than before, with enhanced LED lighting pattern.

Ride & Handling

With Audi’s famed Quattro four-wheel drive system, the overall plush experience of the ride quality of the A4 has only improved to a whole new level. The soft setup of the suspension makes the overall ride quality supple, while the Quattro system enhances acceleration and traction on whatever the type of surface.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

For the A4 in Malaysia, Audi has given two engine options, both of which are turbocharged petrol powered. The smaller 1.4-litre four- cylinder unit is good enough to produce 150 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque output. The bigger 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit is more enthusiastic in its power delivery and belts out 252 PS of power and 370 Nm of torque. Both these engines get a common 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutch automatic transmission, with the latter getting the option of Quattro four-wheel drivetrain as well.

Braking & Safety

Even after being an entry-level model, the Audi A4 is loaded with a good amount of safety features, such as front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, vehicle stability control, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors with all around camera and many more.

Verdict

The Audi A4, despite being its entry-level positioning, feels a lot more premium and tech-packed and matches the shoulders of Audi’s more premium offerings when it comes to the presence of futuristic convenience features on board. The A4 has always been a dynamic and comfortable sedan to drive, and with this new generation, the enhanced technologies on offer have made the overall experience even more pleasant.