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A IS 4

A is for accomplished but certainly not arrogant because despite its big mouth and oodles of pulling power it doesn’t need to shout about it.

As Teddy Roosevelt once said ‘Speak softly and carry a big stick…you will go far’ and this is exactly what Audi is doing with their new A4. Taken from a West African proverb this quote followed Mr Roosevelt throughout his career as America president and stood to reflect his foreign policy. It referred to the need to be known as a nation that could assert itself but one that would not use its strengths to provoke others. Clearly America has lost this sentiment somewhere along the way but there’s no doubt that other switched on individuals (and companies) have adopted it as their own.
Acquisition: in the new Audi A4’s case, its big stick is a 3.2-litre V6 engine capable of 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. This lump of near-nuclear power resides happily under Audi’s inoffensive bodywork. In fact very little gives away its sportier capabilities but don’t see that as complacency, when you’ve got Mercedes and BMW breathing down your neck, you can never be too laid back. One area it really had to assert itself was its handling and despite opting for a cheaper ‘more comfortable’ version they’ve made a fine job of it.
Instead of charged magnetic particles, the A4 gets an Audi Drive Select system which is operated by variable valves. You can choose from Comfort, Auto or Dynamic mode which via the accelerator pedal gives a different feel to the power steering weight and ratio, shock absorbers and if you’ve got a Multitronic CVT transmission it even changes the longevity of the shifts. The big dig in the ribs though is BMW’s 3-series which disguises uneven surfaces exceptionally well and has a very natural, very fluent way of doing it.
Ambition: Okay so BMW may be using their big stick too but the Audi A4’s suspension isn’t the only party trick in the bag; bring on the class-leading wheelbase. By shifting the wheels out to the corners, the new A4 not only has better weight distribution but that it also has extra space – particularly rear legroom. Admittedly backseats are rarely used now-a-days (unless you have kids) but there are the odd occasions that you might be thankful for them. Just think when Julie from accounts has her car in the garage and her and that pretty friend of hers on the next floor need a ride home, you’ll be able to offer. The obligatory training days half way across the country will also be a welcome opportunity for company.
Of course when you want to make full use of the power then all passengers should be booted out (except Julie). When you’re flogging that 262bhp V6 around corners, you’ll be the best thing to hang on to. With its Quattro drive and 60% of the torque being directed to the rear wheels, the A4 has plenty of stability and grip (but she doesn’t need to know that).
Abundance: As much as you’ll love the pace of the 3.2-litre petrol, there are a whole range of other engines on offer. The 138bhp 2.7-litre V6 TDi is tipped to be the favorite due to being affordable to fill as well as being fun. An even more frugal 2.0-litre will also be available later in the year and with residual values predicted to be high and its on the road price being one of the cheapest in its class, you can’t go far wrong.
All-rounder: With its safe, fleet friendly image, wide choice of specs and spacious cabin, the A4 has hedged its bets well. Although because it needs to leave an impression rather than just blur in to the fleet of cars we’ve test driven that day, certain touches like the plush interior will leave you wanting more. A tactile mix of leather, cloth and aluminum makes it the perfect anodyne after a hard days work.
You’ll still want to scan the options list, adding things like Sat Nav and the B&O stereo system which in our mind are essential for long journeys. What you do get as standard though is the MMI control interface which is handed down from the A6 and still very state of the art. The electro-mechanical handbrake is another standard feature; there to encourage laziness it ensures you don’t look a buffoon when attempting a hill start. The exterior however is attractive but sedate and even items like metallic paint will be added to your bill. To make life a little more exciting the Audi R8’s lights are compatible and these are also available as an option. Sure, it adds up when you are putting together your perfect package but you know where you are with the A4 and you know that big stick can hold its ground.

Verdict

FOR: Pleasing on all fronts, great choice of engines, beautiful interior
AGAINST: dynamically involving but the 3-series has a more natural whim
CONCLUSION: A big progression from the previous A4, this one’s safe and sensible but also a real driver’s car. Perhaps the 3-series handling is still a peg or two up but over all the A4 has a lot of clout.

Spec

ENGINE: 3.2-litre V6 Petrol
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 219g/km
POWER: 261bhp@ 6500rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 243lb ft @ 3000rpm
0-62mph (sec): 6.2
TOP SPEED: 155mph (limited)
MPG: /-/-/31.0 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Six speed manual, four wheel drive
WEIGHT: 1580 kg
PRICE: £29,680
RIVALS: BMW 3-series, Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar X-type