All new Audi A4 Road Test Review

The meat of the power lies high up in the rpm band and one does need to put the A4 through its paces to achieve top performance. However the motor also delivers a decent torque of 250Nm at a low range thus rendering a very thrilling drive experience which I can best describe as extremely energetic. The new A4 is also faster than the outgoing model and is more economical with a fuel average of 17kms per litre. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission which essentially is a dual clutch setup and is as smooth as Barney Stinson with women. The gear shifts are not that evident unless you throw the car in Dynamic mode which makes all the mechanicals more sporty and enjoyable.

The A4 comes with four different driving modes -- Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. Dynamic modes juices the most out of the engine and renders premium performance. The transmission also comes with a 'coasting mode' which caters for free wheel rolling, hence improving efficiency. While Audi has reduced the size of the engine, they have also managed to shred 95kgs off this car. But that does not alter the looks at all, the new A4 still looks bold, broad and aggressive from almost every angle. The new A4 still does look rather similar to the outgoing model but on paying closer attention one can see the subtle differences. 

The new A4 gets a striking new design for the head lamps and tail lamps apart from other changes and on the inside the car boasts of luxury, comfort and functionality. It comes with Audi's virtual cockpit setup which features a fully digital 31.24cm LCD screen right infront of the driver. As difficult as it is to believe, the screen is not distracting for the driver and has been laid out in a manner which enhances driving efficiency and comfort. The sedan also comes with Audi's MMI control setup with a central touch control rotary knob which I found quite easy of operate and efficient in its functionality. The MMI display is quite functional with a 21cm monitor displaying a host of handy information. Another unique feature of the A4 is the convenience key which records driver preferences of air conditioning temperature, seat position, music and phone book preferences and sets them when the driver approaches the vehicle.  

When it comes to comfort the A4 offers a lot of features which enhance commuting pleasure, it features a dual zone climate control as well as a separate climate control for the rear ac vents. The sedan also comes with pull up blinds for the rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function for the driver seat, Audi's phone box which is capable of charging and integrating QI enabled mobile devices. The interiors exude luxury with a blend of leather and leatherette as well as wooden inlays on the dash and centre floor console. The car also comes with ample of storage spaces and has a roomy back seat which can easily accommodate two large Indian adults.

The A4 speaks volumes of Audi's engineering prowess and provides one of the most dynamic driving experiences one can get on Indian roads. The sedan comes with an independent wheel suspension with an anti roll bar. The suspension is on the softer side and soaks in most of the jerks and jolts from broken roads. The A4 has great road holding capability which is also thanks to the 225/ 50 R17 Hankook tyres. Even at higher speeds the aerodynamic design and reduced drag coefficient coupled with the finely tuned suspension lend the driver a lot of confidence. However the electromechanical steering feels a bit wooden and drivers who like some feedback will not enjoy it a lot, but then this vehicle is more about comfort for which the steering has been tuned appropriately. The A4 comes with dual circuit disc brakes and have ABS, EBD as well. On the safety front customers also get traction control, 8 airbags, reverse camera and sensors, electronic differential locking and electronic stabalisation control.

When it was time to hand over the keys and part ways with the A4, I bid adieu with a big smile. As an auto journo very rarely do we come across one single vehicle which has everything to appease your senses. From every perspective I was quite satisfied that the A4 is probably the best contender in its class as of now. Audi has been quite audacious in cutting engine size and kerb weight but that in turn makes the A4 more efficient. What does remain to be seen is the price point at which it will be launched in India. Knowing Audi for what it is in India, we can expect something extremely competitive.