New Audi A4 TDI

Introduction

The new A4 picks up where the old model left off: battling it out with its arch rivals from BMW and Mercedes.

What are its rivals?

While there may be plenty of competition in the small executive sector, there are only three brands worth serious consideration for most buyers: Audi, BMW and Mercedes. The A4 has always played a subtle straight man to the BMW's handling prowess and the Merc's mini-S-Class act. That's been enough to keep customers flowing into BMW and Merc showrooms, but Audi has been steadily growing its UK sales, so the A4's careful mid-line treading has served it well so far. Only problem is, the new A4 may look too much like its predecessors for some in this style-driven class.

How does it drive?

The A4 shares its underpinnings with the A5 coupé, which should be a very good start in life. However, the A4 somehow manages to discard the A5's fine ride and handling balance. This is all the more disappointing as Audi has steadily been moving in the right direction on this front for a few years now. The new A4 may not be a step backwards, but it's not a step forward either due to the over-firmness, which is not helped by larger alloy wheel options. There's also more road noise than found in the A4's two key rivals, so longer trips are more of a drain on the nervous system. The new 2.0-litre TDI is a common rail turbodiesel, which brings Audi into line with its main rivals' diesel engine designs. There's plenty of pull from the 141bhp unit and its 236lb.ft of mid-rev shove is generously spread from 1,750 to 2,500rpm to make overtaking simple and relaxed. The six-speed manual gearbox has a taut, precise action, and it makes the most of the engine's power in all conditions.

What's impressive?

The new 2.0-litre common rail turbodiesel is the star of the Audi A4 package. Smooth, potent and coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox that feels good to use, its 141bhp is more powerful, economical and lower on carbon dioxide emissions than a Mercedes C200CDi, though the Audi's 51.4mpg combined consumption and 144g/km of CO₂ emissions are no match for the BMW 318d thanks to the 3 Series' EfficientDynamics fuel-saving measures. Even so, the Audi remains an appealing prospect for company car drivers, who are the main target audience for the A4 2.0 TDI.

What's not?

The A4 feels little different to drive compared to the car it replaces, which is just not good enough when the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class offer so much driver involvement, agility and refinement. A major part of the A4's disappointing drive comes down to the steering, which is light and easy when driving in a straight line and you only need make very minor adjustments. However, as soon as you need to deviate further from the straight ahead, the steering suddenly becomes very heavy and lifeless, which discourages making the most of the A4 undoubtedly high levels of grip and cornering competence.

Should I buy one?

If you're a company driver and want a small executive that dodges the instant assumptions about the Audi's key rivals, the A4 will already appeal to you. If you need a compact exec with a huge boot and plenty of cabin space with peerless build quality, the A4 fits the bill. However, on almost every other front, the Audi's rivals offer the same or better with the added appeal of a sharper drive and greater ride comfort and refinement.

Alisdair Suttie

Specs