A4 Goes On A Balanced Diet

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday June 13, 2008

Joshua Dowling

I magine carrying a large cardboard box with a stack of glossy cookbooks at one end and a handful of wire coat-hangers at the other. The box would not be easy to balance. The same rule applies to cars.

At the risk of boring fashionistas (or anyone else who couldn't care less what's under a bonnet) allow us to explain how a pile of badly stacked cookbooks relates to the new Audi A4.

At considerable expense, Audi has redesigned the front suspension and underbody to locate the engine further back - and lower - than before. This helps distribute the overall weight more evenly and, in theory at least, should improve steering feel, balance and agility.

Will buyers notice, let alone care? Audi thinks so. In an attempt to close the gap between its mid-sized luxury car and those of its main German rivals, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi started with a clear computer screen when developing the fourth-generation A4.

In a perfect world, the weight of a car would be distributed evenly (50-50, front to rear). BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars often achieve this balance or get very close.

Of all the technical targets Audi aimed for when building the new A4, equal weight distribution was one it didn't quite reach - the new model is still nose-heavy - but it is significantly better than previous A4 models. Audi also trimmed the car's overall weight.

The new A4 weighs about 10 per cent less than its predecessor, despite being longer and wider than the old model, thanks to extensive use of lightweight steel, aluminium and magnesium.

There are four models in the new A4 line-up, which went on sale locally in April, with more on the way.

The range starts at $50,900 for the 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine (118kW and 250Nm) with six-speed manual or $53,500 with a seven-speed auto, which undercuts its main rivals by several thousand dollars, and stretches to $88,500 for the 3.2-litre V6 (195kW and 330Nm). But the price can easily eclipse $100,000 once numerous options are chosen.

There is a choice of two turbo diesel engines (a 2.0- and a 2.7-litre) and they will soon be joined by a 3.0.

We tested three of the four models available: the 1.8 turbo petrol, the 2.7 turbo diesel and the 3.2 V6. Each impressed for different reasons. All have light steering, good roadholding and a smooth ride. But the 1.8 turbo petrol model is the pick of the crop. Understandably, Audi expects this will account for most new A4 sales.

For years, the A4 has been a distant fourth place behind the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS250, selling at half the rate of its nearest rival. However, so far this year sales of the A4 are up 48 per cent (and Audi sales overall are up by 33 per cent). Figures for the first five months of 2008 show that sales of the A4 are almost level with those of the IS250, and fewer than 400 sales behind the 3 Series, although the C-Class is the king of the pack, outselling the A4 by almost two to one. But the A4 is gaining ground fast and Audi Australia is buoyed by its record sales growth.

The new A4 will underpin a large part of the company's growth plans because this model alone accounts for 40 per cent of Audi's local sales.

Apart from the significant changes under the skin, the new A4 borrows some design cues from its sports cars. The arched roofline was first seen on the TT coupe and the LED "eyelashes" in the headlights were first seen on Audi's R8 supercar.

Depending on your view, the A4's side profile is either understated or bland. That said, Audi sedans have never been look-at-me cars and the company says its buyers prefer it that way.

The new model also brings with it Audi's new interior design layout. The oval shapes around the speedometer and rev counter have been refined and the cabin control dial (and its buttons) are more intuitive than before.

The cabin is roomy, especially in the rear, thanks to scallops in the rooflining, and it has large pockets in all four doors.

Large side mirrors provide a decent view. For extra over-shoulder assistance, there is a blind spot warning system, which is a $1250 option. Radar sensors in the rear bumper detect when a car is travelling alongside or approaching rapidly from behind. Yellow LEDs appear in the mirror housing but they flash if the driver attempts to change lanes or activates a turn signal when a car is in the blind spot. The system is active above 60kmh but can be switched off any time.

Previous Audis we've driven with this system have given false warnings, or missed some cars altogether. The system on the new A4 had fewer false readings but was far from perfect. We would not opt for this technology yet and would stick to keeping a close eye on the side mirrors.

Radar cruise control (which maintains a safe distance between the car in front) is $2600 and a lane-departure warning system is $2400. A small camera mounted on the windscreen above the inside mirror keeps an eye on the road ahead and "learns" the lane markings. When it detects the car is wandering from its lane - or the driver changes lanes without indicating - the steering wheel vibrates to alert the driver.

This system works relatively well but is only as good as the camera's ability to read the road, which can be diminished at dusk, in rain, or when the sun is harsh.

High-intensity headlights with the supercar-style "eyelashes" are a $2100 option on three of the four models, and extra technology that allows the headlights to follow the direction of the steering are an $800 option on all models.

A proximity key (you can leave it in your pocket, suitcase or handbag) that unlocks the car automatically and starts and stops the engine at the press of button is a $1400 option on most models.

Rear parking sensors are an $850 option and front and rear sensors are $1700. Front and rear sensors, when combined with a rear-view camera, are $2750.

Audi's adjustable suspension system (which can be switched from comfort to sport) is $3200. We sampled this technology on one car but prefer the standard set-up.

By now you can see why the base price of the Audi is so much sharper than that of its rivals. By the time a few extra ingredients are added, you can easily cook up a car that will eclipse the luxury car tax threshold.

But we don't reckon you need to bother with all the extras because the basic A4 is such a good package in the first place. Rarely is the cheapest model the best in the line-up but we believe that's the case with this new A4. Sometimes the simplest meals are the best.

Audi A4

Price $50,900 to $88,500.

Country of origin Germany.

Engines Choice of 1.8-litre turbo petrol, 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 2.7-litre turbo diesel and 3.2-litre V6 petrol.

Transmissions Six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed continuously variable transmission.

Safety Recently awarded a five-star crash rating by European NCAP. Stability control and eight airbags are standard on all models.

Resale value A4s in the $50,000 to $60,000 price range will lose less money than the $80,000-plus models. Generally, Redbook forecasts the new A4 will be worth between 48 and 60 per cent of its RRP after three years, average for a premium car.

Pros Base models are well-priced and relatively well-equipped. Safety credentials. Quality. Roomy cabin. User-friendly controls. Drives well.

Cons All-wheel-drive only available on the most expensive model, for now. Expensive options. No auxiliary audio input.

Stars 4/5

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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