AUDI A4 SALOON 2008-2011 Review
Good Points
- Superb built quality
- Holds a strong value for resale
- Spacious interior
- Excellent diesel engines
Bad Points
- Not as efficient as some of its rivals
Engines
There are ten engines available in both the Avant and Saloon models of the A4 being made up of both petrol and diesel units. The petrol engines start with a turbocharged 1.8-litre coming as either a 120bhp or 160bhp unit. These are followed by a 211bhp 2.0-litre and a 3.2-litre FSI V6 engine producing 265bhp. The diesel engines start off with a 2.0-litre coming in three different power outputs; 120bhp, 143bhp and 170bhp. These are then followed by a 2.7-litre producing 190bhp and a 240bhp 3.0-litre engine. Another 2.0-litre engine called the TDIe was added to the mix in 2009 that uses the stop / start technology and underwent a few aerodynamic changes to get an improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Performance & Economy
The entry level 1.8-litre petrol engines feel quick off the line with the 160bhp unit feeling more energetic. The 160bhp engine is also quicker by just under two seconds going from 0-60mph in 8.3 seconds and comes with the same fuel efficiency of 39mpg as the smaller unit. The 2.0-litre with its 211bhp is surprisingly more economical achieving 42mpg and is very quick at reaching 0-60mph in just 6.7 seconds. The top of the range 3.2-litre V6 engine is the quickest in the petrol range at 6.0 seconds from 0-60mph but suffers when you look at the efficiency of it as it barely manages to make it into the 30mpg range.
The diesel engines have proven the more popular choice and are the wiser choice being extremely economical and still being quick enough to compete with the petrol units. The entry level 120bhp 2.0-litre engine achieves 55mpg and goes from 0-60mph in 10.4 seconds. The more powerful units are slightly quicker with the 143bhp unit managing it in 9.1 seconds and the 170bhp unit in 8.0 seconds. They both achieve the same fuel efficiency of 53mpg so aren't far behind the smaller unit. The 2.7-litre engine is only marginally quicker than the 170bhp 2.0-litre accelerating from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds but only achieves 44mpg. The top of the range 3.0-litre with its 240bhp is the quickest engine available in the A4, faster than the 3.2-litre petrol, flying from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds and it doesn't suffer too badly economy wise managing a respectable 42mpg. The 136bhp 2.0-litre TDIe unit added in 2009 is by far the most economical over the entire range managing a massive 61mpg and is only slightly slower than the 2.0-litre (143bhp) unit going from 0-60mph in 9.2 seconds.
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Introduction
The new generation A4 comes in two forms, the Avant or Saloon and is appealing to both business users and families. This new generation has been designed to offer an excellent driving experience whilst maintaining Audi's renowned build quality and comfort. The ride is subtle and accurate with perfectly controlled body roll in the corners and suspension that soaks up all the bumps making it feel as though you're floating along. The interior is immaculate, comfortable, stylish and spacious with plenty of room for five adults and a large boot in both versions. The wide choice of engines, especially the diesels, is another reason why this new Audi A4 is ahead of its rivals.
Exterior & Interior
The A4 comes in two body shapes, the Avant and the Saloon. Both come with plenty of space in the cabin for five people to sit comfortably with both the back and front seats coming with plenty of head and leg room. The seats are also incredibly supportive and comfortable making long distance cruises a dream. The boot sizes do differ between the two with the saloon coming with 480litres which can be increased to 962litres by folding down the split folding back seats. The Avant comes with a slightly bigger boot at 490litres, but this gets increased to 1,430litres when the back seats are folded flat. Both vehicles come with an optional Storage Pack that includes straps, a net, retaining hooks and a 12V socket with the Avant coming with an extra reversible mat that is carpeted on one side and a wipe clean surface on the other for taking your dog with you or muddy boots. There is also the added option of a ski hatch. There is a decent amount of storage in the cabin as well with large doors bins and glove compartment, as well as cup holders in both the front and back. The interior trim is of the highest quality, buttons and knobs feel well built and solid. The central console is slightly angled towards the drivers position giving the A4 a more driver focused feeling. The standard trim come with climate control, front and rear electric windows, electric parking brake, CD stereo, electrically operated and heating wing mirrors, stability control, 16 inch alloys, an alarm and immobilizer. The next level up the SE trim adds 17 inch alloys, auto dimming review mirror, auxiliary socket for the stereo, three zone climate control, rain sensitive wipers, automatic headlights and cruise control. The top of the range S trim adds 18 inch alloys, lowered suspension, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and black headlining.
Drive
This new generation A4 is certainly aimed at providing an entertaining driving experience thanks to the sharp steering, excellent body control, sublime cornering and it feels well planted to the road, even on the worst of surfaces. The suspension soaks up all the bumps with ease making you feel as though you're floating along, which is especially pleasing when cruising along the motorway. The more powerful engines are all-wheel drive which provides the car with plenty of grip making you feel completely safe and in control even in the worst weather conditions. There is also a selection of electronic aids to help improve the ride, but even without them it is a precise and well balanced piece of German engineering. The driving position also adds to the experience with the drivers' seat being adjustable in almost every direction possible along with the steering wheel making it easy to find your optimum driving position.
Faults & Repairs
So far there have been few problems with the A4 with most owners reporting few if any faults. The few complaints that you should look out for though include noisy and stiff gearboxes as well as steering alignment problems. These have mainly been found in ex fleet or company cars that have been kerbed or driven hard. Make sure that the services have been carried out for high mileage cars and that there is a full service history. Servicing costs are about the same as rivals but by switching to a reliable independent dealer that specializes in VW's, Seat or Skoda some money can be saved as they share many of the components and engines.
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