Audi A4
The Audi A4 competes against the likes of BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The extra money it costs over non-premium cars like Ford's Mondeo buys you a prestigious badge and a greater feel of quality inside and out. While flagship models ooze luxury and boast impressive performance, entry-level models are more modestly equipped. It's still an extremely popular car – which is proof that many people are prepared to make sacrifices to own Audi's upmarket badge. Three trim levels and six engine choices are offered, as is front or four-wheel drive.
Watch our overview of the Audi A4 range
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- pros:
- Spacious, practical cabin
- Build quality
- Fuel economy from TDIe model
- cons:
- Not as fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series
- Suspension too firm for UK roads
- LED driving lights not to all tastes
Audi's standard A4 is a smartly styled compact executive saloon that majors on interior and exterior quality. And with its classy detailing, including LED running lights, it's not difficult to see why it's such a popular choice. It's solidly built, bettering BMW's 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Space inside is generous. It's a good, if not class-leading drive, with the suspension in particular being a bit too firm to provide comfort on poorly-surfaced roads.
- pros:
- Spacious, well shaped estate boot
- Build quality
- Brilliant fuel economy from TDIe model
- cons:
- Not as fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series
- S line suspension feels firm on rough roads
- Rear seats don’t fold completely flat
The A4 Avant offers the quality feel and look of the saloon with the addition of a large, well proportioned estate car boot. Audi offers lots of clever luggage securing options, including dog guards and load dividers. There are the same engine and gearbox choices as in the saloon, and A4 Avant buyers tend to go for the sensible diesel options. We would recommend the 2.0 TDI, which offers fuel economy of 55mpg and tax-friendly emissions, too.
- pros:
- Stylish looks
- Great diesel engines
- High quality cabin
- cons:
- Expensive to buy
- BMW 3 Series is more efficient
- Handling could be more exciting
The Audi A4 saloon has been updated to keep it competitive agains the new BMW 3 Series. It features styling updates that resemble the A5 coupe and larger A6, including new LED rear lights and sharper looking headlights. The A4 is a popular model in the small executive saloon class, and the updated version is more fuel efficient than ever. It also offers improved performance and handling, while the high quality interior has been given a simpler layout.
- pros:
- High quality interior
- Efficient engine line-up
- Spacious boot
- cons:
- Not exciting to drive
- High price
- BMW 3 Series is more efficient
Thanks to a facelift late in 2011, the A4 Avant is now better to drive and kinder to the environment. All of the engines have been made more efficient, the car's suspension has been tweaked to make it more comfortable, and the cabin – which was already one of the best in the executive estate car class – has been made even better. Thankfully, the large and practical boot remains intact, cementing the A4 Avant's position as one of the best estate cars you can buy.
- pros:
- Spacious, well shaped estate boot
- Good looks, decent equipment levels
- Surprisingly good off-road ability
- cons:
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Limited engine range
- Rear seats don’t fold completely flat
Audi's marketing people say that the four-wheel-drive A4 allroad quattro is aimed at buyers wanting something to suit their active outdoor lifestyles. We say it's an estate car that's perfect for those who regularly tow heavy trailers over slippery surfaces, but don’t want a bulky off-roader. Tough plastic bumpers and a raised ride height mix with quattro four-wheel drive to create a capable and practical family car. Three engines are offered, although all but a handful of buyers will find that the 2.0 TDI diesel is ideal - not least because it's the cheapest to buy.
