OT: 5* Auto Express A4 Review

F30AM · 07-21-2015, 12:50 PM

At long last Audi have a 5*car.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4...rce=newsletter

....,,,,..,,.. · 07-21-2015, 01:42 PM

Unfortunately, Audi owners are 1 star people.

To be precise Brown Star(fish)

Drek · 07-21-2015, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Unfortunately, Audi owners are 1 star people.

To be precise Brown Star(fish)

I had two Audis in succession a few years ago. To be fair, I was a bit of a bell end back then.

TheLiverBird · 07-21-2015, 02:24 PM

I've had 2 A5 (both 3.0TDIs) in the last 4 years and loved them both, so hopefully the improvements in the A4 will be seen in the 2017 A5, just in time for me to defect back to Audi.

Having driven both the A5s and my current 4 series I think (and I know I'm going to get hammered for saying this) that they attract a very similar type of customer - especially with respect to feeling obliged to hate the other brand, and similarly with the A4 and 3 series.

As direct competitors to each other, we, the purchasers, feel that we must love and defend our own, and despise and criticise the opposition. IMHO there are some points that I prefer about the A5 (looks, seats, DSG) and some in the 435 (engine, iDrive, HUD), however neither car is perfect, both are however, very, very good in their own way - and I'm sure this applies to the A4 v 3 series too. Incidentally I had a Merc C-Coupe between the 2 A5s and that was (IMHO) crap in nearly all respects and a truly regrettable purchase.

In these last 4 years, going Audi, Merc, Audi, BMW I'm sure I've not changed hugely as a direct result of owning a particular car but anyway, that's just my two penneth worth!

JustChris · 07-21-2015, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Unfortunately, Audi owners are 1 star people.

To be precise Brown Star(fish)

LoL.

Reminds me a joke a guy told me yesterday when talking about his mobile phone .... What's your ringtone? I don't know I've never looked but I imagine a reddy pink colour?

dopper99 · 07-21-2015, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30AM

At long last Audi have a 5*car.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4...rce=newsletter

This is excellent news as it'll mean BMW will have to pull their finger out to build an even better 3 series for the next model in a coupe of years. Just in time for when I may swap mine.

dopper99 · 07-21-2015, 02:57 PM

While I'm on the subject...... http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-s...ter-more-agile

creepy coupe · 07-22-2015, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Unfortunately, Audi owners are 1 star people.

To be precise Brown Star(fish)

I'll be sure to tell the Wife.

Paular · 07-22-2015, 05:54 AM

So flagship derv gets a measily 268bhp.....

Consett Mag · 07-22-2015, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30AM

At long last Audi have a 5*car.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4...rce=newsletter

I bet it's not a good as a golf though

TheLiverBird · 07-22-2015, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paular

So flagship derv gets a measily 268bhp.....

My top of the range A5 had the 3.0TDI and it only had 245bhp, they kept the 300bhp+ bi-turbo for the A6/7. The x35 engine is miles better and the 60 extra hp is definitely noticeable.

F30AM · 07-22-2015, 10:54 AM

I am sure the next 3 Series will be a belter.

Paular · 07-22-2015, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLiverBird

My top of the range A5 had the 3.0TDI and it only had 245bhp, they kept the 300bhp+ bi-turbo for the A6/7. The x35 engine is miles better and the 60 extra hp is definitely noticeable.

Yep, crazy in my opinion. Ive owned a few VAGs including couple of AUDIs and I confess I really do like them (I just like cars!) but I would not consider an A4 unless it had a big grunty derv at least as good as the x35d.
Shame as I do like to chop and change and would have fancied the new A4. I have the same issue with the Jag XE also.

ChrisJW · 07-22-2015, 12:52 PM

Ive currently got a B7 RS4, ordered a 430d 3 weeks ago. Out of the frying pan into the fire I guess.

....,,,,..,,.. · 07-22-2015, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJW

Ive currently got a B7 RS4, ordered a 430d 3 weeks ago. Out of the frying pan into the fire I guess.

How are you finding the RS4?

Will be a bit of a change in engines.

davyk31 · 07-22-2015, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLiverBird

My top of the range A5 had the 3.0TDI and it only had 245bhp, they kept the 300bhp+ bi-turbo for the A6/7. The x35 engine is miles better and the 60 extra hp is definitely noticeable.

And it's in the SQ5 too.

ChrisJW · 07-24-2015, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

How are you finding the RS4?

Will be a bit of a change in engines.

I love it, nothing has ever given as much steering feedback as to whats happening to the tyres this side of a lotus*

The tech is antiquated though, hence my move, that and 17mpg, 12k miles per year and a very nervous disposition whenever it goes into the garage.

Hands down best car I've owned.

*that revs to 8,250rpm and can also carry lots of shopping, 5 adults and bags of style in a very nonchalant fashion.

[/url]Untitled by Chris Walker, on Flickr

davyk31 · 07-24-2015, 04:17 PM

Lovely stance with that RS4.

What were your thoughts with going 330 rather than 335, would have thought you would want to minimise the Bhp drop.

....,,,,..,,.. · 07-24-2015, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisJW

I love it, nothing has ever given as much steering feedback as to whats happening to the tyres this side of a lotus*

The tech is antiquated though, hence my move, that and 17mpg, 12k miles per year and a very nervous disposition whenever it goes into the garage.

Hands down best car I've owned.

*that revs to 8,250rpm and can also carry lots of shopping, 5 adults and bags of style in a very nonchalant fashion.

Looks great, tempted by the facelift model when it eventually comes out (2017?)

The tech is definitely a big jump forward though.

ChrisJW · 07-24-2015, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davyk31

Lovely stance with that RS4.

What were your thoughts with going 330 rather than 335, would have thought you would want to minimise the Bhp drop.

Thanks, it took a bit of work (custom adaptors for the 20" Q7 wheels, lowering etc) but it does make the car for me.

I don't like the 4x4 ride height on the 435d xdrive, I also like the feel of RWD. The RS is a powerful beastie, but you have to wring its neck to maximise the potential, I do hope I've made the right decision, I'm hoping a 430d will 'torque' me round

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Looks great, tempted by the facelift model when it eventually comes out (2017?)

The tech is definitely a big jump forward though.

I have no particular affinity for travelling at warp speed these days, I've dodged far too many bullets in this car. I'll see how business is going in 3 years time, i'll either be in a Ford fiesta or something nice like a B9 RS. Ive gone from Audi to BMW to Audi to BMW, so we'll see

davyk31 · 07-25-2015, 02:27 AM

Totally understand your thoughts on the Xdrive ride height and many agree with you especially after the efforts you have made with the Audi.

Chris Peacock · 07-25-2015, 06:16 AM

Very encouraging review and I will be definitely taking at look at the new A4 before ordering my 320d's replacement in the autumn.

I fall right back in the middle of their target audience as a company car driver with a 2.0tdi so it will be interesting.

Very interestingly it looks as though I could get a 2.0TFSi engine with 187bhp, need to understand the tax benefits as I am sure company car drivers are penalised for diesel car ownership.

Looks to have been a decent job by Audi.

07-21-2015, 12:50 PM	#1
F30AM Major General 709 Rep 5,021 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport sDrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	*OT: 5 Auto Express A4 Review** At long last Audi have a 5car. http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/a4...rce=newsletter __________________ Previous:* Superman 330d sDrive M Sport + Toys Present: Red Tornado Golf 7R 5 Dr, DSG + Toys
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07-21-2015, 01:42 PM	#2
....,,,,..,,.. General 6735 Rep 20,651 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately, Audi owners are 1 star people. To be precise Brown Star(fish)
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07-21-2015, 02:24 PM	#4
TheLiverBird Captain 229 Rep 631 Posts Drives: 435D M-Sport EBII Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	I've had 2 A5 (both 3.0TDIs) in the last 4 years and loved them both, so hopefully the improvements in the A4 will be seen in the 2017 A5, just in time for me to defect back to Audi. Having driven both the A5s and my current 4 series I think (and I know I'm going to get hammered for saying this) that they attract a very similar type of customer - especially with respect to feeling obliged to hate the other brand, and similarly with the A4 and 3 series. As direct competitors to each other, we, the purchasers, feel that we must love and defend our own, and despise and criticise the opposition. IMHO there are some points that I prefer about the A5 (looks, seats, DSG) and some in the 435 (engine, iDrive, HUD), however neither car is perfect, both are however, very, very good in their own way - and I'm sure this applies to the A4 v 3 series too. Incidentally I had a Merc C-Coupe between the 2 A5s and that was (IMHO) crap in nearly all respects and a truly regrettable purchase. In these last 4 years, going Audi, Merc, Audi, BMW I'm sure I've not changed hugely as a direct result of owning a particular car but anyway, that's just my two penneth worth!
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07-21-2015, 02:57 PM	#7
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3533 Rep 11,292 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	While I'm on the subject...... http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-s...ter-more-agile __________________ Current: Golf R Mk8 Previous: Golf R Mk7.5 Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe F80 M3 Competition Pack
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07-22-2015, 05:54 AM	#9
Paular First Lieutenant 63 Rep 307 Posts Drives: Minerl Grey 435d GC Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: North East iTrader: (0)	So flagship derv gets a measily 268bhp.....
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07-22-2015, 10:54 AM	#12
F30AM Major General 709 Rep 5,021 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport sDrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	I am sure the next 3 Series will be a belter. __________________ Previous: Superman 330d sDrive M Sport + Toys Present: Red Tornado Golf 7R 5 Dr, DSG + Toys
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07-22-2015, 12:52 PM	#14
ChrisJW Private 17 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 430d Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Chester iTrader: (0)	Ive currently got a B7 RS4, ordered a 430d 3 weeks ago. Out of the frying pan into the fire I guess.
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07-24-2015, 04:17 PM	#18
davyk31 Major General 1045 Rep 6,947 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Lovely stance with that RS4. What were your thoughts with going 330 rather than 335, would have thought you would want to minimise the Bhp drop.
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07-25-2015, 02:27 AM	#21
davyk31 Major General 1045 Rep 6,947 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	Totally understand your thoughts on the Xdrive ride height and many agree with you especially after the efforts you have made with the Audi.
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07-25-2015, 06:16 AM	#22
Chris Peacock Captain 167 Rep 795 Posts Drives: 2020 330e M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Everywhere. iTrader: (0)	Very encouraging review and I will be definitely taking at look at the new A4 before ordering my 320d's replacement in the autumn. I fall right back in the middle of their target audience as a company car driver with a 2.0tdi so it will be interesting. Very interestingly it looks as though I could get a 2.0TFSi engine with 187bhp, need to understand the tax benefits as I am sure company car drivers are penalised for diesel car ownership. Looks to have been a decent job by Audi.
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