Audi A4 review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

With the introduction of mild hybrid tech from 2019 onwards, the A4’s petrol and diesel units received a gentle boost in fuel economy. In addition to reducing combustion engine load through regenerative braking, the 12-volt setup enables the stop/start system to engage almost instantly, and from a higher speed than before. When coasting on a motorway, the engine can cut out for up to 40 seconds at a time to reduce fuel usage further.

The Audi A4 is a pricey compact executive saloon. Prices start from around £33,000 – a figure which can soon escalate by adding extras. Just moving up from the entry Technik equipment level to the Sport trim will cost you an extra £2,500.

At least everyday running costs should be reasonable, with the diesel models the economy champs. The 35 TDI Technik is the best performer of the A4 saloon range, with claimed economy of 58.9mpg. Emissions for the diesels, again under the more stringent WLTP testing, start from 125-128g/km of CO2, but rise incrementally when you move up a trim level and also in wheel size.

The petrol engines have closed the gap to the diesels for emissions, with the 35 TFSI starting at 141-143g/km in Technik trim with the S tronic gearbox. Again, this figure rises with trim upgrades and bigger wheels. In official tests, the 35 TFSI manages 44.8-45.6mpg.

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Insurance groups

The Audi A4 is a desirable compact executive saloon, but it also comes with a raft of safety tech, which helps to balance out insurance costs. Group ratings for the standard range start at group 24, and rise to group 38 for the (now discontinued) TFSI 45 model.

Depreciation

The Audi A4 saloon is predicted to hold onto 43 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles of driving. In comparison, the BMW 3 Series is on 51 per cent and the Mercedes C Class 48 per cent.