Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Audi A4 review - Engines, performance and drive

Not the sharpest to drive in its class, but the A4 is a leader in terms of long distance refinement

Engines, performance and drive rating

4.0

How we review cars
Price
£38,325 - £52,955
Find your Audi A4
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

​The fifth-generation Audi A4 moved to a new platform, adopting the VW Group’s MLB Evo architecture. The more advanced chassis is underpinned by multilink suspension at both the front and rear, and although this differs from the front-end systems on rivals like the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia, the technology and components used are equally hi-tech and modern. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The A4 is available with ‘quattro’ four wheel drive, which gives strong traction in slippery conditions. While some models offer it as standard, for the rest it’s worth thinking about whether or not you’ll actually need it, as it’s more expensive and harms fuel efficiency.

The compact executive class is filled with cars that either handle brilliantly, are beautifully refined, or a combination of the two. The A4 aims towards the more relaxed side: minimal wind noise and hushed engines mean that it’s a great long-distance cruiser. If you’re looking for fun, look elsewhere: the Alfa Romeo GiuliaBMW 3 Series and Jaguar XE are all superior in this regard.

Both fixed and variable dampers are available on the A4. The variable dampers set in Auto are much more comfortable than fixed - and are an option worth having. Dynamic mode makes the car feel more aggressive and offers a sharper drive, but reduces comfort for minimal improvement in handling, so we’d leave that alone. It’s worth avoiding the large alloy wheels, too. On larger 19-inch rims, the A4 tends to fidget over bumps that the XE skips over more smoothly.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

On smooth surfaces the A4’s ride is taut yet begrudgingly absorbent, but on rougher roads the ride breaks down. It would be better on adaptive dampers; in S line spec the no-cost Comfort Dynamic passive system struggles to cope with faster bumps and jolts.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The steering isn’t as fast as an Alfa Romeo Giulia’s, but it’s nicely geared to the chassis, which delivers good grip and agility. It feels incredibly light though; great when driving in town, but might be unnerving for some at higher speeds. While it will change direction quickly, the A4 still feels a little flat compared with the Giulia, which is more alert and involving.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

The A4 is now available with two petrol engines: the 148bhp 35 TFSI and the 201bhp 40 TFSI, with the 261bhp 45 TFSI no longer offered. The 134bhp 30 TDI is also off the price list, leaving the 161bhp 35 TDI and the 201bhp 40 TDI diesels. Revisions to the range in 2019 mean that engines are now equipped with fuel saving mild-hybrid tech.

Each of the 2.0-litre diesel engines are smooth and refined, delivering enough straight-line performance. The higher-powered model develops a healthy 400Nm of torque so it delivers strong acceleration from low speeds. It’ll hit 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds in the 40 TDI quattro S tronic, compared to the petrol 40 TFSI's 7.1-second sprint time.

Though the diesels are refined, the petrol models are smoother and quieter. And thanks to clever turbocharging, they deliver the torque in a smooth, linear fashion. When you settle down to a cruise it’s incredibly refined, the S Tronic auto transmission shuffling ratios sweetly unless you stamp on the throttle. The long gearing means that it’ll kick down under the lightest of loads at motorway speeds though, which can be annoying.

The petrol and diesel engines are combined with mild hybrid tech to help save fuel. This includes a 12-volt electrical system with a starter/generator unit which can recoup energy under deceleration which can then be deployed under acceleration. This helps to reduce load on the combustion engine, thus improving economy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    35 TFSI Sport 4dr S Tronic [17" Alloy]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £38,325

Most Economical

  • Name
    35 TDI Sport 4dr S Tronic [17" Alloy]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £41,155

Fastest

  • Name
    40 TDI 204 Quattro Sport 4dr S Tronic [17" Alloy]
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £43,250

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Dacia Bigster: Duster's big brother is value brand's first mid-size SUV
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

New Dacia Bigster: Duster's big brother is value brand's first mid-size SUV

The Dacia Bigster will arrive next year, and is set to undercut the Nissan Qashqai
News
9 Oct 2024
Skoda Kodiaq vs Hyundai Santa Fe: a 7-seater SUV showdown
Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq - front tracking

Skoda Kodiaq vs Hyundai Santa Fe: a 7-seater SUV showdown

The chunky new Hyundai Santa Fe squares up against the Skoda Kodiaq in a battle of the family-friendly seven-seaters
Car group tests
9 Oct 2024
Headlight glare on UK roads to be measured in government-backed project
Full-beam car headlights shining from a distance

Headlight glare on UK roads to be measured in government-backed project

Real-world testing aims to assess factors causing headlamp dazzle, and generate recommendations for government action
News
9 Oct 2024