The best of both worlds - an essence which the automobile world has sought and most mentioned, perhaps even by the marketing people behind the scenes.
Take refinement and outright performance for example - you can't have F1-quick cog switches without compromising on the transition smoothness. Likewise, style for practicality - the latter does take a cut when the former gets boosted in most instances.
A more appropriate statement for the car in question - how do you retain family identity without turning bland and losing distinctiveness? Audi may have the answer.
Exterior
The latest A4 bears strong resemblance to the other offerings in Audi's stable, which also meant that the makeover would not make it stand out on many instances. Notably, the reworked facets add a sense of dynamism, especially with the protruding lips on the quarter flanks and front spoilers.
As good as it look, these lamps looks interestingly familiar
Take refinement and outright performance for example - you can't have F1-quick cog switches without compromising on the transition smoothness. Likewise, style for practicality - the latter does take a cut when the former gets boosted in most instances.
A more appropriate statement for the car in question - how do you retain family identity without turning bland and losing distinctiveness? Audi may have the answer.
Exterior
The latest A4 bears strong resemblance to the other offerings in Audi's stable, which also meant that the makeover would not make it stand out on many instances. Notably, the reworked facets add a sense of dynamism, especially with the protruding lips on the quarter flanks and front spoilers.
As good as it look, these lamps looks interestingly familiar  |
When viewed from the sides, the A4's silhouette remains largely unchanged from the previous model. The rounded front bonnet coupled with a wedge-shaped integrated boot lip has somewhat become all familiar; associated with the compact sedan from the German four-ringed marque.
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Interior
Classic strengths of the premium German marque have been re-augmented in the facelifted A4. In true-blue Audi fashion, the switches feel the bit and are well put together. Interestingly, there is an additional script function atop the centre MMI system control. This comes in handy, for instance, when viewing the map, providing ease of navigation.
Audi claims that the slight twitches done to the dials and switches point towards that of ergonomics improvements - not that we have much to complain about those in the predecessor. While it is relatively easy to locate what you are looking for, the controls does feel a tad clustered, especially the climate control on the centre console.
Script function cleverly integrated onto centre MMI control
Classic strengths of the premium German marque have been re-augmented in the facelifted A4. In true-blue Audi fashion, the switches feel the bit and are well put together. Interestingly, there is an additional script function atop the centre MMI system control. This comes in handy, for instance, when viewing the map, providing ease of navigation.
Audi claims that the slight twitches done to the dials and switches point towards that of ergonomics improvements - not that we have much to complain about those in the predecessor. While it is relatively easy to locate what you are looking for, the controls does feel a tad clustered, especially the climate control on the centre console.
Script function cleverly integrated onto centre MMI control The three-spoke steering allows good grip, with obtruding notches at the four and eight o'clock region, which makes sharp turning manoeuvres somewhat easier. On the other hand, the driver may find surroundings increasingly familiar, with little variations from those found in other offerings from Audi.
No let-down in the rear quarters with adequate all-round allowances
In 'Ambitious' trim, the light-coloured interior is matched with 'wooden' trims in beech hue - a departure from the usual black, which makes the cabin feels much more spacious and refreshing. Despite being a compact sedan, the rear quarters will fit three medium-sized adults with ease, with adequate all-round allowances.
No let-down in the rear quarters with adequate all-round allowances In 'Ambitious' trim, the light-coloured interior is matched with 'wooden' trims in beech hue - a departure from the usual black, which makes the cabin feels much more spacious and refreshing. Despite being a compact sedan, the rear quarters will fit three medium-sized adults with ease, with adequate all-round allowances.
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The Drive
The A4 is no stranger in creature comforts, so as the providence of seamless and effortless driving experience. This has often resulted in heavily-assisted steering columns, which takes out a substantial bit off the driving fun. In the name of efficiency, Audi has also fitted a new electro-mechanical steering, which offers fuss-free manoeuvring in the city-landscape, but could certainly do with more feedbacks.
The ride quality, on the other hand, is nothing short of expectations. During cruising, especially, the cabin is exceptionally serene, only to be dulled by the suspension which is more bias towards body-control than ride comfort.
Notably, the 1.8 TFSI engine in the test car provides commensurate oomph, but with enhanced efficiency due to advancements in the geeky nitty-gritty stuffs - valve-lift controls, thermal management etc. In combination, they offer an 11% increase in fuel efficiency - not bad indeed.
With eight ratios to choose from, any situations on our local roads are promptly dealt with in a swift and decisive manner. Switching between the cogs is hardly perceptible too, especially in comfort and efficiency mode.
The A4 is no stranger in creature comforts, so as the providence of seamless and effortless driving experience. This has often resulted in heavily-assisted steering columns, which takes out a substantial bit off the driving fun. In the name of efficiency, Audi has also fitted a new electro-mechanical steering, which offers fuss-free manoeuvring in the city-landscape, but could certainly do with more feedbacks.
The ride quality, on the other hand, is nothing short of expectations. During cruising, especially, the cabin is exceptionally serene, only to be dulled by the suspension which is more bias towards body-control than ride comfort.
Notably, the 1.8 TFSI engine in the test car provides commensurate oomph, but with enhanced efficiency due to advancements in the geeky nitty-gritty stuffs - valve-lift controls, thermal management etc. In combination, they offer an 11% increase in fuel efficiency - not bad indeed.
With eight ratios to choose from, any situations on our local roads are promptly dealt with in a swift and decisive manner. Switching between the cogs is hardly perceptible too, especially in comfort and efficiency mode.
As part of the fuel-saving frenzy, all A4 variants will come standard with the automatic engine start-stop feature. Like those found elsewhere, the system needs time and patience to get used to. But with the toggle-switch to put the system to sleep so easily accessible (located in the middle on the central console), it is a constant self-restraint to keep your fingers away from it.
Conclusion
With the A4, it is pretty much inherent that Audi's compact sedan has gone further in the pursue of refinement and efficiency. And with that much focus on these enhancements, they seem to have made the A4 a 'commoner's car' so as to speak - mass-produced with little differentiation.
This is not to say that the offering is any less capable. The recipe for luxury and refinement has worked well thus far, arguably setting a benchmark in its segment.
Your choice would inevitably come down to two main attributes: Soul or Comfort - take your pick.
Conclusion
With the A4, it is pretty much inherent that Audi's compact sedan has gone further in the pursue of refinement and efficiency. And with that much focus on these enhancements, they seem to have made the A4 a 'commoner's car' so as to speak - mass-produced with little differentiation.
This is not to say that the offering is any less capable. The recipe for luxury and refinement has worked well thus far, arguably setting a benchmark in its segment.
Your choice would inevitably come down to two main attributes: Soul or Comfort - take your pick.
