Test drive: Audi A4 2.0 TDI – 100% Audi!
Although not a single detail is different from its predecessor, you certainly won't get confused, because at first glance it's clear: this is the new Audi A4. The designers from Ingolstadt play it safe, and while the new model remains a classic three-box sedan with rounded and elegant lines, a little more curves are the only major innovation in the appearance of all new Audis. The slightly vicious look of the headlights only reinforces this impression...
Large muzzle and four rings on it. This is a formula for success, pioneered 70 years ago when Tazio Nuvolari won the Yugoslav Grand Prix in Auto Union Typ D. Besides the powerful engine, the most striking feature of the then Saxon Silver Arrow was the front end of the car with its large and greedy muzzle. , who seemed to want to eat what was ahead at any moment. Obviously, the impression of a brand with four rings on the mask wants to be returned. But with one difference: this time Audi does not want to win trophies, but is fighting for the crown of the middle class, in which mistakes are not forgiven. From the very beginning, the Audi A4 was “doomed” to success. Audi specialists highly appreciated the timing of the appearance of the new "four", because they timed the development to the period when Mercedes was busy repairing the "bottomless pit" of Chrysler, and the current BMW 3 Series is already in its fourth year of "life".
Aside from the slightly serpentine look, the most impressive visual characteristic of the new A4 comes from the fourteen LEDs integrated into the headlight clusters. These are Daytime Running Lights, and while waiting for the green light for more LED lighting on vehicles by the EU Commission, they can serve you as the most impressive part of driving. The new Audi A4 is a strong step into the elite and at first glance delights with its design, signed by the proven Walter de Silva. Dynamic and status style is further emphasized by a striking increase in dimensions. The new A4 has increased from 458,5 to 470 centimeters and widened from 177 to 183 centimeters, while the height of 143 cm has remained unchanged. But the aforementioned body increases have also improved many of the parameters that promise extra comfort, as evidenced by a significant increase in wheelbase from 265 to 281 centimeters (the Audi A6 measures a wheelbase just 35mm longer than the A4).
The profile of the car mainly reflects the elegance of Audi and unmistakably adheres to the well-known rules of dynamic appearance: the bonnet is relatively long compared to the trunk lid, short front overhangs and lines running towards the rear of the car are not out of the question. The view towards the rear of the car suggests stability and features extremely soft lines. The appearance of the Audi A4 is unequivocally dynamic, insightful, dominant, and it is certain that when this person appears in the rearview mirror, few do not immediately leave the fast lane. “The Audi A4 looks quite aggressive, and the LED headlights are especially interesting and attract the attention of passers-by. The design of the car skillfully combines elegance and sporty spirit. On the one hand, the car looks super attractive and elegant, and on the other - sporty. Audi makes beautiful cars. The front end looks just as angry, with a spoiler that reminds me of some Audi cars. At the back, I especially like the twin tailpipes that add to the sportiness. I would never say it was a diesel car.” - Vladan Petrovich briefly commented on the emergence of the new Quartet.
When you open the door, the interior greets you with a luxurious atmosphere: the best plastic, worthy aluminum embellishments, everything is very finely crafted. Audi excellence. Functional and ergonomic. Thanks to the excellent steering and seat adjustment, you will easily find the perfect position and will not have to look for a single switch for more than a second. Vladan Petrovich described the interior of the Audi in the following words: “Audi has a special seating position and the driver feels different than in competing models. It sits very low and the feeling is airy. The feeling of a particularly low seating position is complemented by large rear-view mirrors. But the longer you drive, the more impressive it feels, and the Audi just crawls under your skin. The interior is dominated by "order and discipline", one can feel the exceptional quality of materials and finishes. However, the cold perfection of Audi is somehow leveled by the installation of aluminum elements that bring a sporty atmosphere. Everything is in order in the car and everything is in place.” In terms of roominess, there is enough room in the rear seats for three adults of average height. With a capacity of 480 liters, the trunk deserves every praise, which is quite enough for the needs of a family trip (BMW 3 series - 460 liters, Mercedes C-Class - 475 liters). Trunk volume can be increased to an enviable 962 liters by folding the rear seats. However, when loading bulky luggage, the narrow trunk opening, characteristic of all limousines with a shortened back, can easily interfere.
Although Audi is phasing out the "Pump-soul" engine, the modern Audi A4 2.0 TDI turbodiesel will not deprive you of driving pleasure and enjoyment. It's a 2.0 TDI engine, but it's not a pump-injector engine, but a new Common-Rail engine that uses piezo injectors for injection. The new engine is much smoother and runs incomparably quieter and smoother than the 2.0 TDI “Pump-Injector” version of the engine. It is extremely agile and temperamental, as evidenced by the fact that the maximum torque of 320 Nm develops between 1.750 and 2.500 rpm. Significant improvement in injection through piezo injectors max. pressure of 1.800 bar, innovations in the turbocharger, camshafts and new pistons, the engine delivers enviable performance. Rally champion Vladan Petrovich also gave positive feedback about the transmission: “From the sound of the engine idling, we can conclude that under the hood there is no known “pump-injector” of the engine, which sometimes sounds too harsh. This Common-Rail engine really runs incomparably quieter and more pleasant. While driving, the turbo hole is almost invisible, and the car is mesmerizing at low revs. I think Audi did a great job putting this engine in the A4 because it's superbly balanced. It responds readily to the gas at all revs, and the first impression is that the car has a power in excess of 140 hp, according to the factory data. The six-speed gearbox is perfect for this engine and is very easy to handle. Well-distributed gear ratios keep you moving without putting too much strain on the transmission, and if you want to go faster, you'll always have enough power, no matter the situation or road configuration." Petrovich explains.
A pleasant surprise was the suspension of the Audi A4 2.0 TDI. The long wheelbase has shifted the slip zones to a level that the average driver cannot reach. The excellent behavior is especially evident in the winding areas where the A4 provides exceptional feel and allows high speeds to be run. Vladan Petrovich also confirmed the excellent driving characteristics of the new Audi A4: “At every kilometer driven, the maturity of the Audi suspension comes to the fore, and driving it on winding roads is a real pleasure. Fast cornering is possible without much effort. I like the neutral behavior of the rear of the car the most, and I am sure that the average driver cannot knock the car off the ideal path. Even with bare steering movements and provocations at high speeds, the car firmly adhered to the ideal trajectory, without showing the slightest weakness. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) works great. I tried driving with the system off and the car performed fantastically, which we can thank for the improved suspension design. The disadvantage is the electro-hydraulic steering wheel, which does not transmit much information from the ground, which limits its sporting capabilities. But it's not a sports car, it's a true 'passenger cruiser' with a sporty spirit." What is typical for the new Audi A4 is that the front axle has been moved forward by 15,4 centimeters. This was achieved thanks to a well-known design trick: the engine was placed longitudinally, above the front axle, moved back, and the differential and lamellas were reversed. As a result, Audi engineers have significantly reduced the front overhangs, which, in addition to improving the appearance, also resulted in a significant improvement in driving behavior. The new concept, in which the transmission is located behind the differential, has reduced the load on the front wheels and improved stability and handling. However, if you forget and press the gas a little harder, 320 Nm will overload the front-wheel drive, and the wheels of the “four” will go into neutral.
The feeling behind the wheel of the new Audi A4 can be easily described in one word: Expensive! Those who have driven a prestigious car at least once know what it is all about: meticulous soundproofing, an exceptional feeling of stiffness, quiet bumps. Sitting in the Audi A4, we felt this nice difference compared to mass-produced cars. A great job has been done in Ingolstadt. The combination of a spirited and economical engine, slightly more favorable pricing policy and a first-class equipped interior gives Audi big points in the fight against competitors. As a reminder, Audi offers optional active steering and suspension, which our car was not equipped with, which helped us show our true capabilities. The price for the base model Audi A4 2.0 TDI starts from 32.694 50.000 euros, but taking into account the numerous surcharges, it can skyrocket to 4-6 euros. If you like AXNUMX so much and money is not a problem for you, you can really choose. If we add the fact that the new “four” is much larger and is intended for many customers who have so far opted for the AXNUMX model, the conclusion is clear.
Video test drive: Audi A4 2.0 TDI
