Audi A4 | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 11 January, 2016

The new Audi A4 may not look hugely different to the previous model, but rest assured it's all new from the inside out. Based on a whole new platform (shared with the Q7 and Bentley Bentayga), it offers more space in the cabin and some very impressive new kit.

Overview

Overview

The new Audi A4 may not look hugely different to the previous model, but rest assured it's all new from the inside out. Based on a whole new platform (shared with the Q7 and Bentley Bentayga), it offers more space in the cabin and some very impressive new kit. This is car that never needed any help getting out of showrooms anyway but a powerful yet fuel efficient new engine line-up, alongside a class-leading interior and a lower entry price (yet more standard equipment) than the previous one – should keep any competition from BMW's facelifted 3-series at bay and help it retain its title of Ireland's top-selling premium compact executive saloon.

Interior Gallery

The all-new Audi A4 has increased in size over the previous model, its wider and longer than ever before. Rear legroom has increased by 23mm, this small sounding increase means a couple of six-footers will sit comfortably in the back. The middle seat is compromised due to the high transmission tunnel but this is the same across all its competitors.

The boot on the A4 is in line with the competitors in its class at 480 litres. Unsurprisingly the saloon shape does restrict access slightly but once you get your items over the load lip there is plenty of space for a weeks shopping or couple of large suitcases. One area where the A4 beats its rivals is that split folding seats come as standard, so if you are a regular skier the A4 is a winner!

The interior mirrors that of the new Q7 and will be a huge advantage over its main competitors, who try as they may, can't seem to reach that perfect blend of luxury and elegance that Audi always seem to manage. The slim floating lines of the brushed chrome dashboard surround the new MMI Interface, which is now equipped with the latest in smartphone connectivity, including Apple's Carplay. It will also be the latest in the range to offer Audi's new Virtual Cockpit, which transfers most of that connectivity to a display behind the steering wheel. It is an optional extra, but an extremely tempting one and can be bought on it's own for which makes most sense when bought with the technology pack. The €2,500 premium for that will also add a wireless phone-charging box, Audi Connect, and 3D Google maps.

Safety is another area the A4 will be hard beaten in. As well as scoring the full five stars on the NCAP crash test – there will be no less than 30 driver-assisting features on offer, as new technology allows brands to edge ever closer to autonomous driving. Audi have done their best here to take the hassle out of any driving situations that aren't enjoyable with some seriously impressive features including 'traffic jam assist' which will take over your distance control in heavy congestion and the new 'predictive efficiency assist', which will read the attributes of the road ahead and react accordingly.

The 2.0l 150 PS TDI in our test car offered a typically refined Audi drive – plenty of pulling power and a remarkably quiet cabin. The steering feels feather light when it comes to parking and in and around town but very noticeably weights up once you pick up speed and offers a bit more feel this time around. There has been a marked improvement in the comfort of the suspension which now allows you to glide over rougher surfaces so effortlessly that you could very easily think you're in an A6, or even an A8.

There's an exciting range of engines coming to Ireland. The line-up with two petrols in the 1.4 and 2.0 TFSIs with 150 and 190 PS respectively. The volume seller then is likely to be the 2.0 TDI 150 PS model, offering a nice blend of performance and economy with a claimed fuel economy of 70 MPG and €190 tax (this increases to €200 on 19'' wheels). There's also a 2.0 190 PS model available with Audi's superb Quattro four-wheel drive system, and as one of the few brands in the segment still committed to the six-cylinder engine – two spine-tingling 3.0l V6 TDIs available with either 218 or 272 PS.

At €35,800, the entry level price is actually down on the previous model, despite having more equipment on board this time around. There will be three trims on offer – Xenon headlamps, electric lumbar support and keyless go are some of the highlights standard across the entire range. The €1,950 jump to the SE model then adds LEDs, cruise control and twin leather and looks set to be a nice balance between the entry level Attraction and the top of the range S-Line that comes with sports suspension and upgraded styling. Audi predict the typical bill for most buyers here to be around the €41,550 mark for the 2.0l 150 PS TDI in the SE trim.

The initial price may a substantial investment but is somewhat offset by strong residual values and an excellent build quality, not to mention the timeless badge appeal of those four rings.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives