Audi A4 – In a world that is increasingly heading towards SUVs and Utes the Audi A4 sedan stands strong against the tide.
Powered by the 2.0L 45 TFSI petrol engine that delivers 183kW of power, with peak torque of 370Nm, from as low as 1600 rpm. A4 is a sporty and engaging driving experience with 0-100kmh time of 5.8 seconds while delivering good fuel economy of just 7.1L/100km.
The selectable drive mode combines well with the 7 Sp Sports DCT transmission and Audi renowned Quattro drivetrain.
TO LISTEN TO THE A4 S Line RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Inside its all Audi functionality and luxury. There is a long options list but the S Line we drove comes with most features you want as standard. I would add heated seats though.
Front seats are exceptionally comfortable, rear seats a little short on knee room as are most sedans in this class but the boot is quite spacious.
Also available in a wagon version the A4 meets the balance of size, performance and practicality.
Priced from $73,500 plus the usual costs and options the A4 Quattro sedan is actually pretty good value
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
Some other Audi A4 Articles
- 1 – Audi A4 allroad 45 TFSI 2021 Radio Review
- 2 – 2020 Audi A4 allroad 45 TFSI Quattro 2020 Review
- 3 – Audi A4 ALLROAD Quattro 2020 Review
- 4 – 2020 Audi launches their new A4 and A5 models
- 5 – All new 2016 Audi A4 first drive review
- 6 – 2013 Audi A4 and A5 Sport Editions
What is good? |
What is not so good? |
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Also Look At
- Genesis G70 2.0T
- Alfa Romeo Guilia
- Jaguar XE
- Kia Stinger 2.0 GT
- Lexus IS IS350 F Sport
- Peugeot 508 GT Auto
- Volkswagen Passat
Model |
Audi A4 Sedan 45 TFSI quattro S line |
| Model Price | $73,500 MLP* |
| Engine | 2.0L 4 Cyl TFSI |
| Drivetrain | AWD 7 Sp Sports DCT |
| Power | 183kW @ 6,500rpm |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 1,600-4500rpm |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 5.8 Secs / 250 kmh |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2015) |
| CO2 Emissions | 162 g/km |
| Economy ADR/ Capacity | 7.1L/100km / 8.3L/100K on test / 58L |
| Servicing | 12 Mths / 15,000km Service plan |
| Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
87/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 9 |
| Comfort | 9 |
| Equipment | 9 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 9 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Style / appeal | 9 |
| Technology / connectivity | 9 |
| Value for Money | 9 |
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Audi A4 Sedan 45 TFSI quattro S line More Thoughts
A4 S Line Exterior
While not as beautiful as the sinuous A5, the A4 is still quite stylish with bold and muscular lines that befit the Quattro drivetrain. The familial singleframe grill is framed by the matrix LED headlights and the sloping bonnet. It has purpose and style.
Profile shows a long sloping slightly rounded style that envelopes the 19 inch alloy wheels. Tyres are low profile and different front to back with 225/40 R19 tyres front and 255/35 R19 rear.
The rear is highlighted by a boot spoiler, horizontal LED tail lights and large trapezoidal exhaust.
A4 S Line Interior
Yep it’s typically Audi, which means functional and intuitive layout that has all the luxuries without making a fuss about them.
Front seats are as you would expect, comfortable but the heated seats are part of an option pack. They are however electronically adjustable with memory and additional lumbar support which my aging back appreciates.
One thing I have always liked is the size and feel of the Audi steering wheels. They are thick rimmed, flat bottomed, frame the 12 inch virtual cockpit perfectly and provide excellent feedback.
Seats are comfortable, driver ergonomics spot on and the overall ambiance is luxurious. The ambient lighting sets the mood.
The central console and stack area flows and the wireless charging tray in the central storage bin is clever and practical.
Rear seats are a touch tight as are most cars in this size of vehicle. However there is adequate head room and knee room for normal size passengers.
Surprisingly the boot area is quite large. Like most it is limited in height but was wide and deep to allow a decent amount of storage.
A4 S Line Features
As a range topping model the S Line is well equipped including:
- Convenience key – keyless entry and start
- S line exterior
- 19″ wheels with sport suspension
- Leather-appointed upholstery
- MMI Navigation plus with a 10-inch touchscreen
- 3-zone deluxe auto air-conditioning
- DAB+ Digital radio
- Virtual cockpit with (12.3-inch) high resolution display
- Sport front seats with electric adjustment for both seats and memory function
- Frameless, auto-dimming interior mirror with auto-dimming exterior mirrors
- Illuminated aluminum door sill trims with an S logo
- Audi sound system (180W, 10 speakers)
Audi connect plus functionality facilitates seamless integration of online traffic, weather conditions, fuel prices, parking information and Google Maps into the A4 driving experience. Together with additional functions enabled through the myAudi smartphone app like remote lock/unlock, destination send-to-car function, service request, emergency call and more.
Despite the high levels of equipment, select option packages are available for the range, such as Assistance, Assistance plus, S line interior (where appropriate) and Carbon and black styling package.
A4 S Line Engine and Drivetrain
The 45 TFSI engine variant is the most popular variant in the A4 range, and is available in all bodystyles. It produces 183kW of power, with peak torque of 370Nm, from 1,600 – 4,500rpm, delivering decidedly sporty performance.
The 0-100km/h sprint is a reasonable 5.8 seconds in the Sedan, while delivering good fuel economy of just 7.1L/100km.
As an alternative, the 40 TDI engine in the A4 allroad quattro produces 140kW and 400Nm, with its 5.2L/100km fuel consumption delivering outstanding range.
Both the 40 TDI and 45 TFSI engines are perfectly matched to the sure-footed quattro all-wheel drivetrain for excellent road-holding, channelling power through a 7-speed S tronic transmission. In addition, the 45 TFSI engine features ultra technology, which predictively activates the quattro drive enhancing fuel efficiency.
A4 S Line Driving Experience
In short it’s an engaging and pleasant drive experience. The 45 TFSI engine provides enough power and torque when needed for spirited rather than outright performance.
However the Quattro drivetrain and dynamics ensure that the driver maximises the performance. Drive select also means that when you want to have a little blast, sport mode comes to the party as well.
The ride is smooth, with some road irregularities felt through the low profile performance tyres. As you may expect, the vehicle reacts directly to driver inputs through the steering, accelerator or brake, it’s a driver’s package in a daily driver.
The characteristics of the TFSI engines that provide low rpm delivery of maximum torque along with a wide peak band means relaxed and economical driving as well. They are a gem of an engine.
I’m not the greatest fan of DCT transmissions, but this is one of the better ones.
There is little road noise that can be heard so overall it’s a quiet, smooth, spirited drive experience.
A4 S Line Safety
The ANCAP 5 Star safety rating is a little old now but the A4 is packed with all the up to date features you would expect.
These include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection,
- eight airbags,
- side assist lane, change warning,
- exit warning system,
- cross traffic assist rear,
- parking system plus with reversing camera,
- tyre pressure monitor and
- pre-sense rear
Some little daily things to note
- Even though I’m a touch larger than the average bear, there is plenty of room for me and I was really comfortable.
- Because of my long legs I tend to have the seat right back and the steering wheel extended, this means the ‘B’ pillar can get in the way when getting in and out. It also doesn’t leave much room for a passenger behind me.
- Driver ergonomics are spot on though
- I love the haptic feedback on the central screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and wireless charging is appreciated
- You can connect two phones simultaneously. I tried it and it worked but wouldn’t do it as a regular thing. Not because it doesn’t work well, more because I’m a bit if a technophobe.
- Headlights are excellent as is the auto high beam calibration.
- The central screen has a little bit of a stuck on tablet feel about it but the functionality and clarity is excellent.
- Reverse camera is likewise clear and spot on.
- External mirrors don’t tip in reverse.
- Washer and wipers work well
- Audi Pre Sense can be a little intrusive and temperamental at times.
Audi Owner benefits
The new A4 Sedan, A4 Avant and A4 allroad petrol engine variants are offered with the comprehensive Audi service plan package, priced at $1,710 for three years or $2,720 for five years. Respectively, the diesel engine variant is priced at $2,050 for three years or $3,190 for five years. Check these figures with your local dealer for the most recent prices.
A4 S Line final thoughts
In some ways it’s a shame that the market is now so focussed on SUVs because cars such as the Audi A4 are underappreciated. Especially as it comes in a sedan and wagon version.
The A4 45 TFSI S Line is a gem of a car. Provides almost everything a family could want, is well equipped and has a little spirit for the driver in most of us.
Even though it’s some $73,500 odd in price its actually really good value compared to some other European competitors.
I enjoyed my time in the A4 and it’s definitely worth a drive if this is the type of car you are looking for.