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by Vicky Parrott 16 March 2012 Follow @@VickyParrott Share
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There is still only one winner in the battle for supremacy in the Audi A4’s compact premium saloon class and that’s BMW, whose 3 Series outsells Audi’s A4 and the Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class. But the A4 has gradually made up ground on the 3 Series, and Audi believes this version codenamed B8, is good enough to take another bite out of BMW’s lead.
This time Audi has the increased firepower with a platform shared by the Audi A5 coupé, and whose running gear has been revised to improve the car’s dynamic performance – and there’s now an arsenal of optional features not previously seen on the A4.
There’s now an arsenal of optional features not previously seen on the A4Vicky ParrottDeputy reviews editor
These include adjustable settings for steering, throttle and suspension, lane assistance, a blind spot monitor, comfort-cooled front seats, active steering, Bang and Olufsen sound systems and three-zone climate control, as well as other Audi perennials such as quattro all-wheel drive.
This A4 saloon and estate models are also bigger, roomier, more aerodynamic and cleaner.
The AUdi A4’s engine range’s centre of gravity is the 2.0-litre TDI, nowadays with common-rail injection instead of the VW Group’s old pumpe düse system, plus balancer shafts. It comes in several guises ranging from 134bhp up to 175. There are 1.8 and 2.0-litre TFSI petrol units, with 168 or 208bhp or, shorn of a turbo (but not the ‘T’), 118bhp for the entry 1.8. The feisty 3.0-litre V6 for the S4 makes 328bhp, while 3.0-litre diesel V6s produce either 201 or 237bhp.
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Higher-spec engines either can or must be had with quattro four-wheel drive, while Multitronic CVT/eight-speed autos go with lower-power diesels of either capacity. Otherwise it’s dual-clutchers or six-speed manuals.
Verdict Model tested: Rating:
Audi A4 2008-2014
GoodRefinementCabin quality and spaceImproved chassisBadInconsistent steering weightOffset pedalsCould be quicker