Audi A4 Saloon (2015 -) Review

Welcome to the new Audi A4 Saloon review – a car that is absolutely crucial for the firm, since it has to do battle with the excellent BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE and Mercedes C-Class Saloon for compact executive saloon car honours in one of the most competitive areas of the new car market. Where profit and loss are concerned, the new A4 is make or break.

Extensive and Efficient Engine Range

With so many cars of this type bought for company use it’s no surprise efficiency is a key denominator for choice in the segment; and it’s why the new Audi A4 saloon is up to 24 percent more efficient than the model it replaces. Despite its engines boasting up to 25 percent more power than those they replace.

There’s no shortage of choice, with a range of three petrol and four diesel engines, alongside the option of six-speed manual or seven- and eight-speed automatic gearboxes – the former a dual clutch operation.

Highlights include the 2-litre four-cylinder diesel, badged Ultra, which generates 148bhp and 350Nm of torque, and sprints from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. The best bit? The fact it manages to do that, while emitting just 99g/km and promising average fuel economy of over 74mpg. Of course it’s unlikely to achieve that in the real world, but close to 60mpg should be eminently possible.

Other engines of note include the more powerful 188bhp version of the same 2-litre, with 102g/km CO2 emissions and 72.4mpg claimed despite the extra power. Likewise the 3-litre V6 diesel with 215bhp, 400Nm of torque and a 6.3 second 0-62mph time – all combined with 61.4mpg and 119g/km.

Even the petrol engines make a nod to efficiency, with the 1.4-litre TFSI producing 148bhp and emitting 126g/km with over 50mpg on the cards. The pair of 2-litre TFSIs (with 188bhp and 249bhp) return between 51.4mpg and 45.6mpg, with CO2 emissions of 127g/gm and 141g/km respectively.

Well-equipped trim levels

There are three equipment lines available from launch, ranging from SE, through Sport and finishing with S line. Regardless of which you choose, each Audi A4 saloon is well-equipped, and even the entry-level cars come with 17-inch alloys, Xenon headlights, three-zone climate control, keyless start, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control.

Sport models gain more aggressive alloy wheels and figure-hugging seats, plus sat-nav and an upgraded stereo is fitted. Choose an S line and your Audi A4 saloon gains 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, 20mm lower suspension and subtle bodystyling upgrades.

Of course, the options list is vast, and your pockets will need to be deep should you wish to personalise your Audi A4 saloon. Choices include 14 colours of paint, various alloy wheel designs and diameters, a choice of suspensions (standard and adaptively damped), differing headlight technologies, seat upholsteries and interior trims, plus a variety of technology and safety packs.

We’d leave the Virtual Cockpit box un-ticked though – there’s nothing wrong with it but, unlike with the TT and its single screen, the A4 already has a digital screen protruding from its centre console. Consider adding the Matrix LED headlights, as they’re brilliant, while the Bang & Olufsen stereo upgrade makes sense for audiophiles.

Interior Quality

There’s no change here for the firm, with a cabin quality that betters all of its competitors and sets the new benchmark for materials, fit, finish and restrained design. Elements of the firm’s other cars are evident, from the full-length airvent strip borrowed from the Q7 to that aforementioned Virtual Cockpit display stolen from the TT.

However there are other elements to delight, with the inductive toggle-style switches used to control the climate settings, the driver-focused centre console and the tablet-style screen atop of it – which looks far slicker – and a screen surround of higher quality (magnesium) than some rival systems.

Prices for the new Audi A4 Saloon start at £25,900 and the car is available to order now.