Audi A4 1.8T

Thought it was time for an update seeing as I've had the car for over 6 months...

I'd always had a thing about Audis, I'd love an S6 but the budget won't stretch, so the A4 was an obvious choice. Looking at the range I had the choice of the entry-level 2.0 of the 1.8T in either 2 wheel drive or Quattro. Comparing the performance the 2.0 pushes out 130bhp with the 1.8T raising this to 150bhp, simple choice then. Comparing this with the 3 series, the 318 offers only 112bhp, with the 320 jumping upto 170bhp, though the new model increases capacity to 2.3 litres. After test driving both variants I decided on the 2 wheel drive, though the brochure gives the same 8.4sec 0-60 time, the 2 wheel drive seems quicker, probably as the Quattro has the power being put out to all 4 wheels. I must say though that the Quattro definitely has the edge in terms of handling and the 4 wheel drive is definitely a safer bet. The downside for company car drivers like myself is that the Quattro bumps the emissions levels up considerably, resulting in a bigger tax bill.

Looks wise, the Audi is impressive, curvy but with those sharp shoulder lines, it seems lower than the 3 series, which is further exaggerated with the sports pack that lowers the suspension a further 20mm, which also provides a stiffer, more responsive ride, without compromising comfort too much. The interior is functional but stylish, especially with the optional aluminium inlays and generally the whole car is well equipped. There are a few items I'd like to see that I have on the Bora, such as the rain sensor wipers and the interior lights that are only available as part of an expensive electric pack but on the whole I can't complain.

In terms of fuel economy, according to the computer I'm averaging about 32mpg, though I can't say I've been easy on the throttle since I got it! ;)

Long distance journeys have turned out to be pretty enjoyable. I had some concerns about the sports seats as part of the optional sports pack as they seemed considerably firmer than the standard. I had visions of being crippled by the time I arrived but can honestly say that after a 3 hour drive with only 1 quick pit stop I arrived feeling as though I'd just driven round the corner.

The A4 is a great motorway cruiser, even with the stiffer suspension the ride is smooth, road noise is noticeable but not intrusive, except with the window down! Even in 5th gear, the engine has enough pull to accelerate out of any sticky situations. In terms of fuel economy, according to the computer I averaged 34.3mpg on the trip. I do tend to avoid Motorways now though, not just because of the appalling driving of a lot of the people on them and the inevitable traffic jams, but I prefer blasting along the A roads making as much use of the sports suspension as possible :)

I've now covered over 18,000 miles and the car's had it's first service, a bit pricey at £260, that and the fact that some little b**t**d has keyed all 4 panels on the nearside which will cost £1,000 to get resprayed means it's been an expensive 6 months.

Fuel eceonomy seems to be improving as the engine loosens up and I'm up to an average of 34mpg. All in all I'm still well chuffed with the car, but then again, the Cabriolet is out this summer and the S4 (which I'm told will be a 400bhp supercharged 4.0) is out in October...maybe I can convince the boss!