Audi A4 2.0 > Reviews (5)

The Audi A4 2.0 is a handsome high quality car with a smooth highway ride and generally low noise levels.

Interior
The interior is snug for 4 occupants although those in the rear seats should not be taller than 1.7M as legroom is limited. The seats are well constructed for comfort but lack sufficient sideways restraint for more enthusiastic cornering.
The seat longitudinal adjustment is by lever located on the left, a bar across the front of the seat would be simpler to locate. The rake and height adjustment controls work well.
Elegant entry or egress is thwarted by the low roofline that forces passengers to contort somewhat, particularly in the case of rear seat occupants.
The drivers door armrest does not have a handle on the inner end making for a long reach when closing a fully opened door. Footwell and pavement lamps are provided in both front and rear.

Boot
The boot of about 400 liters is large, well finished and regularly shaped but the small opening prevents easy loading of larger objects. A full size spare is located under the floor and there is a useful storage hole on the left.

Instruments
The instruments are clear, well lit and easy to read but only one trip meter is fitted. Perhaps this is because of the inclusion of an accurate remaining fuel indication that displays the range available before the tank is empty, this is a very useful instrument here in South Africa where distances between petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometers.

Major controls
The controls are well located except for the indicator stalk, which is on the wrong side for a right-hand drive car, and the hand brake, which is mounted about 10cm too high. It is easy to get a comfortable seating position with all controls to hand (with the exception of the hand brake).

Secondary controls
The windscreen wipers are effective and relatively quite but leave the upper left of windscreen un-wiped. Unlike the Mercedes C class, which reduces wiper speed to the next lowest setting, the A4 maintains the same wiper speed when the car comes to a rest. The washers are a little too powerful, causing a considerable amount of washer fluid to land on the side and rear windows. The fluid container is more than large enough to last the distance the car will travel on a tank of fuel. As the ignition switch is unlit and hidden behind the steering wheel, insertion of the key is awkward, particularly in poor light conditions. Most minor controls are back-lit. During night-time driving, the back-lit interior light switches reflect in the rear view mirror

Heating and ventilation
Heating and ventilation are fine both the front & rear seat passengers. The climate control works well but the cabin air filter appears to loose effectiveness after just one good dose of diesel fumes, perhaps the filter element must be changed very often.

Exterior and lights
The paint finish is excellent and appears to resist stone chips. Doors and boot lid close solidly and joint lines are very tight. The headlights produce good high beam and well defined dimmed lighting.

The mirrors are just large enough to provide the information required. The rear lights are large and clear. The front apron can catch on dips if one is not cautious. The curved exterior does not aid reversing the Audi A4, but in this regard the previous model (Audi 80) was even worse.

Engine and transmission
The A4 2.0 is sufficiently powerful during motorway driving at coastal altitudes, but here in Johannesburg (1800M above sea level) there is a deficit of torque and low-down power to gracefully propel this relatively heavy car, this is noticed particularly when accelerating from rest. This lack of torque tends to spoil the gear change and extra attention is required if stalling of the vehicle is to be avoided. This engine has only an average specific power output of 96KW from its two-liter displacement, this is disappointing as similar specific outputs, sharper throttle response and more personality were offered in motor cars engines of 30 years ago.

Handling, steering & road holding
Handling although still somewhat ponderous is exact and not as wooden as in previous Audis. The steering is well weighted giving a feeling of security during high speed cornering while road holding is equally acceptable. The brakes are powerfull.

NHV
The overall impression gained when driving or being driven in the Audi A4 is of Teflon-like smoothness and refinement. This is particularly evident when driving longer journeys on main roads or motorways.
There are however some areas for improvement; the engine although normally unobtrusive, becomes a little raucous when extended, low-speed bump and pothole absorption is not this car’s strong point and could be improved.

Running costs
Depreciation is average for a car of this type, comprehensive insurance at GBP450 per year (here in Johannesburg) is less costly than for a similar Mercedes or BMW. Fuel consumption is average in normal driving but can be very reasonable on longer journeys when driven at sensible speeds, then over 1000KM may be driven before the 70 liter tank requires refilling..

Reliability
My A4 is now 6 months old and has accumulated 7’700KM (4’8123 Miles) without any problems; it has been 100% reliable. Here in South Africa this car is sold with a 100’000KM full maintenance plan that covers all maintenance costs with the sole exception of tires but as I have yet to visit the garage I cannot comment on the servicing standards.

To summarize, the A4 is an excellent small executive car for people who do not require a lot of room, but rather spend a little extra and buy the 120KW or 140KW 1.8 turbo to enjoy the power this vehicle deserves.