Volkswagen's Audi division competes globally with fellow German rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, persuading upmarket shoppers with tempting opportunities.
The popular A4, a volume leader for Audi, battles within the entry-luxury sedan segment; for many consumers, the first step into a posh auto and an opportunity allowing prestige nameplates to entice a new generation of clients.
While tapped with compact credentials, A4 feels larger than a quintessential entry variety. The arrival of the smaller A3 to Audi's U.S. lineup provides better traditional compact cues.
The 2017 model year marks a ninth generation makeover for A4. A quick snapshot indicates the general public has taken kindly. Sales blossomed to 3,175 units in September 2016, a 43 percent jump from 2,221 units a year earlier.
Pricing starts at $37,300 for a front-drive compared to $35,900 in 2016, but this Gen 9 redo is miles ahead with a more potent engine and stunning yet functional interior. In addition, head, shoulder and rear leg room increases and tri-zone climate control, leather seating surfaces and power sunroof come standard.
Drivers benefit from good sight lines thanks to long side windows while four drive modes (comfort, dynamic, auto, individual) tailor to specific on-road needs. During spirited handling, drivers stay firmly planted in supportive front buckets. Lighter weight construction helped slim down front wheel editions by 99 pounds and 66 pounds for all-wheel drive.
Three trims include Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Standard front drive or four-wheel drive 'Quattro' drivetrains (transferring power to the wheel with the most grip) are offered in all trims. The Quattro designation dates back to the early 1980s as the first permanent all-wheel drive system specifically targeted for a luxury passenger vehicle. In the U.S., Quattro remains a marketing differentiator with sales topping front-wheel drive purchases.
Audi also markets the A4 Allroad five-door wagon sub trim, a Quattro exclusive with higher ground clearance.
Our Premium Quattro started at $39,400. After adding a $3,800 Premium Plus Package (heated power folding side mirrors, heated eight-way power seat, LED headlights, three month satellite radio trial), $3,250 technology package (virtual cockpit, navigation) and $500 cold weather package (heated steering wheel, heated rear seats), the bottom line reached $47,900 after sliding in the $950 destination charge.
The top-rung Prestige trim includes Technology package standard along with a heads-up display.
Under hood, the sole powertrain increases oomph. A 2.0 turbo-charged four-cylinder gas engine cranks out an appreciated 252 horses (up from last year's 220) mated to one of two transmissions, including a new seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
Volkswagen pioneered lighter-weight dual clutch transmissions, which shift with the same convenience found in other automatic transmissions (no foot clutch necessary). Twin gear boxes and a pair of clutches allow for quick shifts without need of a weight-bearing torque converter.
For those desiring more direct input, a six-speed manual (at no extra cost) is available in four-wheel-drive trims.
From afar, A4's 'understatedly elegant' (some might interpret as conservative) exterior cloaks ultra-modern interior, most notable the revamped fully digital high-resolution display, maximizing creative and functional opportunities.
For example, the navigation feed (with Google Earth map) may be summoned into the instrument panel's crisp 12.3-inch display, in closer proximity to driver's front sight line. In addition, the map's size actually increases via a steering wheel 'view' button.
When center map perception grows, corner animated tachometer and speedometer circles minimize in size, retreating into respective lower corners.
In addition to the map, audio selections, Audi Connect safety messaging and hands-free telephone information, may be summoned to occupy center stage; all of which may also increase/decrease in size.
The dashboard situates rather low from west to east, save for a thin, rectangular, high-mount flat-backed screen protruding up from the top middle. A 7-inch-sized Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen adorned our Premium tester. The higher two trims include a larger 8.3-inch version. Controls for this non-touch screen reside within the long, V-shaped command center extending from the lower dash which narrows towards the flip-top arm rest/shallow storage bin (home to electronic plug-in ports).
A large multi-function MMI chrome dial rotates and gently pushes down to signal desired selections (and operates zooming and scrolling). Six in-row pre-set buttons are in this area, but the smallish volume twist button is quite a distance away.
A stubby electronic gear shifter resides among dials and buttons. The 'park' option engages via a button on the T-bar's side. The electronic push start button gets positioned away from interference of the steering wheel or steering column; just northwest of the truncated transmission shifter.
The ventilation system incorporates an artsy yet functional layout. Harkening back to an earlier era, a row of chrome push tabs resembling AM radio pre-set options monitor fan speed, fan direction and air conditioning. Unlike the 1960s, these touch-sensitive tabs work in tandem with a narrow display screen above, where screen point-size of icons and arrows change with gentle fingertip touches. Pushing the chrome tab downward activates each specific command. Tabs get flanked by circular temperature setting dials.
All trims include fuel-saving start/stop technology. When standing idle for a prolonged period with the brake engaged, the engine cycles off until the foot lifts from the brake pedal.
While a staple in gas-electric hybrids, this system is slowly emigrating to conventional gas engines. Those new to this technology may, at first, experience momentary flashbacks to an earlier era of iffy carburetors and stalls. Once familiarized, benefits gained include increased fuel economy.
While marketed as a five seater, row two most efficiently holds two adults. A vertical transaxle floor hump patricians the region into two distinct lobes. Centrally located ventilation dials and vents reside at the front arm rest's backside, benefitting row-two riders.
All-wheel-drive fuel economy registers at a very respectable 24 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The trunk's efficient layout maximizes the segment-average 13.0 cubic feet of usable space. Hands full? A foot swipe under the cargo region unlatches the lid as long as the key fob is on person.
Rear 'C' pillars have just about the same slimness as svelte front 'A' pillars. Strap-like exterior door handles pull up at a 45-degree angle rather than straight outward. Relatively prominent straight-across character lines begin at the precise gap between the closed hood and top side fender and continue above door straps to meet up with rear tail lights. Both head and tail light housing now incorporate sharp edging rather than curves.
Unlike some of its Audi siblings, A4 escaped relatively unscathed from parent company Volkswagen's diesel engine saga as the engines in question have largely bypassed U.S. A4s.
At a Glance
Price as tested: $47,900
Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder turbo
Horsepower: 252
Wheelbase: 111.0 inches
Overall Length: 186.1 inches
Overall Width: 72.5 inches
Overall Height: 55.8 inches
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway
Assembly: Germany
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