Audi A4 TDi; Review

 

Not since the fuel crisis of the '70s has there been so much emphasis on the cost and availability of fuel.

With unstable fuel prices worldwide, manufacturers are at least aware of the issues, and are offering petrol and diesel engines that offer performance as well as fuel efficiency.

Take the European car makers, for example, they've long had high fuel costs to contend with and have a range of technically advanced engines, especially diesel, some of which are now finding their way here.

It was only a few weeks ago that I tested Volvo's new five-cylinder diesel which was fitted to the XC90, this review focuses on a new-generation Audi engine, a turbocharged/intercooled V6 diesel, fitted to the new A4, and an engine that will find its way through other Volkswagen/Audi products.

In the A4, the 3-litre, double-overhead-camshaft, common rail direct injection V6 pumps out 150kW between 3500rpm-4500rpm and an amazing 450Nm of torque all of the way from 1400rpm to 3150rpm. These figures are stunning in terms of output, and the areas where power is developed. There is a linear flow of power that never lapses, the result is urgency under acceleration if required, yet an unfaltering feel of performance at all speeds.

It is also amazingly quiet. True, there's no mistaking the diesel rattle at idle or at take off, but it is negligible in terms of annoyance. As with the rest of the A4 range, the engine is hooked to a six-speed transmission, it is a true Tiptronic automatic, which provides the driver with a manual sequential shift function if he/she so desires, either from the main gearshift lever itself or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

Some of the benefits of a six-speed gearbox are the short gaps between ratios and the ability to have both low and tall ratios all packed into the one gearbox. Take, for example, the A4 TDi's acceleration. Audi claim a 7.7sec time to make 100kmh from a standstill. That's not just solely engine strength, the bottom few gears are quite low, yet they even out to provide distance up top, sixth gear holding engine speed to a lowly 1600rpm at 100kmh.

At that speed the fuel usage computer is registering an impressive 5.3 litres usage per 100km (51mpg). My test average of 7.9l/100km (36mpg) was also pretty impressive, the combination of thrift and acceleration almost unrealistic. For the record, the A4 TDi will also accelerate from 80kmh-120kmh in 4.2sec and according to Audi has a top speed of 233kmh.

All in all, the combination of flexibility, performance and thrift is rather remarkable, although all the technology which makes it possible does come at a price, the A4 in this guise is listed at $109,500. Nevertheless, the A4 is a lot of car and it is well equipped with a vast array of items for convenience, comfort and safety.

Topping the fitment list is a fully automated climate control system, electric windows, electric exterior mirror adjustment, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, tilt and reach-adjustable steering column, fully integrated single-CD audio and remote central locking.

Audi don't skimp on safety features either, and the A4 as a series rates highly in this area. No fewer than six air bags are fitted, along with five full overshoulder seat belts and ABS with associated traction and stability control functions. On the subject of brakes, it must be noted that the A4 has an outstanding four-disc set-up, retardation is quick and controlled, with a meaty bite to the pedal feel.

The A4 in its current form is a little bigger than the model it replaces; consequently, it has interior room befitting a car of this stature. That being the case, there is a good area in which to be comfortable either in the front or in the back, and when seated the design is such that each occupant is cocooned individually. The test car was fitted with full leather trim (black), and although seat heaters weren't fitted they are a $1000 option.

The layout of the A4 isn't a lot different from previous generation models, but there's an old saying that if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and the flush surface audio and air conditioning controls are both sensible and practical.

There is a strong emphasis on red lighting amidst the control panel and gauges, it is subdued being easy on the eye.

The new A4 is also car that the driver feels at ease with, it is involving and sports-like when he or she demands a little from it in terms of speed. I took the test car up high country roads between the Rakaia and Waimakariri River gorges and it dispensed with the kilometres serenely.

As you would expect from the Audi, the A4 utilises the quattro (four-wheel-drive) system pioneered by the company, the four drive axles located up front by double wishbones and a multiple link set-up at the rear. The spring and damper rates are a bit firmer than what I was expecting, but there is good compliance in the system to provide a quality ride and enough firming to control body roll when the twisty roads beckon.

It's fair to say the A4 in the first instance is a brilliant touring car with speed and ability. It steers with perfection through big Dunlop Sport tyres (235/45 x17in), and even if understeer or oversteer looks likely it is negated by a very invasive traction control network that immediately returns the car to the chosen direction. That is at the extreme, though, ordinarily the A4 has decisive steering feel and beautiful directional control with accuracy and body balance delightful to be involved in.

Unfortunately, great cars such as the A4, especially in diesel form, aren't seen as mainstream, the technology which makes it so special comes at a price, restricting the market potential. However, those lucky enough to reap the rewards of diesel usage will gain some of that cost back, and in turn be rewarded by a very special all round package.

Specifications:

Price: Audi A4 TDi, $109,500.

Dimensions: Length, 4586mm; width, 1772mm; height, 1427mm.

Configuration: V6 longitudinal, four-wheel-drive, 2967cc, 150kW/3500-4500rpm, 450Nm/1400-3150rpm, six-speed automatic; 1655kg.

Performance: 0-100kmh, 7.7sec; maximum speed, 233kmh.