The fifth generation of the Audi A4 came to the market in 2016, with the aim to defend its position as one of the two most popular Audi models worldwide (the other is A3). The new Audi A4 (factory code B9) is slightly larger than its predecessor but in average, it weighs 120 kilograms less than the previous B8. The body of the new A4 is one of the lightest in its class and it’s the first precondition to offer superb driving performance compared to strong rivals, primarily other traditional German premium brands.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides:

• Elegant look
• Comfortable cabin
• Great combination of 2.0 TFSI and Quattro

Downsides:

• Entry-level trim feels incomplete

Design – 4/5

The new Audi A4 comes with improved aerodynamics which gives the car the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23. The car is 25 mm longer than its predecessor while its height is unchanged, staying the lowest in the premium segment. The flowing design communicates sporty elegance of the brand. The recognizable Singleframe grille is wide and low, with Xenon plus headlights on both sides. Like the headlamps, the rear lights also feature multi-faceted 3D design. Looking at the profile, the shoulder line starts at the corners of the headlights and then curves to and wraps around the rear. Generally speaking, nothing revolutionary, just an evolution of B8’s design.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance – 4/5

The new Audi A4 is coming out from the factory with seven different engines. In the Singaporean showroom, there are two options – the 1.4 TFSI and the 2.0 TFSI, both paired with the 7-speed S-Tronic gearbox. The entry-level four-cylinder gasoline engine produces 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque, which is enough for 0 to 100 km/h, acceleration in 8.9 seconds and the top speed of 210 km/h. Audi claims that the average consumption is just 4.9 l/100 km. The 2.0 TFSI comes with Quattro all-wheel drive and a hundred horses more under the hood, exactly 252 hp. It needs just 5.8 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h.

Trim levels – 4/5

The entry level model is offered with fourteen colors and 16-inch alloy wheels. Standard seats have part-leather upholstery in six different colors. Other standard features are Xenon plus headlights, exterior mirrors with LED indicators, automatic air conditioning, MMI radio plus, Bluetooth interface and smartphone voice control, automatic opening of luggage compartment lid, acoustic windscreen etc. The long list of additional amenities is virtually endless, with some specials such as Bang & Olufsen sound system, Audi virtual cockpit or Audi Matrix LED headlights.

Safety – 5/5

The safety equipment list starts with six airbags and continues with Audi pre-sense city system, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). The adaptive occupant restraint system for the front seats offers outstanding protection. It adjusts the effect of the front airbags and the seatbelt force limiter to the sitting position of the driver and front-seat passenger and to the type of frontal collision. Moreover, its security could be increased with many systems, such as City assistance, Parking assistance, Tour assistance or Adaptive cruise control.

Conclusion: 4.25/5.0

The new Audi A4 is definitely ready to continue the successful story of its four-ringed predecessors. The entry level model is probably not the car which would impress demanding business customers or drivers who want top performance, but it would rather satisfy family buyers who want elegance and economy in one package. On the other side, a combination of the 2.0 TFSI engine and Quattro all-wheel drive is a solution which would give driving pleasure, comfort and safety at the same time.