adminof utility.
Pity, locally we do not have a dealership which distributes these cars. I so love German tech especially the Audi series . . . after watching Transporter 2 and 3 and now the series I can assure you that I’m slowly moving to be converted.
While I’ll rarely (if ever) turn down an abundance of horsepower and torque, I also appreciate a car that hits that elusive sweet spot of power and efficiency.
Among entry-level luxury sedans, the Audi A4 is one such car. Point to note if you are a power junky, no horsepower, you just don’t buy period . . . it’s not the looks but what’s under the hood that makes a car.
The A4 manages to meet and even beat its base-model competitors when it comes to acceleration and fuel economy. Agile handling also contributes to the A4’s balanced nature, with a favourable blend of sport and comfort.
When I drove this car a few weeks ago, I kept telling myself, “Your heart shouldn’t break, some day you will afford it”. The reason being I fell so in love with this car that if I could, I would have taken it home.
The A4’s real strength lies in its high-quality cabin. Audi makes use of best-in-class materials and a restrained design aesthetic to create a sumptuously modern interior.
Naturally a range of upscale features is either standard or optional, including navigation, a premium sound system and Audi’s MMI electronics. Cargo space is about average for the segment, but for those who need more utility; “sevaye vane mhuri hurusa” there’s the handsome A4 Avant wagon.
It’s easy to see why I and many other auto enthusiasts consider the new Audi A4 to be a top choice among entry-level luxury sedans. But it has some stout competition to overcome — each with its own set of advantages.
The BMW 3 Series offers a higher level of driver engagement, though not as much as it once did.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class emphasises luxury and impeccable build quality. But if you’re looking for an artful blend of all of the above, I’d suggest giving the Audi A4 some serious consideration.
The high-performance S4 model is available too, so those speed freaks out there you will enjoy driving this car. For the young and hip or the young at heart, there is a sport package which includes a sport-tuned suspension, a three-spoke steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered seats and automatic transmission shift paddles. Optional rear side airbags are available on some models.
Powering every new Audi A4 is a turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 211 horsepower and an ample 258 pound-feet of torque.
The A4’s acceleration is as brisk as other entry-level luxury sedans, returning 0-100km/h times of 6,2 seconds with a manual transmission. Estimated fuel economy is about 13kmpl city/16kmpl highway and 14 kmpl combined — very frugal for a luxury sedan.
Standard safety features on the Audi A4 include anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
If an imminent collision is detected, the system alerts the driver and primes the brakes for full stopping power.
Among entry-level luxury sedans, the current Audi A4’s cabin is regarded as one of the best in its class. The interior’s austere design lends an air of adult seriousness, while the top-notch materials send a message of sophisticated refinement.
The use of real leather as standard equipment also gives the Audi an advantage over its competitors from BMW and Mercedes, which use vinyl leatherette.
Most infotainment functions are conveniently situated around the shift lever on models equipped with the navigation system. The A4’s other controls are generally intuitive and well laid out, though accessing certain features can be an exercise in frustration. Adjusting something as simple as the fan speed, for example, is a two-step process.
The handling is brilliant and secure, even more so when the car is equipped with all-wheel drive. Drivers with an ache for performance will likely find the added athleticism of the sport package to their liking.
The turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides class-competitive acceleration, but it lacks the refinement of a six-cylinder, transmitting some off-putting vibrations through the steering wheel.
Also of note is the optional Audi Drive Select system, which allows the driver to choose among three modes for steering effort and transmission responsiveness — or enjoy custom settings via a fourth “Individual” mode.
It’s an interesting pricey idea, but who cares, if you have the money you will spend on all the extras.
Most shoppers should find the A4’s standard suspension, steering and transmission calibrations perfectly adequate.
The unfortunate bit is that currently there is no dealership for Audi in Zimbabwe right now so you would have to import one for the love of “Vorsprung durch Technik”. Literally translated, it means “advancement through technology”.
Till next week, as the Germans say Auf Wiedersehen.
Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies. She can be contacted via email on [email protected] follow torque with Fact Jeke on Facebook .
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