The updated 2020 Audi A4Read Caroline’s Audi A4 review for everything you need to know about the mid-size executive saloon.
The Audi A4 is one of Audi’s bestsellers in Ireland and a core pillar of the brand. Since the first Audi A4 debuted in 1994, the A4 has matured into a highly sought after premium saloon, a gateway to the Audi brand and some of the larger Audi saloons. It packages all that’s great about the brand in subtle, refined elegance that looks good everywhere.
A new generation of the Audi A4 debuted in 2015 on a new platform. In 2019, Audi updated the A4 range to keep it competitive against key rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The range kicks off at €40,570.
What’s new for the 2020 Audi A4?
New headlights with LED technology are now standard across the range. The Singleframe grille is broader and flatter and there are also redesigned bumpers and trim elements. It’s subtle sophistication for the Audi A4. It is a classic good-looking Audi saloon. S line models adopt a more sporty look.
S line models adopt a sportier look for the new A4Inside the A4
Audi has taken the A4’s wonderful interior and made it better with the addition of some new technology features. The cabin is a fantastic mix of beautiful high quality materials ensuring a first class cabin experience. The brand has aptly replaced the old infotainment system with the latest 10.1-inch high resolution MMI touch display tilted slightly towards the driver. The graphics are elegant and sophisticated, and it works seamlessly with smartphones. It lifts the cabin and gives another contemporary edge to the latest A4. The Audi virtual cockpit provides a 12.3 inch digital display for the driver and is an option very much worth ticking.
There are two trim levels for Ireland – SE and S line – with standard equipment including heated, electrically adjustable front seats, tri zone climate control, the 10.1-inch colour display, smartphone interface, 18“ alloys, LED headlights and rear lamps, rear view camera, Audi Drive Select, keyless go, front and rear parking sensors, and cruise control.
S line models (available from €47,435) feature 19″ alloys, S line front and rear bumpers, black headliner, matte brushed aluminium trim elements, gloss black trim elements, leather/Alcantara sports seats, sport suspension, stainless steel pedals, rear dynamic turn signals and high beam assist.
The interior of the new Audi A4Engine options
In Ireland the new A4 is available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 150 or 190 hp, or a 2.0-litre diesel with 136, 163 or 190 hp. A 6-speed manual gearbox or S tronic automatic are also available. Some of these engine variants feature a 12 volt mild hybrid system with a belt-starter generator and a Li-ion battery to reduce consumption by shutting down the engine in certain circumstances.
My test car was 2.0-litre diesel S tronic with 163 hp – badged 35 TDI – and in S line trim it has a list price of €49,350. This is a new power output for the A4 and is a nice balance between performance and economy. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was a very economical 5.3l/100km.
The new A4 range starts from €40,570 in IrelandDriving the 2020 Audi A4
Refinement and comfort are part of the deal in this segment. The 2020 Audi A4 does not disappoint in this regard and moves over the tarmac in a very sophisticated fashion. Extra measures like a windscreen with acoustic glass, heighten the refined atmosphere in the cabin. S line models come with sports suspension with stiffer damping for more direct contact with the road and sportier handling. The A4 is smooth and agile but overall it’s not the sharpest driving experience in this segment. Where it does excel, is in calm refinement and that cabin is a wonderful place to while away a few hours on the motorway.
Audi has successfully revamped the A4. The new interior technology totally lifts the cabin and keeps it contemporary. For many, the cabin alone is a reason to buy the A4 as it is beautifully crafted and designed with technology at your fingertips. A calmer driving experience majors on comfort and refinement. There’s plenty of reasons to choose the A4 as your next executive saloon.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Audi A4 35 TDI S tronic
Price: €49,350
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 163 hp
Torque: 380 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 228 km/h
Fuel consumption (WLTP): 5.4 – 5.7l/100km
CO2 emissions: 143-150g/km
Motor Tax: €190 per year