Ever since Audi made its break as an independent marque within the greater VW Group, in the mid-1990s, it has been a brand in the ascendant. Okay, the recent downturn in registrations has more to do with political and economic uncertainty than anything Audi has failed to do but its upwards trajectory, under all normal circumstances, has been the envy of the entire motor industry for around two decades.
The A4 model, tested here for the first time in its new engine format ‘40’ designation, which is virtually the default motor, in S-Line, S-Tronic trim, is the median choice of company car and, what the Americans call ‘premium’, executive sectors. In many respects, it has been the ‘fall-back’ model for those people acquiring this class of car, in head-on battle with both BMW 3-Series and Merc C-Class. Core engineering by VW Group is a main attraction, despite the ‘dieselgate’ issues, which most people seem happy to skim over. Yet, Audi has earned a sound repute for dependability, with fine engineering being a vital secondary lure.
Focusing on just two minor aspects, its driver’s door mirror and the ducktail rear spoiler, while VW may have pursued a door-closing route to quality management, when it is not telling fibs about exhaust emissions, are prime examples of Audi attention-to-detail that is second to none. The mirror housing contains a number of purposeful strakes that carry out three main functions: to upset the surrounding airflow, to provide clear air across the side windows and the mirror face and to reduce extraneous noise caused by resultant turbulence.
It may seem like an impossible task but Audi achieves it. It is also airflow that has led to the creation of a delightful in-built ‘ducktail’ rear spoiler, rather than one produced from adhesive rubber. While the metal forming, which includes that of the rear wings, is more demanding in the press shop at Ingolstadt, the resultant improvement in straight-line and higher speed stability is noticeable.
The rest of the car is standard Audi fayre; impeccable build quality, fine Nappa hide, real aluminium trim panels and the customary plethora of driver and safety aids. Its ride quality on 19.0-inch diameter alloy wheels (245/30 profile tyres) is excellent in ‘Normal’ chassis mode, although it does become truly nuggety in ‘Sport’ setting. Grip levels are fantastic, despite the lack of quattro 4x4 technology.
The 187bhp version of VW Group’s venerable 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, now as clean as it can be, provides 0-60mph acceleration in around 7.4s, a top speed of 150mph, CO2 emissions of 120g/km and around 50.4mpg (on the official WLTP combined test cycle), a figure that is not just achievable by any driver but can also be exceeded. List-pricing it at £42,105 (as tested) would be a stumbling-block, did Audi not offer some useful, discounted lease rates.
