Frugal Audi a five-star winner

PERFORMANCE and economy are two words seldom found in the same sentence. But they certainly apply in the case of Audi's A4 2.0 TFSI.

The latest generation of the A4 is a smart car in more ways than one.

It’s a hot looker, great handler and has most of what one would expect of a luxury car in the $60,000 bracket – but the cherry on top is its engine.

It’s a superb example of engineering that generates 132kW and 320Nm, yet gives impressive performance and mini-car economy.

No wonder auto journalists from 32 countries voted it best-in-class at the International Engine of the Year awards.

Key to its efficiency is something called AVS - Audi Valvelift System – an advanced form of variable valve timing which is a story on its own, plus direct injection system and the turbocharger.

Other accolades the A4 lays claim to include a five-star Euro-Ncap safety rating, and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in its class.

Not short on choice, the A4 can be had in 14 varieties between sedan and wagon (Avant in Audi-speak) and drivetrains. Engines range from 1.8 to 3.2litres and include a couple of diesels.

Prices are from $50,900 to $90,900. Ours came with the magic 2.0litre petrol motor and a constantly variable transmission with eight 'steps' and a price tag of $59,600.

Standard specs includes 17-inch alloys with low profile tyres, rear parking radar, a 10-speaker 180Watt sound system and mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth.

There's also a central control, much like BMW's, for setting all manner of features. It can probably keep an IT person busy for hours on end.

Also standard is a push-button choice of ride modes: comfort, auto and dynamic – which change the ride from very comfy to what the computer thinks is best to firm and sporty.

Technology is everywhere.

Take the ignition key: it’s radio-operated, has no projecting teeth and can’t damage pocket or handbag linings.

To start the engine, put a foot on the brake pedal and press the key into the ignition lock.

The key also memorises service information and fault messages which are downloaded in the workshop, so the reception procedure is greatly simplified.

For a medium-sized sedan there is generous space for driver and passengers, plus the boot is much larger than expected, thanks in part to the absence of a full-sized spare wheel.

The cabin is beautifully appointed. The front seats are power-adjustable, likewise the steering, visibility is good, comfort exceptional.

The dash is a work of art, with all dials and gauges easily-read amd pedals and controls are well-placed.

Drivers who like to push through corners will be a bit miffed at the absence of a left footrest.

The engine is quiet and responsive and is beautifully matched to the transmission, which can be left in D for a seamless CVT ride, or switched to Sport, or operated manually by either the lever or paddles on the steering wheel.

However, the transmission does suffer from that Audi trademark of a frequent split second of nothingness on take-off.

Acceleration is smooth and quick, with 100km/h coming up in just under 8.5 seconds.

The A4 cruises effortlessly and overtaking is rapid and fuss-free. It just surges away at highway speeds.

Handling is so good I wondered if it was worth spending the extra for the slightly more powerful quattro, or all-wheel drive version.

The front-wheel drive model gave confident, precise control via its low-set steering, five-link light-weight front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear axle. Brakes, too, were top-drawer.

An interesting alternative to its traditional rivals, the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI presents and beautifully, comes with the whole gamut of safety gear, can run like a hare – and uses petrol extremely frugally.

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Thursday 24 May 2012

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