martinbo
Staff member
Likes:
- Sharper, multi-faceted frontal styling
- Exterior styling portrays a more solid on-road stance than B8
- LED signatures and tail-light styling
- Overall interior ambiance coupled with the ultra-modern instrumentation and multimedia UIs
- Reduction in weight
- Broad range of engine options
Dislikes:
- Highly evolutionary overall exterior design
- Base models' styling is bland - more so even than 3er and C-Class comparatives
- "Uni-slat" vent through the facia
Observations:
Debate will rage on about the styling and us Internet punters will deride and applaud in typical fashion but one thing's for sure: the exterior styling - as evolutionary as it may - will present no risk to Audi's retention of its market share for the A4. People who like Audis enough to buy them will not be put off by the styling direction portrayed in this new model. Will it win significant conquest sales from the 3 Series or C-Class - probably not but it seems to me that it will not lose buyers either. Evolutionary? We've all said it... Safe? Undeniably. Low risk, however? Without a shadow of a doubt. The iconic Avant is as elegantly understated as ever but again appears to be better resolved than its predecessor. I even like that little dogtooth notch in the headlight given that I now see how it connects with a recess in the bumper surface. Cute.
The interior looks to be right up there in perceived quality. I for one observe an improvement in surfacing, trim and switchgear quality (yes - just from the pictures) to the extent that it may even surpass that of the C-Class thereby relegating the facelifted 3er to third place in the interior quality stakes. I'm not a fan of the "Uni-slat" continuous vent but I do very much like new dashboard design and flow together with its integration with the centre console. The placement of the MMI peripherals ahead of the smart gearlever is an interesting decision and we'll soon learn if this is an ergonomic success or not. I am particularly impressed with the HVAC module and its fitment within the single, contiguous dashboard trim-piece which I gather will comprise options of wood, alu-metal and fauxban-fibre material options.
Evermore compact engines combined with ever-increasingly sophisticated front suspension ought to bode well for the B9's primary and secondary ride balance - here's hoping that the omnipresent brittleness in the front suspension is consigned to the back catalogue once and for all. From an engineering perspective there's little to fault the new A4 on from an objective appraisal standpoint. Aerodynamics are very impressive and, coupled with the claimed weight losses, should make for a highly efficient family and business conveyance. A claimed 4.8 litres per 100 km from a 2 litre, 140 kW, 320 Nm turbopetrol engine is not just noteworthy - it's darned impressive actually - it once again highlights VAG's mastery for the inline 4 cylinder turbo'd petrol engine discipline.
The eight-speed Tiptronic (ZF 8HP - I am assuming) coupled with quattro and powered by a 200 kW 3.0 TDi V6 is nothing to sneeze at and for the vastest majority of regular road users will offer all the performance and dynamism needed.
It's a pity that Audi didn't offer the adaptive dampers as standard on the new car; it would be nice to see at least one of the Germans taking a stand to set the cat among the pigeons from a standard content perspective because right now, as far as the consumer is concerned, if I didn't know better (I don't) I'd say there was a backroom cartel deciding what's standard vs. optional extras.
Is this a landmark car for Audi? Not from a design point-of-view, I feel, but, somehow I reckon that wasn't the design brief in any event. Safe-as-houses - that was more likely the requirement and therefore in this case: mission accomplished.
- Sharper, multi-faceted frontal styling
- Exterior styling portrays a more solid on-road stance than B8
- LED signatures and tail-light styling
- Overall interior ambiance coupled with the ultra-modern instrumentation and multimedia UIs
- Reduction in weight
- Broad range of engine options
Dislikes:
- Highly evolutionary overall exterior design
- Base models' styling is bland - more so even than 3er and C-Class comparatives
- "Uni-slat" vent through the facia
Observations:
Debate will rage on about the styling and us Internet punters will deride and applaud in typical fashion but one thing's for sure: the exterior styling - as evolutionary as it may - will present no risk to Audi's retention of its market share for the A4. People who like Audis enough to buy them will not be put off by the styling direction portrayed in this new model. Will it win significant conquest sales from the 3 Series or C-Class - probably not but it seems to me that it will not lose buyers either. Evolutionary? We've all said it... Safe? Undeniably. Low risk, however? Without a shadow of a doubt. The iconic Avant is as elegantly understated as ever but again appears to be better resolved than its predecessor. I even like that little dogtooth notch in the headlight given that I now see how it connects with a recess in the bumper surface. Cute.
The interior looks to be right up there in perceived quality. I for one observe an improvement in surfacing, trim and switchgear quality (yes - just from the pictures) to the extent that it may even surpass that of the C-Class thereby relegating the facelifted 3er to third place in the interior quality stakes. I'm not a fan of the "Uni-slat" continuous vent but I do very much like new dashboard design and flow together with its integration with the centre console. The placement of the MMI peripherals ahead of the smart gearlever is an interesting decision and we'll soon learn if this is an ergonomic success or not. I am particularly impressed with the HVAC module and its fitment within the single, contiguous dashboard trim-piece which I gather will comprise options of wood, alu-metal and fauxban-fibre material options.
Evermore compact engines combined with ever-increasingly sophisticated front suspension ought to bode well for the B9's primary and secondary ride balance - here's hoping that the omnipresent brittleness in the front suspension is consigned to the back catalogue once and for all. From an engineering perspective there's little to fault the new A4 on from an objective appraisal standpoint. Aerodynamics are very impressive and, coupled with the claimed weight losses, should make for a highly efficient family and business conveyance. A claimed 4.8 litres per 100 km from a 2 litre, 140 kW, 320 Nm turbopetrol engine is not just noteworthy - it's darned impressive actually - it once again highlights VAG's mastery for the inline 4 cylinder turbo'd petrol engine discipline.
The eight-speed Tiptronic (ZF 8HP - I am assuming) coupled with quattro and powered by a 200 kW 3.0 TDi V6 is nothing to sneeze at and for the vastest majority of regular road users will offer all the performance and dynamism needed.
It's a pity that Audi didn't offer the adaptive dampers as standard on the new car; it would be nice to see at least one of the Germans taking a stand to set the cat among the pigeons from a standard content perspective because right now, as far as the consumer is concerned, if I didn't know better (I don't) I'd say there was a backroom cartel deciding what's standard vs. optional extras.
Is this a landmark car for Audi? Not from a design point-of-view, I feel, but, somehow I reckon that wasn't the design brief in any event. Safe-as-houses - that was more likely the requirement and therefore in this case: mission accomplished.
SKY
Kraftwagen König
It looks much better that I thought it would, particularly with the S-Line. The interior, while not being my cup of tea design wise, looks class leading in terms of fit and finish (just fire the door panels designer).
Now that I read some of you guys say it. Don´t trust too much VAG numbers regarding fuel consumption. At least for petrols. The Golf GTI was claimed to achieve 6 liters or something like that and it must had been with the enigne turned off and downside. I have yet to see mine score less than 7.8.
Now that I read some of you guys say it. Don´t trust too much VAG numbers regarding fuel consumption. At least for petrols. The Golf GTI was claimed to achieve 6 liters or something like that and it must had been with the enigne turned off and downside. I have yet to see mine score less than 7.8.
martinbo
Staff member
From Autocar: http://www.autocar.co.uk/blogs/anything-goes/audi-a4s-build-quality-blitz
The Audi A4's build quality blitz
The new Audi A4 comes over as calmly confident inside, with a fantastic attention to detail says Hilton Holloway
by Hilton Holloway
28 June 2015
Seeing a new car for the first time in a photographic studio inevitably puts a flattering light on the design and execution.
But the even the ideal illumination of the new Audi A4 does not much exaggerate the car’s superb construction, detail design and build quality.
Audi says it wants its updated design language to reflect the technical content of its vehicles. It is ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ expressed in pressed steel and paint. The skin’s sharp ‘tornado lines’ are almost a public challenge to the pressing and construction abilities of other premium car makers.
Audi, though, has long been the king of fit and finish, although it traditionally lost out in terms of ultimate handling and ride quality, especially when compared to Mercedes and BMW.
But even as Audi’s dynamic performance has improved hugely, consumer trends have moved decisively to Audi’s advantage. Today’s premium buyers are probably more interested in design and quality of execution more than they are in ultimate handling finesse. And the seamless construction of iPhones and other high-end consumer durables have raised the bar for premium automotive manufacturers.
Audi has been well placed to rise to the occasion after more than two decades of building its experience of body design and interior materials and finishes. I’ve heard a rumour that Audi has nine people dedicated to matching shades of black for the interior, ensuring all parts, no matter what they are made of, are finished in the same matt hue.
The A4’s interior is a masterclass in subtle, high-quality design, fine detailing and tight construction. Even the overhead map light binnacle, which is rarely looked at, is beautifully considered and finished with a fine silver trim.
The new A4 is a visual treat that shouts – or perhaps whispers - quality.
The Audi A4's build quality blitz
The new Audi A4 comes over as calmly confident inside, with a fantastic attention to detail says Hilton Holloway
by Hilton Holloway
28 June 2015
Seeing a new car for the first time in a photographic studio inevitably puts a flattering light on the design and execution.
But the even the ideal illumination of the new Audi A4 does not much exaggerate the car’s superb construction, detail design and build quality.
Audi says it wants its updated design language to reflect the technical content of its vehicles. It is ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ expressed in pressed steel and paint. The skin’s sharp ‘tornado lines’ are almost a public challenge to the pressing and construction abilities of other premium car makers.
Audi, though, has long been the king of fit and finish, although it traditionally lost out in terms of ultimate handling and ride quality, especially when compared to Mercedes and BMW.
But even as Audi’s dynamic performance has improved hugely, consumer trends have moved decisively to Audi’s advantage. Today’s premium buyers are probably more interested in design and quality of execution more than they are in ultimate handling finesse. And the seamless construction of iPhones and other high-end consumer durables have raised the bar for premium automotive manufacturers.
Audi has been well placed to rise to the occasion after more than two decades of building its experience of body design and interior materials and finishes. I’ve heard a rumour that Audi has nine people dedicated to matching shades of black for the interior, ensuring all parts, no matter what they are made of, are finished in the same matt hue.
The A4’s interior is a masterclass in subtle, high-quality design, fine detailing and tight construction. Even the overhead map light binnacle, which is rarely looked at, is beautifully considered and finished with a fine silver trim.
The new A4 is a visual treat that shouts – or perhaps whispers - quality.
martinbo
Staff member
Nothing to be ashamed about, Audi fans. Nothing whatsoever. The more I see the more impressed I get. Unlike the Q7, the B9 appears to have avoided being beaten with the ugly stick.
Look, let's be realistic here - this is a class characterised by nigh-on extreme conservatism on the part of buyers' tastes and purchasing habits. This is no funky crossover segment and - here's that word again - conservatism is the defining characteristic. Sure, some buyers may express a bit more exhibitionism by opting for styling line packages but that's the extent of the exuberance in a class with a recipe which is unchanged for the last four, five decades...
In the end, pragmatism is the order of the day in this class - leave the creative and expressive flourishes to the 4 door coupe and SUV crossover genres.
Look, let's be realistic here - this is a class characterised by nigh-on extreme conservatism on the part of buyers' tastes and purchasing habits. This is no funky crossover segment and - here's that word again - conservatism is the defining characteristic. Sure, some buyers may express a bit more exhibitionism by opting for styling line packages but that's the extent of the exuberance in a class with a recipe which is unchanged for the last four, five decades...
In the end, pragmatism is the order of the day in this class - leave the creative and expressive flourishes to the 4 door coupe and SUV crossover genres.
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
True. This time around, not even the LEDs save the car for being as underwhelming as new Passat or Camry.
SKY
Kraftwagen König
Actually, I like the new Passat better.
Mick Briesgau
Tire Trailblazer
I took a few moments to let it work on me.
Much has been said allready. It looks like Audi is treating his A4 designwise, like Volkswagen is treating it's Golf: no experiments, slightly evolutionary and very recognisable. That's not necessarily a bad idea.
Much has been said allready. It looks like Audi is treating his A4 designwise, like Volkswagen is treating it's Golf: no experiments, slightly evolutionary and very recognisable. That's not necessarily a bad idea.
Similar threads
Audi
Audi AG is a German automotive manufacturer of luxury vehicles
headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany. A subsidiary of the
Volkswagen Group, the company’s origins date back to the early 20th
century and the initial enterprises (Horch and the Audiwerke) founded
by engineer August Horch (1868–1951). Two other manufacturers (DKW
and Wanderer) also contributed to the foundation of Auto Union in 1932.
The modern Audi era began in the 1960s, when Volkswagen acquired Auto
Union from Daimler-Benz, and merged it with NSU Motorenwerke in 1969.
