Audi A4 2008-2016 used car review
The Audi A4 is a smooth-driving and comfortable medium-size wagon.
The Audi A4 is a smooth-driving and comfortable medium-size wagon. Its rear-seat space is not as good as some competitors.
The A4 is Audi’s offering in the extremely competitive medium-sized car class. It competes not only with premium models such as the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class - but also mainstream models like the Mazda6. This generation is available as a sedan and wagon only, because the traditional coupe and convertible versions were renamed as the Audi A5.
Inside and out
The A4 Avant looks very sporty, with a large Audi grille framed by two sharp, angled projector-style headlights. These feature LED daytime driving lights for added safety and give the car a very modern look. Alloy wheels are standard. The rear styling is a little softer, with tail-lights that blend into the cut-out housing the number plate. The Avant has metallic-toned roof rails as standard.
The dashboard and most other interior surfaces are made of a soft dark grey plastic that has aluminium highlights and a quality feel. The gauges have a sporty look and a red multifunction information screen sits between them.
All A4s feature Audi’s MultiMedia Interface” (MMI) system, which consists of an LCD screen controlled through a dial and set of buttons on the centre console. The system controls the iPod-capable stereo and some vehicle settings. It can also be operated by buttons and scroll wheels on the steering wheel. The climate control system allows for separate temperature settings for the driver and passenger.
Both front seats are electrically adjustable, firm and very supportive. The fabric feels thick and of high quality. Rear seat space is a little short for the class of car, though most adults will be okay. Three adults would be a squeeze especially since the centre position has a ridge in both the base and back that would be uncomfortable on long journeys.
The Avant’s boot is convenient, not so much for its size as for its practicality. At 490 litres, it is only 10 litres larger than the sedan’s, enough for four large suitcases. It features a built-in divider and dog screen that can be rolled away entirely when not required, and a range of tie-down points to hold items in place. The rear seat can split 60/40 and also folds flat for additional storage space.
On the road
Engines available in the A4 range from 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged units up to eight-cylinder performance options in the associated S and RS models. There are also 2-litre and 3-litre turbocharged diesels.
Our review car is powered by the most typical size engine for the model, a 2-litre four-cylinder “TFSI” turbocharged petrol. Producing 155kW and 350Nm, it is very smooth and refined yet satisfyingly powerful at the same time. It is paired with a CVT automatic that can be manually shifted through eight ratios.
We found the A4 fantastic to drive. The steering feels nicely weighted and direct and the brakes were very effective. Even though this model does not have the sports suspension of the S-line, there was little body roll and the car cornered very well - in fact, the ride was surprisingly comfortable. Road and engine noise was also very well suppressed.
Forward visibility is good but visibility to the rear is compromised by thick rear pillars. Rear parking sensors are, with front parking sensors and a reversing camera a common option.
The Audi A4 has a reasonable tow rating for a medium-size car and can pull 750kg unbraked, a medium-size garden trailer, and 1,700kg braked, a small-to-medium size trailer boat. If you are looking to tow a boat, a Quattro model is a good idea for the extra grip the all-wheel drive provides.
Safety
RightCar lists the A4 as having a five-star Used Car Safety Rating (2008–2015). That applies to both the sedan and wagon versions. Standard safety equipment levels are very high and include front, side and curtain airbags that cover the front and rear seats, traction control, electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist. Lane departure assist and side assist systems became optional from 2012.
ISOFIX child seat mounts and top tethers are found in the window positions at the back. All three rear seats feature full shoulder-type belts, which offer more protection than the lap-only type.
Reliability
Being a relatively new model, few issues have been reported with this generation A4 yet. The 2-litre engine uses a timing chain which will not need regular replacement. Most issues are rare and isolated.
There have been reports of fuel injector and excessive oil consumption. Shaking through the steering at slow speed was reported in earlier cars but by the time of the 2012 update, this had been sorted.
There have been some complaints about notchy or noisy gearboxes, although this doesn't appear to affect their performance.
Cost of ownership
Audi recommends servicing the 2-litre turbocharged A3 every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Our local Audi dealer says the service costs around $500 which is on the low side for a premium car.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, an A3 will cost $2,070 to fuel. That’s lower than earlier A4 2-litre and even 1.8-litre models. The 65-litre fuel tank will cost $130 to fill at $2 a litre, and should take you 810km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the A3 costs $76.92 a year, with the car in the cheapest ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for an A4 valued at $32,680 will cost $76.83* per month. That’s $6 more than a BMW 320i of the same year and similar value.
Buyers' guide
On Trade Me, Audi A3s range from $9,500 to $70,000. New Zealand-new cars fetch significantly more than Japanese imported versions and low mileages are important. The Avant versions also appear to cost a little more.
Audi’s options list for the A4 stretched to two pages so specifications between different vehicles can be extensive. That means you can pick and choose a car with features to best suit you.
Common options include an enhanced infotainment system with internet-connected navigation, electric front seats, selectable drive modes that adjust the steering, suspension and transmission, plus adaptive cruise control.
Variants
Audi A4s are available with the engines mentioned earlier and transmission options. Although specifications differ slightly depending on the engine, the main features are grouped into three models. There are only minor differences between the New Zealand and Japanese import versions.
- Standard - Front, side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, “MMI” colour screen infotainment system, separate temperature settings for the driver and passenger, electric front seats, fabric interior, LED running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.
- S Line – Adds leather sports seats, body kit, sports trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and S-line badging.
- Allroad – Adds raised suspension, body cladding, roof rails. All-wheel drive standard.
Timeline
- 2008 Launched globally
- 2009 Allroad version launched
- 2012 Receives a cosmetic facelift inside and out
- 2012 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine replaced with 3-litre engine
Details
2012 Audi A4 2.0T
$9,000 to $40,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged, 155kW and 350NM
Eight-speed CVT automatic, front-wheel drive
Five-star Used Car Safety Rating
15,000km or twelve months
Space saver
4703mm
1826mm
1436mm
750kg (unbraked), 1700kg (braked)
11.4m
7.4-litres per 100km (claimed)
Premium
This review covers the Audi A4 for model years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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