The current Audi A4 sedan range was introduced here early in February 2016. That’s good news if you opt for an A4, as the current range is now in its mid-life cycle, which means it still has a couple of years to run before a new generation is introduced.
When it comes to choosing a favoured trim line, things get rather complicated over at Audi. Firstly, the company decided a few months ago to reconfigure its naming policy with the range. Models are now named according to their power outputs rather than their engine sizes. But the power outputs don’t relate directly to the name numbers.
As an example, what was previously an Audi 1.4 TFSI is now an Audi A4 35 TFSI. The previously named 2.0 TFSI is now a 40 TFSI. The diesel versions, previously called 2.0 TDIs are now called 40 TDIs. The 35 TFSI model produces 110 kW. Interestingly the 40 TFSI and 40 TDI engines produce the same power output of 140 kW. Of course, the diesel has much more torque, the petrol endowed with 320 Nm and the diesel with 400 Nm.
Eight models listed
New model nomenclature or not, the Audi’s A4 remains a premium class, medium sized sedan and pricing is in the premier league too. Prices range from R541 500 for the entry-level standard 110 kW 1,4-litre model to R635 467 for the most expensive version, the two-litre diesel with the top-spec trim package.
There are eight models listed, with the three engine options as mentioned above, and three trim levels.
Three trim lines
The trim lines are the Standard model, the Sport, and the curiously-named Sport S Line Sport. These trim lines are available across the three engine ranges, excepting the 40 TFSI engine, which is not available in standard trim level.
Just to complicate things even more, there are various other “packages” you can order from Audi for your new car too, as well as a wide range of equipment that is not standard but “optional”, which means you pay more for it. It is all-too easy to add R100 000 or more to the price of your new A4 if you tick some of the more expensive options boxes.
Extra cost options that are often standard in other brands
There are some items listed as options on even the top-of-the-line A4 models, which many other manufacturers fit as standard equipment. These extra-cost Audi items include navigation, keyless entry and locking, heated exterior mirrors, leather upholstery, rear view camera, folding rear seat and LED headlights.
In addition to the long list of factory-fit options, there are also a number of factory-approved accessories for the A4.
Choose an engine configuration as a starting point
Perhaps the simplest way to select an A4 model is to choose an engine option as a starting point. Then you can look at what each trim line offers as standard. Then you can start adding options that are not included in the list price. We looked at the range and came up with our top 3 model/trim lines for reasons that will be explained below.
Our top 3 models in the A4 range
- Audi A4 40TDI (R586 000). This is the best A4 model you can choose if you want a no-frills A4. It is the most economical at a claimed 4,1 litres/100 km with good acceleration, the 0-100 km/h time taking 7,7 seconds. It costs just R44 500 more than the base A4 35 TFSI petrol model and the diesel engine is ideally suited to a base model trim level.
- Audi A4 40TFSI Sport (R582 000). Our second choice is the A4 40TFSI Sport. This has the best acceleration of all the current A4 models (a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time), has more lavish exterior trim, and still reasonable fuel consumption. Claimed average consumption from the 2,0-litre turbo petrol motor is 4,9 litres/100 km, which is bound to be optimistic. But it still comes standard with 17-inch wheels which should provide a reasonable ride quality if that is what you are after.
- Audi A4 A40 TFSI Sport S Line Sports (R610 467). This is essentially the same as the 40 TFSI Sport but with the striking S Line Sports visual package. This includes -18-inch alloy wheels with 215/50 R18 tyres. The S Line Sports package also adds various eye-catching trim items to go with those visually-appealing wheels, such as bright-metal embellishments to the grille area, the rear diffuser section and sports suspension. This is the car you choose if looks are your thing, rather than a plush comfortable ride. We chose this petrol turbo model to go with the top trim level because the petrol engine is more sporty than the diesel.
Related reading:
Audi A4 1.4 TFSI Sport Line video review
New vs old Audi A4: The top 3 differences
Top 6 things you need to know about the Audi A4