Audi A4 review

Audi has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past decade as its range of models has taken the premium market by storm. While the brand has its detractors who say prices are too high and the cars lack real-world exclusivity, there’s plenty to recommend them – especially on the used market.

Take the third-generation A4, for example. This classy, premium compact executive saloon offers an overall package that many rivals can’t beat, with excellent ergonomics, superb usability, efficient engines and top-notch build quality.

As a used buy, the Mk3 A4 offers a huge amount of car for the money, especially as it was replaced late last year, but problems are more common than you might expect, so buy with care.

The Audi A4 arrived in 1994 as a replacement for the Audi 80. It’s now in its fourth generation, however we’re looking at the previous Mk3 that was on sale between 2008 and 2015, and the Mk2, which was in showrooms between 2000 and 2007, in this review.

• • Audi A4 Mk3 (2008-2015) – Recently replaced compact exec now looks great value used
• • Audi A4 Mk2 (2000-2007) – It’s good to drive, reliable and doesn’t shout about it

The Mk3 A4 saloon arrived in February 2008, with 1.8 TFSI or 3.2 FSI petrol engines; diesel fans could choose between 2.0 TDI, 2.7 TDI or 3.0 TDI units. Buyers also had a choice of manual or CVT auto boxes. In June 2008 the Avant estate appeared, along with a 2.0 TFSI and a low-power (120bhp) 2.0 TDI.

An S tronic dual-clutch gearbox was offered with the 2.0 TFSI from February 2009; the four-wheel-drive A4 Avant allroad reached showrooms three months later, with 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDI or 3.0 TDI engines.

By October 2009, the fleet-friendly 120g/km 134bhp 2.0 TDIe had arrived. A facelift in January 2012 brought minor style changes and standard stop/start across the range, plus revised suspension and steering.

There are no engines or transmissions to avoid, although the rare 3.2 FSI is costly to run, while manuals tend to be more reliable. If you tow, it’s worth going for quattro 4WD; 3.0 TDI editions have this as standard.

All A4s are equipped with alloys and single-zone climate control, plus electric windows, an electronic parking brake and electrically adjustable door mirrors. SE trim adds a 10-speaker stereo, three-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and cruise control.

S line brings 18-inch alloys, lower, stiffer suspension (the standard set-up is optional), LED rear lights and sportier exterior details.

Alternatives to the Audi A4 Mk3

German brands have the compact executive market sewn up, and the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class are the A4’s toughest adversaries.

The BMW is the driving enthusiast’s choice, but both cars offer excellent build quality, a wide choice of engines and trims plus saloon or estate body styles. An alternative option in this class is the Lexus IS. It comes only as a saloon and isn’t very involving to drive, but is ultra-reliable and the brand’s dealers tend to be superb. Standard equipment also leaves rivals trailing, plus on the latest version hybrid power is available.

The Volkswagen Passat is another great option. It offers the same engines and transmissions as the Audi, plus excellent build quality and top-notch practicality.

What to look for:

Interior

Packed with high-quality materials, the A4’s interior is well laid-out and easy to use, and most cars are well equipped, too. Rear seat space is excellent for two, and the practical appeal of the saloon’s large 480-litre boot is boosted by split-fold rear seats. The Avant offers up to 1,430 litres of space.

Lights

Xenon headlights are fitted to a lot of these A4s; they’re standard on S line models. Replacement costs are high, though, so check they’re in good order.

Oil

Some engines suffer from high oil consumption, especially the four-cylinder units. They can use up to a litre of oil every 1,000 miles.

Wheels

Beware of big wheels, such as the 19-inch alloys. They damage an already-hard ride, plus they’re kerbed all too easily.

Parking

Supply issues led to Audi dropping its parking sensors from some models for a while. They’re essential to avoid scuffed bumpers.