DYNAMICISM DRIVEN - Audi A4
Audi has given its already competent compact luxury sedan a very big update
With more than 7.5 million A4s sold since they were first introduced a quarter of a century ago, it’s fair to say that the A4 is easily Audi’s most popular model. And while the fifth-generation of the compact luxury sedan arrived on South African shores back in 2016, late last year it received a very light refresh, with Audi now showcasing a full facelift that is expected to debut locally early in 2020.
The sharpened A4 is now brought more in line with other Audi offerings, and gains a redesigned single-frame grille, optional Matrix LED technology with fully automatic high beam, and new taillights that mirror those seen on its larger A6 sibling. The front and rear bumpers have also been refashioned, with wider front bumper air intakes and new bonnet creases, giving the new A4 a far fresher and sportier look.
While the new A4 does not get the three-screen dash layout like many high-end Audi’s, it does gain Audi’s latest MMI infotainment system which incorporates a 10.1-inch touch display with acoustic feedback. Audi also claims to have made the navigation system easier to use. And as before, there are a choice of instrument clusters – either an analog or Audi’s highly-rated all-digital virtual cockpit plus.
And while these updates go a long way to further bolstering the A4’s value proposition, the biggest talking point is the new S4 variant. As Audi Sport concentrates on estate versions of their RS-models, the S4 remains the most powerful sedan offering in the A4 line-up. As a refresher, our South African spec S4 is priced from R816 000, and uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 to produce an impressive 260kw and 500nm, whilst paired with a Quattro all-wheel drive system.
For the new model year though, Audi is now offering the S4 with a choice of two engines, much like they are doing with other model ranges. Together with the petrol-engined 3.0 TFSI variant, there is now an S4 TDI which uses a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel motor. This motor, which already features in the SQ5, S6, and S7 models, produces 255kw and 700nm from 2,500rpm. As it’s the case with the other diesel-fueled S model, the engine benefits from an electric-powered compressor for quicker power delivery, while the mild hybrid setup offers a boost in efficiency. However, it should be noted that it is unlikely that the S4 TDI will make its way to South Africa.
The new A4 is expected to go on sale in Europe in the coming weeks, with deliveries commencing later this year. Audi South Africa meanwhile has yet to confirm an arrival date of the refreshed A4, but we expect it to land in Msanzi early in 2020.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi A4 cost in South Africa?
The refreshed Audi A4 range starts from around R620,000 for the base model, while the performance-focused S4 variant kicks off at R816,000 with its potent 260kW V6 engine and Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Q: Is the Audi A4 worth buying?
Absolutely, the A4 remains one of the most compelling compact luxury sedans you can buy, especially with the latest facelift bringing sharper styling, Matrix LED headlights, and Audi's excellent 10.1-inch MMI infotainment system with acoustic feedback.
Q: What's the difference between the regular A4 and the S4?
The S4 is the performance flagship of the A4 range, packing a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that pumps out 260kW and 500Nm compared to the regular A4's more modest outputs, plus it comes standard with Quattro all-wheel drive for serious grip.
Q: What new features does the 2020 Audi A4 facelift include?
The updated A4 gets a redesigned single-frame grille, optional Matrix LED technology, new taillights borrowed from the A6, wider front air intakes, fresh bonnet creases, and Audi's latest MMI system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen.
Q: How reliable is the Audi A4 in South Africa?
With over 7.5 million A4s sold globally over 25 years, it's proven its mettle as Audi's most popular model, and the German engineering generally holds up well to South African conditions, though servicing costs can be steep at around R8,000 to R12,000 per major service.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact luxury sedan under R700,000 in South Africa is definitely the refreshed Audi A4. Yes, you should absolutely buy it if you want premium German engineering with that perfect balance of comfort and sportiness. The facelift has sharpened the A4's already handsome looks, while the new 10.1-inch MMI system finally brings the cabin tech up to scratch. At around R620,000 for the entry model, it's competitively priced against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. If you've got the budget and want the ultimate A4 experience, stretch to the S4 at R816,000 for that glorious 260kW V6 and Quattro grip. Either way, you're getting 25 years of A4 evolution in what is genuinely Audi's most accomplished compact sedan yet.
