This compact executive is being replaced and Myk Belmonte discovers this gem.
2008-2012 Audi A4
History
Mention the word "compact executive" and the top two answers would be two German compatriots: the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class. Heck, the Lexus IS would also be mentioned at the same breath leaving some rivals such as the Audi A4 or the Volvo S60 out of the equation. Sure, the A4 doesn't have any faults but with rivals overshadowing over its popularity, this one deserves a keen look at the second hand market.
Released in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show for the sedan (with the Avant having its debut in March 2008), the B8 series A4 represented the fourth generation model of the vehicle line. This generation utilized a variant of the Audi Modular Longitudinal Platform which allowed the vehicle to utilize a longer wheelbase without growing in length which made improvements in its handling due to the redistribution of the center of gravity.
Locally, it had its debut sometime in mid-2008 which competed with the fresh C Class, long-in-the-tooth S60 and class leader 3 Series. Both diesel and turbocharged gasoline models were made available to Filipino consumers.
Value and Costs
If you are not a fan of the bling-bling that a Benz or a Bimmer gives you, even on a second hand package, then the allure of an Audi may suit you. Prices for this Ingolstadt assembled vehicle ranges from P900,000 to P1,900,000, which may also include rivals from Europe and Japan given the range. Our advice for premium brands when going second hand is to go certified pre-owned, as such PGA Cars has a wide range of certified units available.
Between the two engines, we'd pick the diesel due to the savings that can give you. Common problems for this vehicle include the EGR in diesel models and the headlights have the tendency to blacken out. Early release models have their MMI interface freeze, so make sure it works properly.
Exterior and Interior
As we said earlier, the redesign gave this vehicle more space without looking bulky and making it more longer than its two German rivals. Its styling is definitely timeless and can withstand the test of time without making this vehicle look outdated.
The interior is where Audi excels, and they succeed in this redesign with high quality materials abound this vehicle. Inside it may be bare but it was crafted perfectly. When placing in passengers, the rear is best left to two since the middle seat has the driveshaft tunnel (to make way to an all wheel drive system) passing through making the one sitting there uncomfortable.
Engine
If you prefer the quietness of a gasoline engine, the sole option would be the 1.8 turbocharged which puts out, depending on the year model, 158hp at 4,500-6,200rpm and 250Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm for 2008 to 2011 models while later ones play at 170hp at 3,800-6,200rpm and 320Nm at 1,750-3,000rpm. Choosing the diesel will opt you for a 2.0 unit having 143hp at 4,200rpm and 320Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm. Both engines are impressive enough on their own intents, with the diesel masquerading for something as gasoline driven.
Driving Impressions
Having a suspension set-up for touring purposes, the ride will not beat you up and still bring your tired body home with ease. Steering is on the sharp side and ride quality is excellent.
Verdict
Sure, it may not have the badge of a Benz or the driving feel of a BMW, the Audi A4 makes an excellent proposition if you value economy and presence more without the flash.
Showing posts with label audi a4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label audi a4. Show all posts
Monday, November 21, 2016
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Car Profiles - Audi A4 (2008-2016)
The Good: Available diesel engine, interior quality
The Bad: Tight rear seat, complicated controls
The Say: An interesting alternative to the popular choices.
Go For: 2.0 TDI
Avoid:
Price Range: P900,000-P1,900,000
Our Rating: ****
Related Review:
Latest vehicle profile: Audi A4
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2016
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Audi A4 Avant - Generation 1 (2002-2004)
AUDI A4 AVANT (2002-2004)
Launched together with the Quattro sedan, the Avant model for this particular generation was shortlived since it was sold for two years only.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Audi A4 Sedan - Generation 1 (1996-2004)
AUDI A4 SEDAN (1996-2004)
The first Audi badged vehicle (alongside the A6) to be made available in the country. While the turbo was initially available that is paired with Audi's Quattro, a non-turbo one replaced it in 2000.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Audi A4 Avant - Generation 3 (2005-2008)
AUDI A4 AVANT (2005-2008)
See the overview of this A4 Avant
Friday, March 20, 2015
Audi A4 Sedan - Generation 3 (2005-2008)
AUDI A4 SEDAN (2005-2008)
See the overview of this A4 Sedan
See the latest model of the A4 Sedan
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Car Profiles - Audi A4 Avant (2002-2004)
The Good: Top levels of quality
The Bad: Not as spacious as you think
The Say: A wagon with a touch of sensibility.
Go For: 1.8 Quattro
Avoid: Poorly maintained units
Price Range: Data Not Available
Our Rating: ****
Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Audi A4 (1996-2004)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2002-2004
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Car Profiles - Audi A4 Sedan (2005-2008)
The Good: Elegant, powerful diesels
The Bad: Still misses the mark of a Bimmer
The Say: The understated German compact.
Go For: 2.0 TDi
Avoid:
Price Range: P710,000-P890,000
Our Rating: ****
Related Review: None as of the Moment
Latest vehicle profile: Audi A4
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2005-2008
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Car Profiles - Audi A4 Avant (2005-2008)
The Good: Practicality and stylish
The Bad: Limited units in the market
The Say: Want an Audi while remaining practical? This is it.
Go For: 2.0 TDi Avant
Avoid:
Price Range: P775,000-P800,000
Our Rating: ****
Related Review: None as of the Moment
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2005-2008
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Audi A4 - Generation 4 (2008-2016)
Launched in 2008, the fourth generation A4 is available with either a turbo gasoline or a diesel. This one stayed a bit longer as opposed to its rivals.
See the overview of this A4
See the latest model of the A4
Friday, January 4, 2013
Car Profiles - Audi A4 Sedan (1996-2004)
The Good: Low profile elegance, available AWD version
The Bad: Lacks power
The Say: A low profile European option that can keep up with the Joneses.
Go For: 1.8 GP
Avoid:
Price Range: P240,000-P530,000
Our Rating: ****
Related Review: Used Car Review - Audi A4 (1996-2005)
Latest vehicle profile: Audi A4
See the different versions of this vehicle:
1996-2005
Monday, October 8, 2012
Used Car Review - Audi A4 (1998-2004)
The second week of October starts with this feature used German car. Not all wants to be dragged in the spotlight, right? Myk Belmonte finds one low profile vehicle that you can acquire thanks tot he power of depreciation. Care for German Franks for this conversation?
1998-2004 Audi A4
History
The Audi A4 could be called as the vehicle that saved Audi's sales due to the 80/90 series (the cars that the A4 replaced back in 1994) having some unintended acceleration issues. It had to work out since this was a new model back then, and it successfully did the goal. And rather the four-year model life cycle of the forefathers, the first generation A4 had a much longer life from 1994 to 2001.
With the platform name B5 (and known as the Typ 8D inside Audi-Volkswagen offices) which is shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat, the Audi A4 was much to the success of the company. It saw many firsts which include forced induction and the Tiptronic transmission, which saw different Audi vehicles. For different consumers around the world, nine different engine choices of different combinations are made standard.
Auto Prominence (who used to distribute Audi, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Proton vehicles back then) brought in the Audi A4 (we get the facelifted model) in 1998 since they are thrown in the towel with their Proton venture. It was good of the distributor that the sedan, turbo, and avant (wagon in Audi speak) are brought in but rather having the B6 A4 in 2001, we had this one until 2004 (rumor has it that they are pre-owned units from the Middle East and Germany and not genuine new models, which irked Audi's head office in Ingolstadt and caused their deal to be cut, with PGA Cars taking care of Audi from 2005 onwards) with the B7 model introduced by PGA Cars in 2005.
Value and Costs
Find the prices of the 3 Series and C Class expensive? Then jump for joy that the A4's prices are much more cheaper than the two, you can have the B5 for P300,000-P400,000 as opposed for the Bimmer's starting price of 450 grand and double for the Benz's. That's a good thing if you desire a German car and you are not that type of a badge snob. This price range encompasses different models and variants, parallel imports and local dealer releases.
Maintaining one is at par with its German compatriots, and parts support are wide and strong since a number of Audi enthusiasts exist. Among the things to watch out for are the worn out interior trim due to the tropical climate, fluids which must be filled up, the mass airflow meter is not broken since replacing one is friggin expensive, and the radiator is in good condition.
Exterior and Interior
Some say that the B5 A4 looks vanilla and plain, while a different group shouts that it is Audi classic. Squint hard and you can tell that it resembles the Audi 80/90 and looks like the 90s interpretation of the vehicle. It is sleek and aggressive at the same time, with the grille having enough space to let the engine breathe. While the greenhouse space is tall that fools other people.
Functionality rules with the A4's interior, starting with the cabin's layout which is subtle. And the layout of controls which is easy for the driver to reach without any fuss or distractions. Since it targets the driver, a digital multifunction panel - which contains fuel consumption and other related data - and a 'foot on brake before shifting into gear' reminder are nice touches, especially the latter, which I feel it must be standard with vehicles that have an automatic transmission. Room for five people is exemplary, but avoid sitting behind the driver's seat especially if the one operating the car is tall, since you will suffer limited space.
Engine
Honestly speaking, the engine that moves the A4 isn't anything home to write about. It is decent enough for daily driving and capable for highway cruising. But not enough if speed and punch is what you seek, which is lacking naturally aspired or turbo charged. Care to know the engine? It is a 1,781cc gasoline (while competitors have more displacement liters) engine and if you plan to get a normal version, you'll have 125hp at 5,800rpm and 173Nm at 3,950rpm. Desiring a turbo A4? You get 150hp at 5,700rpm and 210Nm at 1,750-4,600rpm to play with. Do take note that getting a turbo version would mean a bundle with the Quattro, an AWD system by Audi.
Driving Impressions
Enter the A4 and what greets you is a expanse wood trim, and leather textures. Ready to drive? You'll be rewarded with a feeling of rapid forward motion. If you plan to beat zero to 80 records, better plan it ahead since reaching that speed would take time but bring it on the mountains, the A4 exhibits its fun side. Handling is ok as long as you conserve momentum and not speed up while taking corners. The suspension absorbs all bumps our roads have.
Verdict
Apart from an SUV, we middle income folks dream of owning a European vehicle (a sedan comes to the picture) at lesser prices. They said less is more but owning one must have the support since a car is one major investment. The Audi A4 is an entry ticket for that Euro-dream since the price is right, has the balance between driving behavior and comfort. If the latter is a high priority, then this is the car for you.
1998-2004 Audi A4
History
The Audi A4 could be called as the vehicle that saved Audi's sales due to the 80/90 series (the cars that the A4 replaced back in 1994) having some unintended acceleration issues. It had to work out since this was a new model back then, and it successfully did the goal. And rather the four-year model life cycle of the forefathers, the first generation A4 had a much longer life from 1994 to 2001.
With the platform name B5 (and known as the Typ 8D inside Audi-Volkswagen offices) which is shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat, the Audi A4 was much to the success of the company. It saw many firsts which include forced induction and the Tiptronic transmission, which saw different Audi vehicles. For different consumers around the world, nine different engine choices of different combinations are made standard.
Auto Prominence (who used to distribute Audi, Alfa Romeo, Volkswagen, and Proton vehicles back then) brought in the Audi A4 (we get the facelifted model) in 1998 since they are thrown in the towel with their Proton venture. It was good of the distributor that the sedan, turbo, and avant (wagon in Audi speak) are brought in but rather having the B6 A4 in 2001, we had this one until 2004 (rumor has it that they are pre-owned units from the Middle East and Germany and not genuine new models, which irked Audi's head office in Ingolstadt and caused their deal to be cut, with PGA Cars taking care of Audi from 2005 onwards) with the B7 model introduced by PGA Cars in 2005.
Value and Costs
Find the prices of the 3 Series and C Class expensive? Then jump for joy that the A4's prices are much more cheaper than the two, you can have the B5 for P300,000-P400,000 as opposed for the Bimmer's starting price of 450 grand and double for the Benz's. That's a good thing if you desire a German car and you are not that type of a badge snob. This price range encompasses different models and variants, parallel imports and local dealer releases.
Maintaining one is at par with its German compatriots, and parts support are wide and strong since a number of Audi enthusiasts exist. Among the things to watch out for are the worn out interior trim due to the tropical climate, fluids which must be filled up, the mass airflow meter is not broken since replacing one is friggin expensive, and the radiator is in good condition.
Exterior and Interior
Some say that the B5 A4 looks vanilla and plain, while a different group shouts that it is Audi classic. Squint hard and you can tell that it resembles the Audi 80/90 and looks like the 90s interpretation of the vehicle. It is sleek and aggressive at the same time, with the grille having enough space to let the engine breathe. While the greenhouse space is tall that fools other people.
Functionality rules with the A4's interior, starting with the cabin's layout which is subtle. And the layout of controls which is easy for the driver to reach without any fuss or distractions. Since it targets the driver, a digital multifunction panel - which contains fuel consumption and other related data - and a 'foot on brake before shifting into gear' reminder are nice touches, especially the latter, which I feel it must be standard with vehicles that have an automatic transmission. Room for five people is exemplary, but avoid sitting behind the driver's seat especially if the one operating the car is tall, since you will suffer limited space.
Engine
Honestly speaking, the engine that moves the A4 isn't anything home to write about. It is decent enough for daily driving and capable for highway cruising. But not enough if speed and punch is what you seek, which is lacking naturally aspired or turbo charged. Care to know the engine? It is a 1,781cc gasoline (while competitors have more displacement liters) engine and if you plan to get a normal version, you'll have 125hp at 5,800rpm and 173Nm at 3,950rpm. Desiring a turbo A4? You get 150hp at 5,700rpm and 210Nm at 1,750-4,600rpm to play with. Do take note that getting a turbo version would mean a bundle with the Quattro, an AWD system by Audi.
Driving Impressions
Enter the A4 and what greets you is a expanse wood trim, and leather textures. Ready to drive? You'll be rewarded with a feeling of rapid forward motion. If you plan to beat zero to 80 records, better plan it ahead since reaching that speed would take time but bring it on the mountains, the A4 exhibits its fun side. Handling is ok as long as you conserve momentum and not speed up while taking corners. The suspension absorbs all bumps our roads have.
Verdict
Apart from an SUV, we middle income folks dream of owning a European vehicle (a sedan comes to the picture) at lesser prices. They said less is more but owning one must have the support since a car is one major investment. The Audi A4 is an entry ticket for that Euro-dream since the price is right, has the balance between driving behavior and comfort. If the latter is a high priority, then this is the car for you.
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