Audi A4 'All New' Do you ever feel everything is getting so complicated? Maybe it is an age thing and I am stuck in the olden days of simplicity. A prime example was updating my rather antiquated yet uncomplicated mobile phone. As the frustration deepened trying to work out the basics, my ten-year-old son offers to help. Not wishing to offend I handed him the phone and blow me down, minutes later everything is up and running.
How is it the younger generation can so easily unravel the most sophisticated technologies with such utter ease?
The same could be said about modern cars. Manufacturers are unveiling ‘firsts’ in new innovations whether it is safety or pleasure on a regular basis. Take for instance my test car this week, the fourth generation Audi A4 2.0 TDI Saloon that has so much technology on board you need an engineering degree to understand how they work.
It is not just under the bonnet. It is seeping into the cabin. The climate control is not a traditional slide or dial. No, this is an entirely new development that regulates the air temperature, airflow volume and air distribution separately in three zones, for the driver, passenger and rear seat area. Needless to say, you need another degree to operate the controls.
Heaven forbid if you opt for the DVD based Satellite Navigation system Plus, the MMI (Multi media Interface) complete with fifteen large push buttons grouped around a central rotary pushbutton. They are used to select navigation, information; CAR menu, set up, telephone directory - oh and the CD/TV radio functions. Unfortunately they do not have a shopping directory so on line shopping is curtailed to the home. The answer is quite simple. Either get your children to work out the controls or sit very patiently for a long time with the manufacutrers handbook to really get au-faux with them before embarking on any journey.
For if you do this, you will then appreciate what a truly wonderful car the new Audi A4 is. Loads of variants are on offer from Saloon, to Avant to the luxury S-line mated to a variety of engines all with pretty low running costs considering the size of this new model. Momentarily believing it to be the Audi A6, the new A4 has grown considerably and so have the wow factors. More in fact, than Alton Towers.
The sheer elegance of this car is breathtaking thanks to the sculptured lines that will put Damian Hurst to shame. 17-inch alloy wheels cements its street cred along with colour coded electrically operated and heated door mirrors
The sheer elegance of this car is breathtaking thanks to the sculptured lines that will put Damian Hurst to shame. 17-inch alloy wheels cements its street cred along with colour coded electrically operated and heated door mirrors. Of course the new A4 has those beautiful front light clusters and whoever designed those deserves a JVOBM - Jackie Violet Outstanding Beauty Medal. Inside the wow factors keep coming like a never ending roller coaster with Micrometallic inlays, Aluminium optic door sill trims and Cosinus cloth seats with manual height adjustment. Then come more toys than Woolworth’s could every supply to ensure every journey be a pleasurable one along with nice touches such as the ignition key design. The traditional metal key has been binned in case it tears your pocket lining and been replaced by a radio operated fob. To pop the boot is an internal switch in addition to one on the key fob and it electrically opens meaning both hands can keep the shopping trolley under control. The rear seats spilt 60-40 and despite being a Saloon managed to fit the children new mattresses in - one at a time.
Do not be put off by the electro mechanical handbrake but I would suggest you opt for the Audi Hill Hold for added reassurance this A4 will not go tumbling to the bottom of the ravine. The front seats can be heated and come with electric lumber support but are harder than Ayres Rock.
Having the longest wheelbase in its class the Audi A4 now boasts copious amounts of internal room easily accommodating the children and the in-laws if needs must.
However you could easily scare them off as this new 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine will catapult them forward taking just 9.4 seconds to reach 62 mph. Ensuring they remain speechless is a top speed of 134 mph and if they are think a petrol stop will restore them, think again for this engine delivers a staggering 51.3 mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emissions are an equalling staggering 144g/km.
The downside is once the in-laws get over the initial ‘Oblivion ‘ shock they will refuse to leave the car as the ride and handling is second to none ensuring they are not tossed around like leaves falling off a tree. This is all down to faultless Audi technology stuffed under the bonnet. The suspension fits the car like a glove, the front wheel drive with ESP keeps the car firmly on track while the maintenance free rack and pinion power steering will safely manourver into the tiny parking bay allocated to them at their retirement flat.
Put all thoughts of your inheritance from them on hold for the Audi A4 comes with a host of safety and security features longer than my average shopping list. Front passenger with de-activation switch and front side airbags are standard along with front and rear ISOFIX seats. ABS, EBD and ESP with brake assist ensures you will stop whatever but just in case the body shell is more rigid than set in rigor mortis.
To help the driver is automatic headlight operation, automatic windscreen wipers, daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights plus headlight range adjustment. Then come the options and just be aware here, the list is never ending so set you price budget before you enter the Audi Showroom My test car stands in at £23,2200 yet I accumulated just under 10K’s worth of extras. Some great like the Xenon plus headlights with adaptive lights. Some not so necessary like the Audi parking system that is more sensitive than me. Luckily it comes with an internal cut off switch.
Securing the A4 is a Thatcham category 1 alarm and immobiliser. Hot off the press, is news that the Audi A4 has, for the third successive year stolen the show at the 2008 British Insurance Car Security Awards scoring not only three category wins but also taking away the overall Manufacturer of the Year Award for the widest range of cars offering five star security.
The least you can do with the new Audi A4 is book a test drive just to appease or impress the in-laws.
Female First Jackie Violet
Audi A4 'All New' Do you ever feel everything is getting so complicated? Maybe it is an age thing and I am stuck in the olden days of simplicity. A prime example was updating my rather antiquated yet uncomplicated mobile phone. As the frustration deepened trying to work out the basics, my ten-year-old son offers to help. Not wishing to offend I handed him the phone and blow me down, minutes later everything is up and running.
How is it the younger generation can so easily unravel the most sophisticated technologies with such utter ease?
The same could be said about modern cars. Manufacturers are unveiling ‘firsts’ in new innovations whether it is safety or pleasure on a regular basis. Take for instance my test car this week, the fourth generation Audi A4 2.0 TDI Saloon that has so much technology on board you need an engineering degree to understand how they work.
It is not just under the bonnet. It is seeping into the cabin. The climate control is not a traditional slide or dial. No, this is an entirely new development that regulates the air temperature, airflow volume and air distribution separately in three zones, for the driver, passenger and rear seat area. Needless to say, you need another degree to operate the controls.
Heaven forbid if you opt for the DVD based Satellite Navigation system Plus, the MMI (Multi media Interface) complete with fifteen large push buttons grouped around a central rotary pushbutton. They are used to select navigation, information; CAR menu, set up, telephone directory - oh and the CD/TV radio functions. Unfortunately they do not have a shopping directory so on line shopping is curtailed to the home. The answer is quite simple. Either get your children to work out the controls or sit very patiently for a long time with the manufacutrers handbook to really get au-faux with them before embarking on any journey.
For if you do this, you will then appreciate what a truly wonderful car the new Audi A4 is. Loads of variants are on offer from Saloon, to Avant to the luxury S-line mated to a variety of engines all with pretty low running costs considering the size of this new model. Momentarily believing it to be the Audi A6, the new A4 has grown considerably and so have the wow factors. More in fact, than Alton Towers.
The sheer elegance of this car is breathtaking thanks to the sculptured lines that will put Damian Hurst to shame. 17-inch alloy wheels cements its street cred along with colour coded electrically operated and heated door mirrors. Of course the new A4 has those beautiful front light clusters and whoever designed those deserves a JVOBM - Jackie Violet Outstanding Beauty Medal. Inside the wow factors keep coming like a never ending roller coaster with Micrometallic inlays, Aluminium optic door sill trims and Cosinus cloth seats with manual height adjustment. Then come more toys than Woolworth’s could every supply to ensure every journey be a pleasurable one along with nice touches such as the ignition key design. The traditional metal key has been binned in case it tears your pocket lining and been replaced by a radio operated fob. To pop the boot is an internal switch in addition to one on the key fob and it electrically opens meaning both hands can keep the shopping trolley under control. The rear seats spilt 60-40 and despite being a Saloon managed to fit the children new mattresses in - one at a time.
Do not be put off by the electro mechanical handbrake but I would suggest you opt for the Audi Hill Hold for added reassurance this A4 will not go tumbling to the bottom of the ravine. The front seats can be heated and come with electric lumber support but are harder than Ayres Rock.
Having the longest wheelbase in its class the Audi A4 now boasts copious amounts of internal room easily accommodating the children and the in-laws if needs must.
However you could easily scare them off as this new 2.0 litre TDI diesel engine will catapult them forward taking just 9.4 seconds to reach 62 mph. Ensuring they remain speechless is a top speed of 134 mph and if they are think a petrol stop will restore them, think again for this engine delivers a staggering 51.3 mpg on a combined cycle. CO2 emissions are an equalling staggering 144g/km.
The downside is once the in-laws get over the initial ‘Oblivion ‘ shock they will refuse to leave the car as the ride and handling is second to none ensuring they are not tossed around like leaves falling off a tree. This is all down to faultless Audi technology stuffed under the bonnet. The suspension fits the car like a glove, the front wheel drive with ESP keeps the car firmly on track while the maintenance free rack and pinion power steering will safely manourver into the tiny parking bay allocated to them at their retirement flat.