2017 Audi A4 35 TDI review, test drive

The new Audi A4 is finally available in diesel. How good is the new engine and how well does it work?

Published on Feb 07, 2017 12:05:00 PM

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What’s it like to drive?

The last-gen A4’s diesel was the quietest in the class, and the new engine keeps that flag flying high. It’s really quiet at idle, and though there is a mild grumble at low revs and you can hear the engine when you floor the accelerator, it’s never loud or harsh. In average driving, especially engine and overall cabin noise levels remain admirably low.

Performance is really impressive. Sure, its 8.08 second 0-100kph time is well off the BMW 320d M Sport’s launch-control-enabled 7.25 second benchmark figure, but you’ll never feel left wanting for power in the A4. The A4 responds well to even mild taps on the throttle and generally feels peppy and light on its feet. It’s alert at low revs but comes into its element as the engine revs on crossing 2000rpm. The mid-range is strong and if you keep the pedal to the metal, the engine will rev happily to 4700rpm before the electronics step in and upshift automatically. As always, the dual-clutch gearbox is quick in gearshifts and adapts well to your driving style. You can also use the paddle-shifters and the chunky gear lever for manual control of gearshifts.

As mentioned, the A4 is available in India in front-wheel drive only. Launch the car hard and you will feel some effects of torque steer and, honestly, it’s not as exciting around the bends as its rivals either. However, you always do get a good feeling of control at the helm and handling is always safe and predictable, which should be enough dynamic prowess for the majority of A4 buyers. You can fine tune the experience to the extent thanks to the four driving modes on offer – Normal, Dynamic, Auto and Individual. Were it up to us, we’d go for the Individual setting and put the steering in Dynamic and engine in Normal. The compromise brings in the more feel-some steering from the sporty mode while doing away with its mildly jerky low-speed power delivery. The driving modes don’t alter the A4’s suspension characteristics, but the stock setup is rather nice as is. Bump absorption is excellent and the overall ride quality is largely free from that typical firmness we’ve come to expect from European cars. That the suspension does its work quietly is also something that helps maintain the calm in the cabin. If there’s something to bring up, it’s that there is perhaps a bit more up and down movement at triple-digit speeds compared to the petrol engine car. But even so, the A4 diesel feels well damped at all times.