The 2012 Audi A4 resides in a competitive compact luxury sector with rivals from Mercedes and BMW breathing down its neck. But the elegant Audi A4 holds its own with superb build quality and class-leading interior space.
2012 Audi A4 quick specs
Body Style Sedan
Class Compact Luxury
Assembled CBU
Engine Range 1798 cc - 1984 cc
Fuel Options Petrol
Seating Capacity 5 .20
Audi A4 ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
Styling
If you like how previous Audis look, you will like how the 2012 Audi A4 looks. Audi continued their theme of understated elegance, with touches to refresh the overall look. Of particular attraction is the strip of 14 LED lights which provides the daytime running light function. S-Line package adds exterior bodykit and larger wheels for a more aggressive look. Interior ambience is usual classy Audi with a solid feel to everything.
Handling
With so many changes on the chassis, the high expectation contributed to the slight sense of disappointment. The chassis, shared with the Audi A5 coupe, offers a good drive, with bags of grip, good body control, and a neutral, balanced handling. The redesigned steering system has a good weighting, but is a little unnatural and rubbery in feel. Crucially, though, the 2012 Audi A4 lags the BMW 3-Series in driving excitement, no thanks to its larger size that takes a toll on agility.
Comfort
Ride comfort is only decent. On our roads, it does not truly settle, and large potholes can upset the 2012 Audi A4's composure. Largely quiet on the whole, the interior peace is only interrupted by wind noise at speed. Engine sounds strained when revved hard. Drivers have plenty of steering wheel and seat adjustments to play with. Seats are comfortable. Controls are logically placed, but the many buttons can sometimes be confusing. MMI central control system is still the best among all others.
Quality + Reliability
Audi made its name through sheer uncompromised quality, especially in the interiors. To be sure, all materials are the finest, and fit-and-finish are exemplary. Once again, its the expectation and we somehow expect Audi to be able to move the game on. We are hoping for something more special. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, the previous Audi A4 did not score too well on reliability, getting only tenth out of thirteen places in its class.
Performance
There is only one engine option in the form of the 1.8-litre in-line four. Capable of 160 bhp and 250 Nm, the engine has a certain urgency that complements the handling. The turbocharger and FSI Direct Injection technology certainly helped to add a different dimension to previous engines. The 2012 Audi A4 rarely feels short of power, and some credit has to go to the eight-speed automatic transmission, which shifts smoothly during city driving or at speed.
Roominess
The longer wheelbase adds more head- and leg- room, making the 2012 Audi A4 one of the largest in the compact luxury class. Front and rear room are ample, accommodating four passengers very comfortably, and five decently. The regular-shaped boot is larger than in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series. Rear seats split-fold to increase storage space.
Running Costs
Fuel consumption is rated as 14.1 km/litre, which is much aided by Audi's FSI Direct Injection technology. Like most luxury cars, servicing and repairs would be costly, though Audi models are usually hardy, requiring less repairs in the longer term. Insurance is costly, but road tax is only RM 279.20. Depreciation is likely to be higher than comparable premium rivals.0.51
Value for Money
The BMW 3-Series 320i costs RM 232,800 and the Mercedes-Benz C200K starts from RM 248,888, while the 2012 Audi A4 costs RM 235,000. Audi offers a lot for this money, such as its impeccable quality and elegant styling. But traditionally Malaysians love the three-pointed star, and recently, the twin-kidney grille. So, Mercedes-Benz wins with its brand image, and BMW has the better drive. Make up your own mind.
Equipment
Standard equipment and safety kit are both generous. Audi Drive Select, adaptive lights, daytime running lights in LED, six CD changer, MMI, leather seats, adjustable suspension, gear shift paddles, and bi-xenon headlights plus fog lights are standard. S-Line package adds sport seats, bodykit and bigger wheels. Safety kit includes ABS, ESP and six airbags.
Environment
Audi's FSI Direct Injection technology has lowered emissions to an impressive 169 g/km. Petrol engines emit more carbon dioxide, and if the government is serious in tackling greenhouse gases, more diesels will have to come our way.
