- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
103kW, 320Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 6.4L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
3 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Audi A4 2.0 TDI
Turbocharged German rivalry
It's no surprise that Audi decided to launch a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version of its compact A4 sedan in Australia.
After all, it was already represented in turbo-diesel land by several models including the A3 and A6, and has made it clear there are more oil-burners to come, including a 3.0-litre A4 and an A8 super-luxury model.
This expansion ties in with the increasing popularity of turbo-diesel passenger cars and Audi's aggressive growth plans. Make no mistake, its sights are set directly on fellow Germans Mercedes-Benz and - in particular - BMW.
Benz has long been a turbo-diesel supporter and BMW is now getting into the act. It seems yet another area of competition opening up between these fierce rivals.
But the A4 TDI also has some strong competition from the petrol models within its own ranks.
Audi charges $56,990 for the TDI, which is a single model equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) - or multitronic in Audi-speak. Closest in terms of pricing is the 1.8 Turbo multitronic, which is $1390 cheaper.
The two cars are identically specified, including 10 airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes with EBD and brake assist, as well as leather trim, cruise control, six-CD audio and dual climate control.
The key differentiator is under the bonnet. Even then, both are four-cylinder, turbocharged, double overhead cam engines laid out north-south driving the front wheels. The turbo-diesel is newer, arriving here in the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf V at almost the same time in 2004.
The 1.8-litre engine produces more power despite its 187 cc capacity disadvantage - 120 kW compared with 103 kW - but the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel fights right back when it comes to pulling power. The 1.8T produces 225 Nm between 1950-4700 rpm. The turbo-diesel has 320 Nm between 1750-2500 rpm.
Not only does the TDI have the figures in theory, it delivers in practice. The 1.8T is no slouch but the turbo-diesel's torque is another step up again and it works especially well with the CVT.
When accelerating from a standing start, response is instant. The engine does its best work between about 1500-4000 rpm, inside the range where peak power is recorded. There's some rattle at start-up, the occasional hiss from the turbo wastegate, and the exhaust noise is a bit hoarse when revs rise. But cruising at 100 km/h at 1750 rpm, or moseying through the 'burbs, you struggle to hear the engine.
Happily, because of the way CVTs operate, the TDI never feels as though its revving too much. But there is a sports mode and seven programmed ratio steps if you want some engine braking, or just the reassurance of changing gear.
The reward for letting the CVT take charge will be great fuel consumption. Our week of varied driving produced an average of 7.0 L/100 km. Even when pushed hard, it wouldn't get too thirsty - a trait that many small-capacity turbo petrol engines can't emulate.
In other ways, the A4 2.0 TDI is more familiar, starting with the single-frame grille it shares with the rest of the range. Compared with the old face, this gives the car a stronger, more aggressive feel.
Not that it really drives that way. The A4 had a suspension and steering overhaul last year, and there is definite improvement, but it still is not in the class of the BMW 3-Series.
Handling is competent rather than sporty. The longitudinal engine layout and the TDI's extra weight (it is 40 kg heavier than the 1.8T) means this is quite a nose-heavy car, but it resists the temptation to slide the front wheels wide in corners too readily.
The steering is nicely refined without offering a lot of feel. Perhaps that's because Audi has dialled out the unwanted rack-rattle and bump-steer to which front-wheel-drive cars at times are prone. It can't match either of its German rivals. No doubt being rear-wheel-drive helps them retain a bit more steering purity.
There's no questioning the quality of the A4 TDI's interior, though. The controls all fall readily to hand and feel terrific. There is a wonderful quality to all the materials, and the precision of their assembly would shame more expensive cars, let alone the immediate opposition.
The leather-trimmed seats are very comfortable for the long haul, although for this money it would have been nice for them to be powered.
Storage is fine up front but limited in the rear with no door pockets. The cup holder that slides out of the dash is almost pointless because your coffee will be in your lap at the first corner.
It's a rare lapse in what otherwise shapes as a fine car. There's no doubt the engine plays a key role in giving it distinction. The TDI is well worth considering if you're in the market for a comfortable and confident compact prestige sedan.
What's it got?
Fog lights front and rear; remote central locking; cruise control; dual climate control; trip computer; power windows; leather upholstery; six-CD audio; multifunction leather steering wheel.
What's missing?
Powered driver's seat; rear-door pockets; rear cup holders.