Review of the 3rd generation Audi A4

The Ugandan used car market is witnessing a growth in numbers of third generation Audi A4s bought from Japan and the UK. The interest is based on the reputation of the legendary first and second generation Audi A4s that have preceded it.

Audi is a subsidiary of Volkswagen group so it shares Volkswagen’s platforms and technology and is designed to appeal to a more classy market segment.

The A4 is positioned on the platform of compact executive cars and has been built in five generations since 1994 both as saloons and estate station wagons. The designers of Audi A4 offer it as an alternative to the main competitors on the same dais: Mercedes C class and BMW 3 series.

Design and looks
At first glance, the third generation Audi A4 looks similar to the first and second generation A4’s ageing but immensely popular look.

A second glance reveals that the third generation Audi A4 preserved the character of the older models and refreshed the A4 styling with a bolder looking facelift underlined by the tall trapezium front grille and a subtle overhaul of all its body panels which got bigger, bolder and sleeker curves.

The subsequent 2009 to 2016 fourth and fifth generation A4s improved the third generation A4’s bolder round design cues by giving sharper edges to the head and tail lights, body panels, front grille, bumpers and air dams.

Comfort and safety
Criticism of the previous first and second generation Audi A4s interior comfort were mainly about the limited and cramped up rear seating space and the small trunk loading space coupled with the drab ageing interior ‘plasticky’ styling.

The third generation A4 offered a bigger rear passenger head, shoulder and legroom as well as significantly improved 460 litre trunk space and in cabin stowage facilities.

Behind the steering wheel you will notice that the third generation A4 is more spacious and stylish than the previous A4s with easier to use switch gear, clearer dials and softer touch polyurethane materials.
The front seats are more supportive and have a higher seating position with a better view.

The safety features on board carry on the EURO NCAP 4 star crash testing results of the previous models as they share platforms and cabin safety shell designs with improved electronic stability programme, dual front and side air bags, Anti lock brakes and head restraints that minimise whiplash.

Performance and handling
The third generation Audi A4 delivers better performance and fuel economy than its predecessors.
This A4 offers several different engines of choice from the smallest and underpowered 1.6 litre petrol to the more popular turbo charged 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre and Fuel Stratified (FSI) 2.0 litre petrol delivering 197 bhp (brake horse power).

The punchy RS 3.2 litre V6 FSI petrol delivering 255 bhp and the S4 4.2 litre V8 delivering 342 bhp are the most thrilling to drive for the petrol gearheads as they accelerate from 0-100 KPH in 6.8 / 5.6 seconds respectively.

For the leisurely Ugandan motorist the 2.0 litre TFSI is suitable as it accelerates from 0-100 KPH in 7.1 seconds.

The diesel line up of power plants is equally impressive with a wide range from the economical but under powered 1.9 litre TDI (115 bhp). For our road conditions the 2.0 litre TDI (140bhp) is suitable.

A choice of five or ZF tiptronic six speed gearboxes is available in both manual and automatic while the CVT (multi tronic Continous Velocity Transmission) offers seven speed levels.

The third generation A4 handling is safer and more predictable than the previous models thanks to the more responsive steering, improved suspension matrix and bigger aero dynamic design.

The more powerful 3.2 litre V6 and 4.2 litre V8 are fitted with the Quattro 4WD system which gives them better road grip during extreme high speed maneuvering.

Cost
The Audi A4 generation three will cost you about Shs200,000 to carry out the routine oil and filter service. Inevitable suspension or engine component replacements for the 100,000km plus used cars we tend to buy will push up the maintenance bill. But with the few available independent Audi parts suppliers can come in handy. The cost of this used car in the customs bond duties paid ranges from Shs35m and Shs40m depending on the mileage and condition.

Audi A4

2007-2015
FOURTH GENERATION A4
An aggressive improvement of the third generation with sharper features and improved engine, safety, comfort and performance features.
2001-2005
SECOND GENERATION A4
This one comes with either two or four doors. It is a saloon and station wagon with minor facelift from the first generation.
1994-2001
FIRST GENERATION A4
Two or four-door saloon and station wagon. Very popular reliable best seller