A matter of ride

• The new diesel version – there’s no downsizing here, and in fact, the new 2.0-litre ‘35 TDI’ engine is more powerful than the old one.
• The A4 dons the latest Audi theme set forth by the Q7, and though its design may be restrained, it just reeks of quality. It’s hard to find a poorly made bit in here. The dashboard has a clear ‘horizontal’ theme, framed by the continuous air con vent and the rich-looking slab of wood beneath it, both of which run the width of the dashboard. The ‘metal’ spokes in the steering wheel, the Virtual Cockpit digital dials (a big draw with customers) and the haptic control buttons, all make it feel very high-tech. Even the free-standing screen for the MMI system fits in perfectly with this aesthetic.
• Audi’s MMI really makes a case for itself. The latest version is loaded with features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the best part is that much of the information, including navigation, can be relayed on the Virtual Cockpit’s fully digital instrument cluster, something unique in this segment.
• Audi’s MMI is much better, and with a host of shortcut keys and colour-coded menus, it’s easy to get familiar with.
• The Audi exclusively gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless mobile charging pad and a third climate zone for the rear seat.
• At idle and regular cruising speeds, the new a4 is freakishly silent; it is easily the most refined car in this test.

Diesel Do

• The Audi is the only one with a separate climate zone for rear passengers. At the front, the A4 offers superb visibility from its comfy and supportive driver’s seat.
• Audi has made sure to pack its space-saver spare into a proper recess under the floor, so it doesn’t eat into the cargo area at all.
• This 2.0-litre ‘35 TDI’ diesel engine was something we’ve been anticipating since the A4’s launch last year, but unfortunately Audi had to spend the time retrograding this Euro-IV engine to work with our poor-quality BS-IV diesel. Amazingly, they’ve done it without any loss in power or torque, and the global figures of 190hp and 400Nm remain intact. The other thing that’s stayed unchanged is that refined nature of the VW Group’s latest EA288 diesel engine. Sure, there’s a grumble at startup and a gruffness if you open it up all the way, but at idle and regular cruising speeds, it’s freakishly silent.
• Audi has finally let go of its Multitronic CVT gearbox for this generation of A4, moving to its superb S-tronic seven-speed double-clutch auto instead. The new motor is typical of the VW Group in more ways than refinement, though, and it’s the one that displays some lag when you want to get going in a hurry. When you don’t, however, it’s smooth and unobtrusive, and you’ll never notice it working away.
• The new A4 laughs in the face of Indian roads. It just cruises silently and smoothly over everything, with a ride quality that’s truly remarkable.
• With the latest tech, the best refinement, and a superb cabin altogether, it pushes all the right luxury buttons, and that’s why it’s our winner.

Verdict

Refined. comfortable and packed with the latest tech.