Audi A4 45 TFSI Sport: The Classic Compact

The 2016 versino features a bona fide increase in interior space, performance gains and a technological upkeep too

In this issue, we dissect the brand-spanking new 2016 Audi A4 45 TFSI Sport. Yes, the new A4 is suspiciously similar to the old one, but let us assure you that there is more than meets the eye.

DESIGN & AESTHETICS
History repeats itself, in the case of Audi. As a brand, they tend to evolve their designs rather than bringing outright change. Hence the new A4 shares similarities with its predecessor. However, the car is much larger now. It is 4,726 mm long and 1,427 mm tall, making it more of a mid-size sedan, thereby augmenting its road presence, which is important for those who like to be seen, and improves interior space too.
To the common man, this new-generation "replica", can only be distinguished by the new jagged-edge profile of its headlamps and rear lamps. And speaking of lighting, everything on the A4 has a LED source now. Its headlamps use a matrix of light-emitting diodes that beams through three reflectors while the control unit switches the reflectors on and off as needed or can dim each of them in 64 steps. This is no ordinary table lamp!
The familiar large single-frame grille upfront has been retained and with the S-line pack, it now has chrome highlights on the horizontal slats. Look closer and you'll notice they've also sandpapered the edges of the square side-view mirrors giving it a Porsche-like rounded look.
The accent line that extends front to rear also remains, except that it is now more of a tuck of panels than a simple crease. It certainly adds a degree of masculinity.
As for the car's hindsight, you need to call on a search party to find any changes. Except for the exhaust outlets, which are now twin dual round ones instead of the left-biased ones seen on the predecessor, and the intricacies of the rear LED lamps, there are no differences.
Our Sport trim test car came with an elegant set of 19-inch multi-spoke alloys - there are so many spokes, you almost can't count them. But you can choose from various other designs and sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches. And within the range you also have ultra-light and two-tone designs too. Also know that depending on the diameter, the tyre width changes as well..the smallest wheels get wrapped in 205 mm wide tyres, while the larger 19-inch wheels get stickier 245-section rubber.
All in all, the new Audi A4 has lean and balanced proportions that give it an athletic look for a five-seater family car. Do note that the yellow paintjob, seen here in pictures, is not available in the GCC, but Audi does offer customers a large palette of colours to choose between.
In this rolling German carriage, the most serious metamorphosis has gone into the cabin. The traditional centre-stack layout that Audi has used for so many generations has been replaced by a more minimalistic BMW-like format. And the most intriguing feature is the series of air vents that stretch out across the dashboard - some active and some dummy vents - like on the new Q7 SUV. The associated HVAC controls are thankfully, hard buttons, which make it easier to use, with the addition of touch sensitivity; and there is a discrete digital display for temperature settings as well. The air-conditioner uses active charcoal medium that filters out dust and odours in the cabin. It will surely come to use when you travel home after spending hours on the court or gym.
You can dress up the A4's cabin in trims of oak walnut, piano black etc. I suggest going with some wood trims to break the monotony of the blacks and greys of the interior. The ambient lighting also keeps things warm and cosy. Other plus points are the illuminated vanity mirror and the seat heating/cooling option.
The two biggest changes are the infotainment screen that was once deeply inset in the dashboard and has now been replaced by an standing iPad-like screen, much like in the Mercedes C-Class. The other change is the instrument cluster - instead of the analogue clocks in lower models, there is a customisable 12.3-inch screen (that Audi calls virtual cockpit) in higher models.
The steering wheel is a circular one, with the trapezoidal centrepiece and the bottom spoke having a complete metallic trim. You need to get to the Sport model if you want the fancy flat-bottom steering. And the new electronic shifter is more like a T-handle allowing you to rest your wrist while making the many changes to the music channels etc. It is more convenient to engage with as well.
Audi's S-line seats provide great comfort, with good bolstering and numerous adjustments. It can be wrapped in leather or alcantara. For short drives or long, the driver's seat of the A4 is a good place to be in. The increased overall length and wheelbase contribute to making the A4 more family-friendly. However, do note that the protruding central transmission tunnel is a bit of a hassle.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
Hidden under that bonnet is a turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder engine. In Sport trim, it makes as much as 248 bhp that comes up, between 5,000 rpm and 6,000 rpm. It also churns out a healthy dose of torque peaking or plateauing between 1,600 rpm and 4,500 rpm. But regardless of the powertrain you choose, all engines are linked to Audi's seven-speed dual clutch transmission that distributes power to all corners via their famed quattro all-wheel drive system.
As we started our maiden journey in the A4, we immediately sensed lightness in mass and agility. You have the feeling that it can switch directions and displace both car and company with the lightest of throttle input or steering gestures, making it a delight to drive in the city. Every time we saw an stretch of road, we opened up the throttle only to be greeted by unexpected pulling power. The engine's latency is disguised by its silent and smooth operation.
On the drag strip, it will clock the zero-to-100 dash in 5.8 seconds and the quarter mile in the mid-14 seconds. Even the slowest available A4 with the 150 bhp engine gets to a 100 in a brisk 8.5 seconds. You also notice that that the engine is omni present and alert - turbo lag is virtually nonexistent.
Audis these days ride very well. Even this A4 rode smoothly over well-maintained highways and mildly broken tarmac. The effect of low-profile tyres wasn't a concern at all. The five-link independent suspension, front and back, keeps body roll well-contained around corners whilst the quattro all-wheel drive keeps the tyres clawed to the road. It is hard to break traction in this car. There were no concerns in the braking department either, 338 mm and 330 mm diameter discs, front and rear, work hard to bring you from speed to 'stop' with delightful control and linearity.
Audi claims that the new A4 45 TFSI averages about 6.8l/100km on a mixed cycle, whilst emitting only 141 g/km of carbon dioxide. While these figure may help read into Audi's optimism, we weren't hard pressed to achieve under 10l/100km in everyday driving. Audi also recommends that you fill only premium (Super 98 octane) fuel in the 58-litre tank and so you must.

FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
Base models use a company-fitted eight speakers, but we were also pleasantly surprised to find "mega music wattage" in the form of 19-speaker 755-Watt Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound in our test car. Sure, you don't get the fancy perforated aluminium finish on the speaker covers as you see on the RS models, but they work with immense clarity and power, so much so that I am contemplating purchasing a B&O unit for my own home. And adding to the convenience is the available auxiliary input and two USB ports. We were playing choice music all drive long!
In terms of technology, besides the now-familiar MMI system with the iDrive-like control, you also have a panel that allows you to trace letters, numbers, phone directory and navigation inputs  - it's a handwriting recognition system. The system also supports smart phones running on iOS 7.1 and Android 5.0 Lollipop allowing you to access phone features through the car's interface. And if you want to get your phone charged you can do that wirelessly by placing it in the central cubby. Good news is that it was large enough to fit my Note 5!
The comfort quotient continues to be pushed in the A4.and for the first time in the segment, you have a three-zone climate control, which allows you to set a different temperature for the driver, front passenger and rear compartment. That's nice.
For practicality's sake, Audi has made available the hands-free trunk release which is a convenient way to open up the 480-litre boot. Thanks to its relatively low loading height and squarish layout, you can throw in a good amount of luggage. And by dropping down the split folding seats, you can check in some larger items as well. Those who require a little more space can opt for the Estate version called the A4 Avant.
While on the move, features like Pre Sense preps the brake, fastens your seatbelt and activates the warning lights if you brake hard. And features like rear cross traffic and vehicle exit assist brakes for you to keep you out of harm's way. The A4 is also equipped with the 'regulars' such as tyre pressure monitoring, airbags, parking sensors and a 360 degree view camera, which is a boon for any driver. Parents of toddlers will appreciate the ISOFIX mounts in the rear for child seats, although the caps that cover them are rather easy to lose.

VERDICT
The ninth generation of the Audi A4 has an evolutionary outward design that disguises the quantum leap the German manufacturers have made to its interior design, dynamic prowess and technological attributes - all of which make it arguably the best in class. Quality and refinement, once found in flagships, are present here too. 

• On The Road