We spent time with the previous generation Audi A4 (B8) while we evaluated the latest Audi A4 (B9). While the two models are not dramatically different in terms of visual appeal, there are numerous technical changes under its sheet metal. Here are five key differences between the two.
Appearance
New Audi A4 meets the previous version of the A4. The new model is comparatively sleeker and more modern.
If there is one aspect of Audi sedans that often draws criticism – and the Audi A4 is no exception – it's that they don't look exciting enough. Audi has never pursued a provocative design language and we think the latest incarnation of A4 is exactly what it should be: an evolution of the previous model with enough styling cues to give it a modern and fresh appeal. Of course, you can spec the sporty S-line exterior package for added visual impact, or choose one of 10 alloy wheel designs.
We feel the design of the new Audi A4 is good enough to last a few years…
Mechanical changes
The real changes have occurred under the skin and the new Audi A4 has gone on a diet. Thanks to its lightweight construction, the B9 generation is around 120 kg lighter than its B8 predecessor, as well as more aerodynamic. This, in turn, aids fuel consumption. Despite the crash diet, the newer model is bigger both inside and out, and it feels more refined. The B9 is 25 mm longer and 16 mm wider than the B8, and while those numbers don’t sound like much, they make a difference.
A lot of work has gone into NVH suppression and suspension refinement, making the A4 exceptionally smooth to drive. Meanwhile, thanks to the provision of an electronic front differential and some tweaks to the steering setup, the Audi's dynamic responses haves sharpened up. Depending on the model you pick, an adaptive suspension is a worthwhile option.
Powertrains
The S-tronic gear selector is also a comfy place to rest your wrist.
The assortment of engines from the Volkswagen Audi Group has made its way into the new A4 and while the powerplants are not all-new units, there are enhancements to make them smoother and more powerful, as well as more fuel efficient.
The range starts with the familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. In this application, you get 110 kW and 250 Nm, which is acceptable at this level. The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-pot that produces 140 kW and 320 Nm is the next step up and finally there’s an enhanced version of the 2.0T that puts out 185 kW and 370 Nm, and drives all four wheels through a dual-clutch transmission. For the turbodiesel fans, a 2.0TDI with 140 kW and 320 Nm was recently added to the lineup.
In the B8 generation, A4 derivatives were equipped with old-school Multitronic CVT, S tronic and Tiptronic automatics as well as manual transmissions, but the sharper, quicker S-tronic twin-clutch arrangement is now the sole self-shifting option. You can also have a manual gearbox, but given how good the S-tronic is, the latter is likely to be the most popular choice.
Interior
With Virtual Cockpit fitted, the new Audi A4 cabin looks sleek, futuristic and sophisticated.
Audi interiors have always been excellent and the latest A4 is no exception. The cabin feels on par with larger, more premium models, and the intrinsic feel is excellent. While it's an option, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster moves the game forward in terms of user experience and outright appeal. It’s a marvel to look at and effortless to use.
From a driver’s point of view, the finer touches are special. The devil’s in the detail and the ability to rest your wrist on the gear selector while using the scrolling wheel for the in-car menu is but one example of what makes this cabin excellent. While it appears minimalist in design, everything you need is conveniently close and the ergonomics are generally good.
Passengers at the rear will enjoy more legroom in the new Audi A4. While the outgoing B8 wasn’t short on rear legroom, taller drivers were inclined to position their seat further back, making the space available to rear occupants a little tight. The new car’s seats have also been redesigned to increase rear passenger kneeroom.
The previous generation Audi A4 had a pleasant interior, but it pales in comparison to the new one.
Connectivity and technology
This is an area in which the B9-generation Audi A4 truly shines. While a new generation of consumers embraces the digital era with unparalleled enthusiasm, the need for in-car connectivity and technology has grown immensely. There’s the aforementioned Virtual Cockpit and Audi Connect Services, which enables the car to connect to the Internet via a SIM card. What's more, passengers can connect to a wifi hotspot and the driver gets access to services such as Google Earth.
Audi smartphone interface and connectivity allows internet access and services such as Google Earth.
You can plug your Apple and Android devices into the Audi MMI and for those craving intense audio quality, tick the box marked Bang and Olufsen – an audio system that comes with no fewer than 19 speakers. Another option to consider is the Audi tablet that provides entertainment for the rear passengers, and can be removed from the car and used as a normal tablet. The car features USB and auxiliary input sockets and Bluetooth connectivity as well.
Other technology worth a mention is the Audi Matrix LED healights, auto parking functionality and a head-up display.
Summary
While the new Audi A4 represents a big leap forward for the segment and brand, what's to become of the previous now-discontinued A4? There are plenty to go around on the pre-owned market and if you know where to look, some great bargains can be found. We know of one owner who bagged a 1.8T with some options for R280k and it had 4 000 km on the clock. While the B8's outgunned in a technological battle, it still represents a great purchase thanks to its solid build quality and thorough refinement.
Browse our selection of Audi A4 models here.
Read our first drive report of the all-new Audi A4 here.
Compare the Audi A4 against the BMW 3-Series here.
Watch a video where the Audi A4 2.0T takes on the BMW 320i here
