Test drive Audi A4 B8 since 2007 sedan

Good

He really doesn’t find good, reader? Especially in front, and when the cilia glow. Needless to say, Walter de Silva Master, and knows his job (it seems that I mention his name on the pages of AI for the hundredth time, after all, deservedly!). With his arrival in VW, the brands that became part of the concern began, or, more precisely, they begin to shine, as if they were one after another to receive a second life. And the Audi brand flashed most brightly. Just because this company always relied on sports, but only now this rate began to be definitely supported by design. The first and most obvious confirmation of the R8 sports car, followed by an equally expressive A5 compartment. It was it that served as the basis for the new, third generation of the A4 model, which is now available in Russia.
Lyrical introduction
In the automobile world as in school: there are excellent students, good, three -year -olds, and even losers.
True, in your youth we did not like excellent students, although who else had to write off? And when I heard from the teacher Andrei, I would have more labor, would become a round excellent student! That invariably caught himself thinking that I did not want this at all. Although the five in the certificate pleased, the fours did not upset.
So, the tested Audi A4 sedan, in my purely subjective opinion, is good. He could become an excellent student, but in the aggregate of qualities he did not reach a little. But this does not upset because, for example, that it is understandable to be a role model would cost even more. Here, you see, a direct connection is traced.
Highest mark
The exterior deserves an excellent assessment. A4 now lengthened by 117 mm, it was heard in the sides by almost 50 mm, and at the same time began to look more sporty. The front overhang is significantly reduced, the hood and the wheelbase stretched greatly, and the large wheels and clearly expressed wheel arches give a feeling of concentrated energy. The stylish back with beveled headlights only enhances the dynamic picture, which is quite consistent with the new designer style of Audi. The same massive front grill remained in place, but unusual aluminum elements appeared inside the front headlights. Having looked closely, you understand here very helpful. And the cilia glowing in the dark, emphasizing the expressiveness of the front, is just shine!
While the Audi A4 did not have time to become confused on the capital's roads, you especially evaluate the strength of art when you suddenly begin to politely give way. Hmm, Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky Beauty was right to save the world!

Of course, it would be nice for more persuasiveness, to be driving a powerful modification, for example, with a 3.2 -liter gasoline engine. But also controlling the front -wheel drive version of 1.8 TFSI, I managed to feel like a horse. But first, take a closer look at the interior.
Sports functionality
It is important that the third -generation A4 received a wheelbase increased to 2808 mm, so the salon has become spacious. In terms of the total length of the cabin, in the 908-mm-mm space for the legs of the rear passengers A4 now surpasses most competitors. There is enough space above your head and shoulders. And in general, inside it became noticeably more comfortable than before. At the back you can now create your microclimate. There is a armrest and two cup holders. For transportation of various luggles, there are not only numerous compartments inside, but also a completely roomy trunk. Its volume increased to 480 liters of one of the best indicators in the classroom, and due to the low opening (the height above the ground is only 673 mm), the flat bottom and direct lateral cladding is convenient to use the compartment. Moreover, the back of the rear seat can be folded both in whole and in parts, as a result of which the volume of the trunk reaches 962 liters. As an option, even a device for transporting long -sized items with a special, extracted compartment for skis is proposed. In other words, the car is also suitable for outdoor activities, although the A4 station wagon will soon debut on the market, which took place before recently.
But, from my point of view, the main place at the wheel. Everything around the driver is almost exactly postponed from the A5 compartment. The arrows of the tachometer and speedometer look down, between them the monitor of the on -board computer perished. It is controlled by keys in the end of the steering wheel switch and displays all the information necessary for the driver.
 
The central console is turned 8 degrees to the left, and as if forms a single whole with a dashboard. In the standard configuration, the model is equipped with a 6.5-inch monochrome display in the upper part of the console, which is located very well, there are no glare even in sunny weather. Information about the audio system and the climate control can be displayed on it, as well as the adjustment capabilities from the CAR menu, so the owner himself can configure different functions. Large switches and keys to the audio system with the MMI company control unit are also conveniently located at hand.
If the car is equipped with a navigation system, and recently this option is available in Russia, then a full -fledged MMI multimedia interface has already been built into the central tunnel. Moreover, all information is displayed already on a color screen with a diagonal of 7 inches. Well, for those who appreciate a good sound, the company offers an audio system from Bang & Olufsen. It consists of a special sound processor, an amplifier with a capacity of 505 W and ten active channels with 14 speakers.
 
However, we will return to the driver's place and note that the car seats are extremely successfully profiled. They have developed lateral support and are equipped with adjustments that can easily find the right and convenient landing. The range of adjustments of the steering column is also not small 50 mm in height and 60 mm by departure.
It will be not enough
I started getting to know the new generation of Audi A4 with a weak version with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and a branded fuel injection system. It develops 160 hp, but has a good moment of 250 nm. All this is directed by the front drive wheels through the wedge -rephiva variator of the Multitronic. It is likely that in the near future we will consider more powerful, including all -wheel drive A4 modifications, however, it is the tested version that seems to me that will be the most popular in Russia.
Therefore, I will immediately say that the 1.8-liter A4 is quite dynamic. Thanks to, in particular, a very light body. Despite the growing overall dimensions, it is 10% easier than the A4 of the previous generation weighs only 1410 kg. It was possible to achieve this due to the widespread use of new varieties of steel, which combine exceptional strength with low weight. Along the way, I note that Audi is the first car manufacturer to independently produce specialized steel blanks.
 
In short, the acceleration is confident, which is accompanied by the slipping of the front drives, even on dry asphalt, it is only worth sharply drowning the accelerator pedal. Moreover, the variator allows you to accelerate almost without failures, so to speak, in one breath. Nevertheless, I cannot but note small delays in his work. It is worth driving a few kilometers in a calm mode, and then try to accelerate quickly, as a pause will appear between pressing the accelerator and the response of the car. Fortunately, transmission can be switched manually, or simply put the car into a sports mode. Yes, it is the whole car.
 
The thing is that A4 can be equipped with the Audi Drive Select, which changes the characteristics of the engine, automatic gearbox, control and suspension at the request of the driver. The keys on the central console, the driver can set whether all this should work in Comfort, Auto or Dynamic mode. If the A4 has an MMI control system on board, then the fourth mode of Individual appears at its disposal. It already allows you to make an individual profile of 24 installation capabilities. I must admit that I did not go through all of them, but with standard pre -installations I played enough.
In Comfort, the car becomes imposing, like a land yacht. The steering is like a fluffy, the response to the operation of the accelerator is sluggish, the shock absorbers are soft, the automatic transmission is maximally smooth and imperceptibly for the driver, it climbs the transmission. Dynamic is completely different. The bagel is in the way that becomes heavy, the suspensions are more elastic, and the car sensitively reacts to the work of the gas pedal. In Auto mode, the computer independently adapts the car to the driver. And he does it well, I must admit. I went faster the shock absorbers became tougher. Sliding sluggishly in the stream of the steering wheel becomes easier, the accelerator is less sensitive. As a matter of fact, this is the most suitable regime for everyday urban operation.
 
Nevertheless, I cannot but note some minuses, again from my point of view. Firstly, 160 forces are not enough. This is felt, first of all, on suburban highways with sharp overtaking, when you want more active acceleration. Secondly, the steering is still quite light, and the effort on it, although it changes depending on the speed and manner of driving, causes a feeling of some artificiality. And finally, at high speeds, the body begins to scour, losing stability. Perhaps the whole thing is in large lifting forces on the front axle, but there is no clear feedback on the steering wheel, which is why mutual understanding with the machine is lost. And this despite the fact that the new A4 has an excellent aerodynamic resistance coefficient of 0.27 CX. In addition, in the transmission, the differential changed places with the clutch, and the front axis was moved about 154 mm forward. This provides an almost perfect distribution of mass between the axes, despite the front -wheel drive layout.
As for handling, it is traditionally almost neutral. In other words, with an active assault on the turns of the body, the body is tenacious by the roadway with all the wheels, which allows the driver to independently control the behavior of the machine with gas and the steering wheel. In a critical situation, the ESP stabilization system will come to the rescue, as well as powerful brake mechanisms, to which there are no complaints and cannot be.
 
In conclusion, I will note another technical know-how that made the Audi Side Assist system. Two radar sensors in the rear bumper monitor space on the sides and behind; The processor evaluates the data obtained and if another vehicle with approximately equal speed moves in the so -called dead area or quickly approaches, then the LED indicator will light up in the body of the external rear -view mirror. Moreover, when, despite the warning, the driver turns on the turning signal to change the lane, the LEDs begin to burn brighter and flas it with a high frequency for about one second not to notice such a signal is simply impossible. One but Audi Side Assist is activated, starting at a speed of 60 km/h.
Certificate of maturity
The first acquaintance with the new generation of Audi A4 allowed me to come to the conclusion that the model turned out to be bright, comfortable, friendly to the driver and quite sports. And if everything is done perfectly with the first parameters, then over the running qualities, at least the front -wheel drive modification, you can still work. The neutrality of habits is, of course, good, but she can remind someone a proverb neither fish nor meat. Yes, they love good, but they also look at the marks. Especially against the background of Mercedes-Benz C-class and BMW 3 series.
And prices for a new A4 begin with a mark of 1,151,500 rubles.
Andrey Osipov
Photo by Audi
 

Source: Magazine Automobile Izvestia [May 2008]