Audi A4 2019 first drive

Sometimes it can be easy to momentarily lose sight of the fact that cars such as the Audi A4 are still relevant. We’re constantly being told that SUVs are hell-bent on global domination; that these bulky, overinflated machines won’t rest until they’ve managed to morph themselves so preposterously they can occupy every model niche imaginable - or unimaginable. Compact crossover, anyone? How about an SUV coupe? They’re the next Big Thing, don’t you know.

Anyway, with all the hype surrounding these jacked up vehicles of various shapes and sizes, you might think regular three-box saloons and estates have been dropped from the starting team to instead play a supporting role from the bench. Truth is, that’s not quite the case for Audi - just yet, anyway.

You see, Ingolstadt remains adamant that the A4 is still its core model. One in every five Audis sold around the world is an A4, and when you combine the number of saloons and Avants sold in 2018, it’s still the best firm’s best seller. It hasn’t been eclipsed by the Q5 SUV just yet.

In a bid to keep its compact executive model as relevant and on trend as possible, it’s put the A4 under the knife and given it a modest nip-tuck. As is often the case with these sorts of mid-life refreshes, the changes to the A4’s design err on the subtler side. The headlights and tail lights have been redesigned, the front and rear bumpers have been modified - you get the picture. The fact remains that the A4 remains a handsome looking thing, even if it can look a touch plain in some of the more basic specifications.

Speaking of, the model line has been shuffled slightly too. Technik now represents the entry level offering, and is followed by Sport, S-Line, Black Edition and new the new range-topping Vorsprung. Prices range from £30,750 for the entry-level saloon, and rise to around the £56,000 mark - though Audi is yet to confirm final pricing.

Power comes from a choice of three petrol and three diesel engines, with outputs ranging from 134bhp through to 246bhp. All engines aside from the 187bhp 40 TDI (the range-topping diesel) also come equipped with a 12-volt mild-hybrid system.

As with the exterior, the changes Audi has introduced to the cabin are also relatively minor. That said, it’s these small changes that seem to have the greatest effect on the A4’s overall desirability. 

There’s a new 10.1in touchscreen that runs the latest-generation MMI software, and a new digital cockpit to replace the previous car’s analogue dials too. Not only do they give the A4’s cabin a new lease of life, they instantly see it return to the sharp end of the class in terms of tech appeal as well. Admittedly, the touchscreen might be slightly tricky to use on the move, but it’s hard not to be impressed by its slick graphics and responsiveness. The fact that it retains all of its physical HVAC controls is a big tick in my book, too.Our test car’s 40 TFSI petrol engine was typically smooth and refined too. Mated to Audi’s seven-speed S-Tronic transmissions and sending its drive exclusively to the front wheels, it’s at its most willing from above 2000rpm. Below this point it can feel as if it hasn’t quite woken up, even though peak torque is technically accessible from as low as 1450rpm. Once it has, though, there’s a willing powertrain here.