New A4

[ivo]

Have read several Articles about thsi car and, each one has roundly praised the new driving dynamics which is a change for an Audi.
How much cheaper is the Audi than a BMW 3 series or are they around the same go?

[BeCos]

Yes I've read the same things with great interest as both myself and my colleague, who has a '00 A4, are interested in a car in this bracket. The current A4 1.6 is roughly IR£23k for the basic car, whereas the BMW 316i is IR£25K roughly.

I wouldn't be interested in a 1.6 ltr car but I probably will be going German in the coming months!!

[WhipLash]

I'm not sure whats going to be on offer engine wise on the Irish market, but AFAIK in the UK the base 1.8 engine has been dropped.

The new A4 certainly appears to be getting great reviews in the car mags. I suppose there will be a brand new Passat out later next year based on the A4 platform. Anyone know?

[BeCos]

Well the only A4 engine available here is the 2.0 which is a revised 1.8 and not the same as the 2.0 in the Passat. The new Passat is out now and dealers are currently gaining stock. I thought the two new cars shared their platforms!

[ivo]

Saw the new A4 yesterday in the flesh for the first time.

It was the bare spec'-ed 2.0litre in silver.

I must say it was very impressive. Those who thought it would be a squashed up A6 need to have a rethink.
It borrows some styling cues alright but it looks much better proportioned in comparison to its larger stablemate.

Its symmetrical shape,well sculpted front grill and shapely clear lensed headlamps make this car one that is very pleasing to the eye.

The pronounced wheel arches help the overall look as well as providing the room needed to give the next S4 a serious set of tyres.

I wasnt so impressed with the bland, dark interior ( complete with slot for strip of veneer wood) but its par for the course when your main rivals are BMW and Mercedes executives. Although, in fairness, the steering wheel was chunky while there were also some nice chrome touches e.g speedometers etc.

Unfortunately, the Salesman wasnt around to give me a brochure to see how the interior could be glitzed up a little but I'd expect there is a more desirable Alumninium/Chrome option(as opposed to the normal dodgy Wood) for the dash as well as less dour upholstery fabrics on offer.

Inside, there was acres of space especially for a tall Driver as well as plenty of compensation for the rear passengers in the form of a deep seating area.

So far its a thumbs up.
Hopefully, I might get a chance to drive the car in the next few weeks. If so, I will post my opinions.

[BeCos]

Yeah I looked at one on Friday last. It was a grey 2.0 and looked very well..........I was impressed. However the one I saw had the silver dash insert instead of wood and it was just too bright. Prices start at IR£27,620 roughly!!

[WhipLash]

Originally posted by ivo
I wasnt so impressed with the bland, dark interior ( complete with slot for strip of veneer wood) but its par for the course when your main rivals are BMW and Mercedes executives.

That’s funny, the interior of my new car sounds exactly like that - dark black plastics with a strip of veneer wood. My wife complained about this when she first sat into the car. However, such an interior has grown on me immensely, and I'm sure the wife's opinion will change when she takes a drive. I just hope that she gives it back! :rolleyes:


Originally posted by ivo
Unfortunately, the Salesman wasnt around to give me a brochure to see how the interior could be glitzed up a little but I'd expect there is a more desirable Alumninium/Chrome option(as opposed to the normal dodgy Wood) for the dash as well as less dour upholstery fabrics on offer.

I went looking at VW's a few weeks ago in B******d Motors. The new showrooms, which house VW, Audi and Mercs, is very impressive indeed. However, we ended up talking to a salesguy who didn't know his arse from his elbow. When I asked him about anything, he simply said it was all in the brochure. Yeah right. You think he'd give it a read over and get to know his product. I asked him about the 1.6 engine which was upgraded by a few BHP last year. He didn't have a clue, even though the companies price list had both engines listed!! Thats one major problem now with dealerships. Young guys sporting a tan, suit and a smile, and no brain. Still, under the present climate punters simply walk in, take a look and sign up for a brand new model. What could be simpler? Anyways, between this idiot salesguy and the 3 month waiting list, I didn't bite.