2017 Audi A4 35TDI Review

Audi India has added a diesel version to the its A4 line up. The 2017 Audi A4 35TDI diesel is priced at INR 44.2 Lakhs (on-road, Delhi). In terms of design and features, the 2017 Audi A4 35TDI is identical to its petrol version that has been launched late last year. What does the 2017 Audi A4 diesel have on offer? Is it feature-loaded? Powerful? We review this new sedan.

2017 Audi A4 India Price

Following are the prices of the 2017 Audi A4 in India

2017 Audi A4 India Design

The A4 might look just like an upgrade from the front. But in reality, it isn’t. The new A4 is larger in dimensions, just like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. One major difference in the fascia is the new design for the headlamps. The side profile design is very much, A4 like however it is longer than before. The tail lamps too get slimmer as you move to the centre. It increased length of the 2017 Audi A4 is evident when you see it in person. The design feels more premium and upmarket. The LED lamps make the styling look a lot more aggressive.

Despite the increase in length, the 2017 Audi A4 is lighter than before. The ultra-light alloys used on this sedan have cut down the flab. The increase in length is understood only when you see the car from close. From a distance, you do not realise the length of this car. This is a good point for those who do not believe in show-off. The tail lamps too are sleek.

2017 Audi A4 India Interiors

The new Q7 had set a new benchmark for interiors. The same design has flown into the 2017 Audi A4 as well. The air-con vents extend from the centre console to the co-driver’s door. A large screen is placed above and simple AC controls underneath it. There is a gear knob too, which resembles the Q7. The cabin feels plush and spacious. Then there is the MMI system with its bells and whistles. The quality is at par with other Audi products.

Now, the space? The front row was never a problem. It has always had good knee room and head room even for tall passengers. However, the increase in length of the 2017 Audi A4 means there is more room at the back. Now, tall people can sit comfortably even at the back. The space for the rear passengers isn’t just good but even the seats are highly supportive. They are hard and have a good recline, making it comfortable for long distance trips. Only two people can sit at the back, as the central tunnel intrudes into the space. This is just want Mercedes-Benz has done to the C-Class. The boot space too is larger than before on the 2017 Audi A4.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz GLB Launch Date

2017 Audi A4 India Engine

The 2017 Audi A4 diesel comes fitted with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TDI diesel engine. The power it generates is 190bhp and it has a torque of 400Nm. This engine is mated to a seven-speed S-Tronic automatic transmission. It takes about 7.7 seconds to reach 0-100 km/h from 0. The A4 diesel is a very torquey unit. I experienced a lot of torque steer as well, when pushed hard. The NVH levels are excellent and at par with what one would expect from a car of this class. The A4 gets the Audi Drive Select which has four modes. These are Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual.

The 2017 Audi A4 is also offered with a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine. This engine churns out about 150bhp of power and is offered with a seven-speed S-Tronic transmission. The A3 is offered with a 1.8-litre despite a smaller body. But, with a reduction of weight by about 95 kilograms, this much power is sufficient. Especially for those who are chauffeur driven. Audi has played its weight reduction card very well. The smaller engine doesn’t affect the performance that much. Also, now there is the DSG on the 2017 Audi A4 instead of CVT on the previous sedan. This also makes up way for it.

2017 Audi A4 India Ride and Handling

Audi never had any issues with ride and handling. With the new platform of the 2017 Audi A4, things have enhanced further. The ride of the 2017 Audi A4 hasn’t changed much, it is still somewhat similar. Due to longer wheelbase, the suspension has been softened. The handling of the 2017 Audi A4 is crisp. The steering wheel doesn’t feel slack at any point and has good feedback. The alacrity of the chassis is at par with the other new Audis.

The A4 is designed to offer more comfort that outright handling finesse. However,it balances both these aspects well. Braking is right up there too. What impressed us most was the hight speed stability. The car feels relaxed even at 150km/h and keeping one oblivious of the speed outside.

Verdict

The Audi A4 diesel raises the bar in its segment it challenges the BMW 320d and Mercedes C220d. While it gets just one fully loaded variant, it undercuts the other two in terms of pricing. While the Audi A4 might not have the panache of the C-Class, it certainly is very elegant and offers best of both worlds, which includes great performance and good comfort.

2017 Audi A4 India Images