Review: Audi B8 A4 and A4 Avant (2008-15)

Review: Audi B8.I A4 and A4 Avant (2008-12)

Overview

The Audi B8 Series I (B8.I) A4 sedan was released in May 2008, with the A4 Avant following in August 2009. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi B8 A4 and A4 Avant ranges consisted of seven variants: the 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI e, 2.0 TFSI, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI. Beyond the variants, the A4 and A4 Avant were available as front-wheel or four-wheel drive models and with a variety of transmissions; the full range is given in the table below.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Audi B7 A4 , the B8 A4 sedan – and A4 Avant – was 117 mm longer (at 4703 mm), 60 mm wider (1826 mm), 9 mm taller (1437 mm) and had a 160 mm longer wheelbase (2808 mm). For comparable drivetrains, the B8 A4 and A4 Avant were around 10 per cent lighter than their B7 predecessors due to the use of hot-formed ultra-high-strength steels and aluminium components; the 1.8 TFSI sedan, for example, had a kerb weight of 1410 kg.

Suspension

The Audi B8 A4 had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and trapezoidal link rear suspension.

quattro

The quattro system for the B8 A4 and A4 Avant consisted of a Torsen Type 3 centre differential which provided a default front:rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 65 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The system also included a rear differential lock – in addition to the front differential lock which was fitted to the front-wheel drive models – which could brake a spinning wheel to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi B8 A4 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, trailer stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The standard braking package for the Audi A4 consisted of ventilated 314 mm front brake discs and 300 mm solid rear discs. Models with V6 engines, however, were fitted with 320 mm front brake discs with composite aluminium brake calipers.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2008 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.45 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

The A4 was subsequently reassessed under Euro NCAP’s updated testing regime and awarded a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Features: Audi B8 A4

Standard features for the Audi A4 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TDI e included 16-inch alloy wheels, a 10 speaker, 180 watt stereo with a 6.5-inch colour display, CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, Milano leather trim, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, electromechanical parking brake, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The front-wheel drive A4 2.0 TFSI and 2.7 TDI were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, three-zone climate control air conditioning, power adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth connectivity and rear parking sensors.

Beyond this, the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro added power adjustable front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, LED daytime driving lights, front parking sensors, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, proximity key and an electrochromatic rear view mirror. For the 2.0 TFSI quattro and above, automatic and DCT models were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles. From September 2009, the 2.0 TFSI quattro models with manual transmissions were fitted with ‘idle stop’, enabling the engine to shut down when stationary.

The Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro and 3.2 FSI quattro were distinguished by their 18-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting (also fitted to the 2.7 TDI) and walnut brown interior trim.

Audi A4 2.0 TDI e

In March 2010, the fuel-efficient 2.0 TDI e variant was released, fitted with ‘start-stop’ and a brake energy regeneration system which converted the vehicle’s kinetic energy when braking or coasting to recharge the battery. Compared to the standard 2.0 TDI, the 2.0 TDI e had a higher final drive ratio, revised engine management system, improved aerodynamics and an up-shift indicator. Over the combined ADR81/01 cycle, the 2.0 TDI e consumed 4.8 litres per 100 kilometres.

December 2011: Audi A4 update

In December 2011, the A4 and A4 Avant underwent a minor update as rear parking sensors and the ‘Audi Connect’ in-car Internet and telematics system were fitted as standard across the range. Furthermore, the 2.0 TFSI and 2.7 TDI received power adjustable front seats and an interior lighting package.

Beyond this, the 2.0 TFSI quattro, 3.0 TDI and 3.2 FSI variants also received a satellite navigation system with seven-inch display, 10GB hard drive for music storage and DVD player.

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi B8.I A4 Sedan (April 2008)
• Brochure: Audi B8.I A4 Sedan (April 2008)
• Press Kit: Audi B8.I A4 Avant (September 2008)
• Specifications: Audi B8.I A4 Avant (September 2008)

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 1.8 TFSI (May 2008)
• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 2.0 TDI (May 2008)
• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 3.2 FSI quattro (May 2008)
• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 2.7 TDI (June 2008)
• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI (September 2008)
• Technical Specifications: Audi B8 A4 Avant 2.0 TDI (September 2008)

Review: Audi B8.II A4 and A4 Avant (2012-15)

Overview

Released in July 2012, the Audi B8 Series II (B8.II) A4 and A4 Avant introduced a revised range, visual updates and significant fuel economy improvements. Visually, the B8.II A4 could be identified by its new bumpers with angular air inlets, revised headlights, flat front fog lights, more pronounced bonnet arches, tapered grille corners and gray-painted grille. Inside, the Multi Media Interface (‘MMI’) was upgraded for greater ease of use, dashboard and console trim were improved and the switchgear was revised.

Compared to its B8.I predecessor, the Audi B8.II A4 achieved significant fuel economy improvements due to the introduction – for all variants – of:

• a ‘start-stop’ system which could shut down the engine when stationary in traffic;
• a recuperation system which converted kinetic energy into electrical energy when the vehicle was coasting or braking; and,
• a new electrochmechanical power steering system.

TThe six-speed automatic transmissions were also replaced with double-clutch units (DCT, or Audi’s ‘S-Tronic’). Furthermore, the upgraded 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine (1.8 TFSI variants) had on-demand ancillary component operation, while the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines (2.0 TDI variants) had a new centrifugal pendulum-type absorber in the dual-mass flywheel for more refined and quieter running.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to its B8.I predecessor, standard safety equipment and features for the Audi B8.II A4 sedan were largely unchanged. Compared to the sedan, the A4 Avant was further equipped with aluminium roof rails and a power-operated tailgate.

A4 Sport Editions: 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI sedans

In August 2013, limited-run 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Edition sedans – both fitted with CVTs – were released. Compared to the standard 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI, the Sport Editions were further equipped with 19-inch five-segment-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, Audi’s ‘MMI Navigation plus’ system (with 20GB media storage, a DVD player and two SDHC memory card slots), contoured sports seats, ‘xenon plus’ headlights, a flat-bottom steering wheel with gearshift paddles and LED tail-lights. The 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI Sport Editions were also offered with premium metallic or pearl effect paint finishes as standard.

October 2013: Audi A4 update

In October 2013, standard features were extended to include three-zone climate control air conditioning, while quattro models were also fitted with a reversing camera (Audi’s ‘parking system plus’).

Furthermore, the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI variants were fitted with Audi’s S-line exterior package which included different front and rear bumpers, side grilles, a diffuser insert, body-coloured side sills and ‘S-line’ logos on the front wings and door sill trims.

June 2014: A4 Ambition and S line editions

In June 2014, A4 Ambition editions for the 2.0 TFSI quattro and 2.0 TDI quattro variants were released. Standard features for the A4 Ambition editions included 18-inch alloy wheels, Audi’s ‘MMI Navigation plus’ with live traffic updates, a 20 GB hard drive and two SD card slots, three-zone climate control air conditioning, leather-appointed upholstery, xenon headlights, daytime LED running lights and a Sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

The A4 ‘S line’ editions were further equipped with 18-inch ‘Audi exclusive’ five-twin-spoke alloy wheels, a 180 watt sound system with ten speakers, a subwoofer and six-channel amplifier, sports front seats, Audi’s ‘parking system plus’ with a rear view camera, a proximity key and S line exterior package.

Coinciding with the release of the A4 Ambition editions, the 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TFSI variants were discontinued.

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi B8.II A4 Sedan and A4 Avant (June 2012)
• Specifications: Audi B8.II A4 Sedan (June 2012)
• Specifications: Audi B8.II A4 Avant (June 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi B8 A4