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Performance
4
Usability
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2.5
By Glen Waddington
First Drives
09 July 2008 10:49
If you want an Audi A4 2.0 TDI there’s no way I’m going to be able to talk you into buying a Ford Mondeo, even though it’s cheaper and much more engaging to drive. If you want an Audi, you’re set on the badge, the image, the perceived quality, maybe the technology, the fuel economy and emissions. How does it drive? You don’t care.
Of course I am – this is CAR Online, after all. But it’s not great news. Audi’s made big claims about its latest front-wheel drive platform yet, while it’s a marginal improvement on what went before, this is still resolutely an Audi A4, new or not. And that means it’s got a thumpy ride, mute steering and dim reactions.You’d forgive its unengaging feel if the Audi cosseted over corrugated surfaces, but the sad fact is that it never settles down. It’s insistently firm over low-speed bumps and lacking in body control over long-wave stuff, so it feels like a tug boat caught in a rough harbour.
The steering is over-light at low speeds but feels reluctant to turn once you’ve gathered pace, and corners show the A4 up as leaden. Put simply, it just ain’t no fun.
Click 'Next' below to read more of our Audi A4 2.0 TDI first drive
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Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE (2008) CAR review
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keeforelli says
RE: Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE CAR review
rickerby.... how long ago did you own the mondeo?...most of the comparisons on here will be with the new shape post 2007 model- which there is little evidence of problems with yet... i doubt ford of europes widely praised new model ranges are seen as low rent...(other than the badge)...and the mondeo is a truly excellent if too big) product....its amazing that ford can rival BMW on so many respects now let alone audi... we have a brand new A3 in our household...looked at the new A4 and the interior is not as appealing...as a sport model our A3 is great but boy it has a bone shaking ride!!! if your spending your own money it makes sense to go premium for the resale value...but everyone has!!!!...a new mondeo is less common than a 3 series!!! it all depends what you want from your car...my last focus was amazingly well rounded.
10 July 2008 07:21
Montoya says
alex befor the bmw i had an A4 2002 tdi 131hp, drove it for 1 year and changed to the bmw 320d, i must say thet i became bored of driving the audi, it was a fantasticly boring car to drive, and allthough the new one is improved it still is boring to drive, it just can't compare to the fun and confidence of the bmw even with 150 hp. A car thet costs as much as the audi it's just not worth buying before considering the 3-series and the merc, and i personally think that if audi likes the front wheal drive so much why don't they make the 3.0 tdi FWD, that just proves that the only thing keeping tham from changing is like kubrick said, PRIDE, everybody can make a AWD drive even BMW and MERC, but it's just not the same as a RWD..
10 July 2008 00:06
rickerby says
I had a Mondeo for 12 months. Worst car I have ever owned. Continual problems with fuel system (injectors/pumps)and suspension/steering alaignment. Useless daelers more interested in managing Transit Van fleets and with service recptions that looked as though they came straight from life on mars! Kept exoecting to bump into Gene Hunt getting his Cortina serviced. Handling. Fine when its brand new, but once the suspension wares prematurely - which it will it handles like a pig. Traded it in for an A4 2.0TDI owned for 2 years and 70K miles, never put a foot wrong and needed routine servicing only at a high class establishment that valeted it and provided simple things like courtesy cars! I now have an A6. No doubt you will tell me a Mondeo is cheaper etc. And so it bloody should be! You get what you pay for. The mondeo is a low rent product cheaply engineered and built down to a price.
09 July 2008 23:01
JohnnyBimmer says
This A4 is handsome, modern and a quality product throughout. I've got no problem being seen shopping in an Aldi, in fact I think it's good for the image as it makes you look street smart, but that doesn't (yet) convert to your car purchase. So yes a Ford may be a smarter buy and the better drive (an Audi weakness) but I'll join the rest of the herd piling into brands with status and cred' appeal. Aduis 2.0ltr diesel engine from a weekend in one as a H-Car has anough torque to punch up motorways and perform round town in a smart fashion. It's other asset is it sips diesel like a kitten. It's your wallets best friend ever! The A4/A5 interior is also a step up from a BMW 3 Series in quality of plastics, design and ambience though the 3 has more room and a better all round driving position. A4 or 3? That's a very tough choice now.
09 July 2008 18:26
livc44411 says
Thank you Glen Waddington for being honest and looking beyond the badge and thank you Brando for making an excellent point,one I have been saying for yeeears,Audis are only truly good if they have 4wd and a big engine,personally I would rather much save the change and get a Skoda Octavia (VRs?).No badge snob,I like to appreciate a car for what its really worth....
09 July 2008 17:55
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