Audi A4 Saloon (00-04) - Review

Review by Parkers on
When Audi set to work on the second generation of the A4, its priorities were to increase interior space and improve driver appeal. The firm succeeded on both counts, creating a real rival to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It has handsome looks, superb build quality, beautifully presented interiors and a wide choice of highly developed, powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines. It's not quite as rewarding to drive as its big rival the BMW 3-Series but is just as comfortable and well built.
4 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

The A4 makes a good used buy but the larger V6 petrol units are thirsty - stick to the 2.0 FSI or the 1.9 TDI if you want fuel economy. Servicing is expensive too, especially at Audi dealers so it's worth finding a decent specialist - there are plenty around. Parts prices can be high so a recently serviced car is ideal while the range-topping S4 isn't cheap in terms of fuel, insurance or tyres.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,615 - £2,922 *

Diesel

£1,257 - £2,003 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Petrol - 19,000 miles or 2 yrs, 4 cyl TDI - 30,000 miles or 2 years, V6 TDI - 22,000 miles or 2 years.

Warranty

Mechanical three years, body six years.

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
    149
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
    322

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The A4 is quite a polluting model and with an average of 205g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are a touch high for a medium-sized saloon. However, it's worth noting that the line up has a high number of diesel models, bringing the average down and giving buyers more choices of low-emission versions. Diesels typically produce less CO2 than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not particularly economical though, averaging 35mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2