Audi A4 Saloon (05-07) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The third-generation A4 tries harder than ever to be a credible alternative to the class-leading BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. Although it looks very similar to the outgoing model, every body panel has changed and there's a new, more aggressive, look for the front end. There are also some new engine options, new gearboxes and the suspension has been redesigned. The formula is essentially unchanged but the A4 now has some extra polish to keep it on top of its game. It can't quite better its rivals, but it remains a worthy contender.
4.5 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

4 out of 5

Running costs

When the A4 was launched Audi was keen to point out that in comparisons with Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series, it's executive saloon was expected to be marginally cheaper to run on a pence per mile basis. Servicing isn't cheap however, particularly at Audi dealers, but buyers will prefer a service book that has main dealer stamps.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,705 - £2,922 *

Diesel

£1,308 - £1,942 *

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

According to service indicator.

Warranty

3 years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£170.00 - £475.00

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

3 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
    152
  • 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 environmentally friendly, and with an average of 191g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are fairly standard 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 37mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2