Audi A4 Saloon (08 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 05 March 2012
Audi has tried long and hard to make its A4 as desirable as the BMW 3-Series but hasn't quite succeeded. At least until now. While the BMW may still have the edge on ultimate driver appeal, the 2008 A4 is a better all rounder. As beautifully finished as ever, Audi has ensured the A4 saloon is priced a little lower than premium alternatives and is more generous with equipment. Build quality was never in question, but now the A4 offers unrivalled interior space, superb comfort, improved driving dynamics and excellent refinement - making it our class favourite. There's also a great choice of engines offering everything from economy and low emissions to high performance.
4.5 out of 5

Other Audi reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

New prices undercut equivalent models from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and the A4 offers higher levels of standard equipment. All engines are frugal given their power outputs, although there is no answer to the clever fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics technology currently being offered by BMW. Resale values will be strong, particularly on diesel models, although servicing tends to be expensive.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,252 - £2,046 *

Diesel

£986 - £1,602 *

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

Every 9000 miles, or long-term servicing regime up to 19,000 miles can be set when ordering.

Warranty

Three years/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£30.00 - £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

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
    112
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
    215
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

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

Emissions summary

The four-cylinder engines in the Audi A4 offer significantly better fuel consumption and lower carbon dioxide emissions than the versions used in the previous model. The whole range has strong eco-credentials, particularly the 2.0 TDIe which emits just 120g/km and will average an impressive 61mpg making it the most efficient in the range.

Find the exact engine and CO2