Audi A4 Saloon (2005 - 2007) 2.0 TDi Quattro (170ps) SE 4d (2006/56) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Don't really care, I bought it because it's a great drive and I spend a lot of time on the road.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends - all but one like it, one thinks that I only bought it for the badge (not true, if that were the case I'd have bought a BMW).

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely, or the MkIV version that comes out very soon.

What are you likely to buy next?

The new model A4, or possibly an A3 Sportback.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£26,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes - I know the sales person at my regular dealer personally so got a pretty good deal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I'd previously had a MkII 52-plate A4 1.9 TDI Quattro. One fateful night this car had an argument with a hedge and lost. I walked away without a scratch - so there was no question that I'd be having another A4 to replace it.

What was the dealer like?

Northfield Audi in Tetbury - I've used them now for 3 out of 4 Audis. They're quite small but very friendly and the service is second to none.

What's it like to drive?

Absolutely stunning. Others have complained that the steering on the A4 feels detached from the drive, but this isn't the case with the Quattro version. Certainly the Quattro seems to have a different setup to the standard front wheel drive - the FWD is inclined to understeer whereas the Quattro can be provoked into a tail-slide if pushed. Quite manageable though, a quick flick of opposite lock will snap you out of it, and none of the "spider-bite" that you'd get from the older generation Quattro system. The ride is quite firm, but with the level of handling this car has it needs to be. The ride on the FWD version is noticably softer, but because of the increased grip provided by the Quattro the suspension needs to be tightened up otherwise the car would suffer from body roll - this was

What's it like to park?

Pretty easy despite the size. The rear parking radar makes it simple, no more guessing how much room you have.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The engine blew up at 12,000 miles - a hairline fracture in one of the bolts holding the oil pump to the crank case sheared off as I went over a bump causing the oil pump to fall away. This sent the drive gears out of alignment causing them to grind down, sending metal filings into the sump and starving the engine of oil. The car ended up at the dealer for 3 weeks having a new engine and turbocharger fitted under warranty. However Audi Roadside provided me with a loan car for the duration so I was never left stranded. Also had the crank speed sensor fail when the car was just over a year old which caused the engine to go into limp-home mode. Again this was swiftly repaired under warranty and I was provided with a similar car whilst mine was being repaired.

What's most practical about your car?

It's two cars in one. Drive conservatively and you can cruise up and down the motorway all day getting over 40mpg (pretty good for a car with 170bhp). Get onto the B-roads and you can open the taps and really give it some stick, the Quattro 4-wheel-drive system will keep you on the road even when conditions are less than ideal.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Either the rear parking radar or the auto-opening boot lid.