THE 8th generation Audi A4 has been a resounding success for the company. In the United States and Europe, Audi has sold more than 1.85 million units since 2007.
When Audi launched the 9th generation A4, it introduced a 1.4-litre TFSI engine variant that replaces the old 1.8 TSI model, along with two 2.0-litre TFSI engine variants.
We got our hands on the 1.4-litre TFSI model for a few days to test it out.
The Audi 1.4-litre TFSI is powered by an inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed S tronic automatic transmission. It produces 150hp from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 250Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500rpm.
Audi claims this allows the sedan to sprint from standstill to 100kph in 8.5 seconds and have a top speed of 210kph. It recorded a combined fuel consumption of 5.3 litres per 100 km.
Measuring at 4,726mm in length, 1,842mm in width, 1,427mm in height and weighing 1,375 kg, it has a fuel tank capacity of 54 litres and boot space of 480 litres.
The Audi A4 1.4-litre TFSI is equipped with 17-inch wheels, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control air-conditioning, leather upholstery, three-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered adjustable front seats, multi media interface (MMI) radio plus, seven-inch display, 10-speaker sound system and auto wiper.
Six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stabilisation control, traction control, electronic differential lock, parking aid plus and Isofix childseat mounting point are part of its core safety features.
The Audi A4 1.4-litre TFSI is priced at RM218,900 without insurance, including six per cent GST. It comes with a four years or 120,000km, whichever comes first, warranty.
The Drive
We find the Audi A4 1.4-litre TFSI to be a powerful, agile and comfortable sedan. We clocked about 250km, driving on highways and in city traffic.
Its interior is spacious, and the dashboard design is modern with plenty of soft-touch materials and high-quality switches and buttons. The 480-litre boot space is enough to fit a few large pieces of luggage and a large stroller.
The driving position is comfortable and driver centric. It gives the driver a good view while driving, with very minimal blind spot vision.
There’s generous head and leg room in front to fit a 6ft-tall large frame adult. However, the rear seats are slightly short of shoulder and head room for three large adults to occupy.
The suspension produces a firm ride when we drove through rough and damaged roads as well as sharp bumps and deep potholes.
The A4’s medium-weighted steering is quick and responsive. It gives the driver accurate and responsive steering feedback on road conditions. The A4 1.4-litre TFSI handles very well on high-speed corners. It has tonnes of grip and minimal body roll.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged TFSI engine can easily keep up with any 1.8-litre or 2.0-litre car on the highway. It has no issues overtaking slow moving vehicles on a steep uphill. Its automatic transmission is very smooth and slick even at lower speeds.
The multi media interface (MMI) radio plus with seven-inch display is very user-friendly.
We clocked 7.7 to 8.6 litres per 100km in mixed driving conditions with its sensitive stop-start system.
Unfortunately, it is slightly too sensitive and will auto stop and start again when going through speed bumps or while parking into a lot.
Engine, wind and tyre noise are well suppressed when driving within the speed limit. However, when above the legal speed limit and during high-rev situations, the engine noise is noticeable.
It is a wonderful little premium sedan, but there are still some areas for improvement. A blind spot warning system would certainly increase the safety level of the car.