2016 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (Type B9, non-Quattro): Too late to arrive, but worth the feel..I mean, FKING COOL!

Audi A4, the ultimate sedan for most Audi drivers on the road who like to tailgate every cars on the highway. Okay, I'm just joking here anyway, but it's actually a fact, period. So, an Audi A4 is one of the contender in the C-segment luxury to compete against the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But the main problem here is, that the A4 is actually a latecomer, or is it the other way around?

The question might be a little complex to answer. In my point of view, when it comes to Malaysian market, everything is always late due to a pile of requirements to sign like taxes, shipping costs, and other agreements between the company itself and the government. It was supposed to arrive earlier than this month, however it was launched on last Wednesday.

By the time when the A4 was launched in Germany, most Audi fans were jaw-dropping due to the extensive technology and design, which was pretty unique and standard for current and future Audi lineup. Even a low-spec A4 is still beautiful to look at over the rest.

The new A4 is not just a normal sedan that you see on the road, but it introduces a lot of gizmos on the outside and inside, just like any typical Audis. However when it comes to the design, there's a little quirk. If you see it from far, you might really wanna say, "Meh, its just an Audi", or "Audi is getting lazier" like what Doug DeMuro said in one of his articles. But if you look closer, it's actually a new A4 on the other hand. I know, it's really confusing until you look closely to the DRL lights and bigger 3D-ish grille at the front, and the longer wheelbase up to 25 mm over the previous generation Audi A4 (B8). Even though the A4 utilizes the MLB platform like the previous generation, the platform itself is actually a new one, known as the MLB-Evo or MLB 2. The new platform is stronger and bigger than its previous model, and sheds 120 kilograms over the predecessor, and creates a slippery 0.23 of drag coefficient value, making it the lightest and the most aerodynamic car in its class.

Audi Malaysia brings only one variant at this moment, the A4 2.0 TFSI. The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro will be available next year. Since there's no other trim lines in the market, I come up with the glimpse and test drive of this particular A4 2.0 TFSI instead.

The A4 2.0 TFSI is the middle range of the A4 lineup. It consists of 17'' wheels for the normal one, while 18'' one is used on the S-line package. Besides that, the S-line package also consist of fierce-looking body kit all around. Without the S-line package, it still looks da-bomb compared to its enemy. All A4 2.0 TFSIs come with LED lights at the front and the back as standard.

Want the S-line package for the A4? Just add RM 25,000 extra to fulfill your sportiness!

This is the A4 2.0 S-line. It does look like the old one a little bit, but it's not.

18'' inch wheels for the optional S-line package

As you can see at the back of the A4, it kinda gives the A8 vibe like the tail lights. And the best part is, the signal lights at the back has the sweeping flow if you put your signal or hazards on.

The side mirrors are relocated on the shoulder side to provide better aerodynamics and lower NVH levels.

LED headlights are standard for 2.0 TFSI.

Pop up the hood, you will see an new 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder TFSI engine. This engine is a huge improvement over the previous generation as it comes with dual direct fuel injection, and electronic wastegate for the turbo itself, which increase power and torque as well as reducing CO2 emission and better fuel consumption for about 112 g/km and 20 km/L (5L/100 km) respectively. The new engine produces about 190 hp at 4200-6200 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 1450-4200 rpm. That is 20 more horsepower over the B8 A4 and pointing a middle finger to all C-segment luxury sedans in the market when it comes to torque! The powertrain is now mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox, or you can call it DSG for short, as it also used in its parent company, Volkswagen. At least it's no longer using that utterly toyish-feeling Multitronic CVT anymore.

Inside, you will find a futuristic-looking cockpit which also introduced in the TT and the Q7. The dashboard is no longer boxy like the B8, and it is more spacious for the front and back seats. The base 2.0 gets leather seats, but if you add the S-line package to it, it consists of a combination of leather and alcantara all around. The steering wheel for both normal and S-line are leather-wrapped, while uniquely--oriented design and perforated grip bolsters are only for the sporty package. All 2.0 TFSI non-Quattro has the MMI Radio plus infotainment system as standard. It also has three drive select modes, Comfort, Auto, and Dynamic that suits your mood when driving. The A4 also comes with a tri-zone climate control with three digital screens on the climate control system, which is very unique for Audi.

The only part that is well, awkward... for the A4 is, it still using analog gauges for a middle range car. If it bothers you, you can spend more with the Technology package if you want the digital dash known as Audi Virtual Cockpit and other gizmos like the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch interface with bigger screen and Bang & Olufsen audio system. And again, it also costs RM 25,000 to fulfill your nerdy needs, and you have the signature Audi Dun-Dun-Dun-Dun sound when you open the door after turning the ignition off.

S-line door sills

Alcantaras, alcantaras everywhere.

Sport aluminium pedals, available for the S-line

Nice and comfy semi-bucket seats

Wait..where's the trendy Audi Virtual Cockpit? Oh...its optional in the Tech package!

Rear seats do have a bigger legroom over its predecessor.

Trunk space has no difference, but it still has 480 litre capacity like its competitors. But you do have a 40:20:40 split rear seats.

Safety-wise, as usual, it gets 6 airbags, 4 ABS brakes, ESC, anti-glare rear view mirrors, and brake-hold assist at zero costs. You won't expect AEB to be featured in the Malaysian-spec A4...maybe in another few years.

I think that's all for the glimpse of the A4. And now it's time for a test drive! The test drive unit that I try out is the base 2.0 TFSI with Argus Brown exterior colour.

Here's the key, and it's time to drive fast!

The Drive

I never drive the B8 A4, so I might not want to compare it with this one. Therefore, I compare the driving feedback with the W205 C-Class (even though it is a coupe at that time) and the F30 3-Series (not the facelift one). I know, it might be one of the worst comparisons I've ever made, but it does absorb with the ongoing ones a bit.

The A4, by far, it is one of the BEST cars to drive in its segment over the rest. I know it has wrong-wheel drive and no Quattro, but still, it is one of the greatest in terms of torque and handling. The acceleration is essentially obsolete thanks to the new 2.0 TFSI engine. With the dual fuel injection kicks in, the A4 strikes on in a century sprint for just about 7.3 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds closer to the 320i and C200. By the time when I hit full throttle, it achieves 7.5-7.7 seconds, maybe due to my bad acceleration control, sorry guys. For a front-wheel drive car, it is considered to be the quickest to accelerate. 

The fun part is when I drive the A4 in high speed, and it is really stable and quiet inside. Handling on the other hand is really superb in sharp corners in an aggressive manner, with lesser body rolls and no such understeers happened like other front-wheel drive cars. It does perform way better than the Beemer and the Merc to be honest. It's like you have your own space and mind over the others which always follow the brand trend. Trust me, my mind is completely blown with it. 

Final verdict

The Audi A4 is a sedan with ultimate stuffs and technologies incorporated to bring up a new dawn of compact luxury sedans. It is really practical to own and extremely awesome to drive. With the futuristic lines in terms of designs, you might change your mind if you consider a compact luxury sedan as your personal vehicle.

Should you buy one?

As the title suggests, it is a YES! Absolutely! With that kind of performance and comfort, the 2016 Audi A4 is worth to buy disregard that it is front-wheel drive. If front-wheel drive sounds sensitive to your driving preference, consider yourself a 2.0 TFSI Quattro instead as it has 252 hp and all-wheel drive. For a full CBU car like this, it is one of the most affordable to buy as it has the competitive price range with the rest of the contenders that apparently CKDs.

Speaking of the A4 1.4 TFSI, it is also a perfect alternative over the 318i and C180 when it comes to acceleration. Sadly though, it only comes with normal Xenon headlights.

The 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro will be available early next year. Pricing for the A4 2.0 TFSI is around RM 239,900 for the first 100 customers. Later on, it will cost around RM 248,900 for the A4. All prices are not included with insurance, but it comes with a 4-year/120,000 km warranty for free. There is no introductory price for the 1.4 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI Quattro, but rumors state that these two will cost about RM 215k+ and RM 320k+ from what I'm heard of.

To get a perfect A4 for yourself, my suggestion is to add both S-line and Technology package that sums up to RM 50k to the original price tag, making it for just about RM 300k+, and it is a worthy package combination for this masterpiece.

Credits to Audi of Kuala Lumpur for letting me to review the all-new Audi A4.