The Predictive Efficiency Assist system uses information gathered from road sign data and the navigation system (including topography) to predict when the car is going to need to slow down even before the driver commands it. This sort of tech can help incrementally save fuel, if, for instance, the navigation system recognizes a town or sharp curve just over the next hill that the driver might not see. Rather than power up the hill, the car will gradually slow in anticipation of the reduced speed limit ahead, saving otherwise wasted fuel.

All of the tech goodies operated as promised during our drive experience, but admittedly, when entering the exciting twists, turns and elevation changes heading into the Dolomites, we switched the nannies off to see if this new fancier A4 is still a sport sedan.

The good news is that yes, it certainly is, attacking the mostly rain-slick (and very narrow) pavement through the dense woods and cliff faces with good grip from the 245/35/19 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 summer rubber. The A4’s flat cornering attitude and impressive overall handling capabilities give a driver considerable confidence even when pressing hard.

The bad news is that the electrically assisted steering is very light and lacking the feedback we used to get through the leather-wrapped wheel of A4s from days gone by. Other manufacturers are figuring out how to bring the feel back to electric steering, and considering how well sorted the new A4 is otherwise; a bit more communication here would be welcome.

The first car we drove, finished in a gleaming Macaw blue colour was powered by a new version of the 2.0 TFSI power plant connected to a seven-speed S-tronic transmission. Now putting out 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, this A4 possessed ample power to propel itself at a lively rate through the mountains, though isn’t particularly melodic.

Still, all that wind tunnel testing helped create an A4 that is virtually absent of wind noise. Engine noise is also extremely subdued and Audi claims the cabin of the new A4 is as quiet as the A8 – a veritable fortress of silence in its own right. Road noise is decently suppressed as well.

When hustling, the S-tronic snaps off lighting-quick shifts punctuated by the subtle whomp sound we love in the S4, but when pulling away from stoplights, it’s sometimes reluctant to shift down to first, mixing with a whiff of turbo-lag to create a bit of a wait….. and go start.

Despite its dimensional increases and the implementation of so much new technology, the 2017 A4 has undergone a considerable weight-loss program, resulting in a reduction of mass of up to 100 kg in some trims. Engineers saved six kg from the front suspension alone, helping the A4 to turn and stop quicker.

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