Topic: First Drive: 2017 Audi A4

[OliverD]

I wonder what sizes these cars fall in when using the SAE definitions for compact and midsize. They are based on interior volume but I can't find any specifics right now.

[Northernridge]

Oh I love big Sedans. Just don't like the Price or the fact they will be 1/2 that in 3 years.

buy CPO - miles ahead.

A friend's dad just bought a S8 V10 for about $45K with only about 20kms on the clock - a gem and in perfect shape - with an extended 5 year warranty.

I dont get buying new cars ever - especially premium ones.

Do you mean that you lack the intellectual capacity, or that you're dumbfounded that people could have different priorities than you?

[RaHorakhty]

Honda Civic sedan dimensions: 2015 year 179" L x 69" W x 57" H; 1995 year 173" L x 67" W x 52" H
Audi A4 dimensions: 2016 year 185" L x 72" W x 56" H; 1995 year 176" L x 68" W x 56" H

[ktm525]

The major benefit to transverse mounting is the amount of cabin room it opens up (ala the Accord)

...at the cost of torque-steer and less ideal planar weight distribution.

Thats the thing, when someone says compact, I think Civic sized whatever.

Awesome Civic pictorial. I had a 77.

Do you honestly think that the average Audi shopper cares about planar weight distribution? 

[micha]

A new Civic is bigger than a 20 year old A4. And that is why Audi introduced the A3 at some point. And then the A1 at some point (even though not available here). The cars grow, so the (FGC) manufacturers introduce new, smaller models to have a small car offering as well.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Oh I love big Sedans. Just don't like the Price or the fact they will be 1/2 that in 3 years.

buy CPO - miles ahead.

A friend's dad just bought a S8 V10 for about $45K with only about 20kms on the clock - a gem and in perfect shape - with an extended 5 year warranty.

I dont get buying new cars ever - especially premium ones.

Do you mean that you lack the intellectual capacity, or that you're dumbfounded that people could have different priorities than you?

 

[Noto]

Honda Civic sedan dimensions: 2015 year 179" L x 69" W x 57" H; 1995 year 173" L x 67" W x 52" H
Audi A4 dimensions: 2016 year 185" L x 72" W x 56" H; 1995 year 176" L x 68" W x 56" H

...2016 Civic is said to be 1.2" longer, 2" wider, and 1" lower.

...so I guess it's closer now to its 1995 height?     ...but now it's 7-8" longer and 4" wider - far from trivial.

[DriverJeff]

The dual clutch was *okay*.  The 8-speed Tiptronic was very, very good (think 8 spd ZF that BMW uses).

Which transmissions are paired to each engine?  I don't think I caught that in the article other than these two:
2.0T with 7-speed DCT;
3.0L V6 TDI with 8-speed autobox;

...but what of the:
2.0T detuned?
2.0D?

2.0T w/ 252 hp comes with 7-speed S-tronic
2.0 TDI (190 hp) comes with 7-speed S-tronic

Those are the two drivetrains earmarked for North America.

[OliverD]

The dual clutch was *okay*.  The 8-speed Tiptronic was very, very good (think 8 spd ZF that BMW uses).

Which transmissions are paired to each engine?  I don't think I caught that in the article other than these two:
2.0T with 7-speed DCT;
3.0L V6 TDI with 8-speed autobox;

...but what of the:
2.0T detuned?
2.0D?

2.0T w/ 252 hp comes with 7-speed S-tronic
2.0 TDI (190 hp) comes with 7-speed S-tronic

Those are the two drivetrains earmarked for North America.

190 hp 2.0T is supposedly coming to the U.S. too. Not sure about Canada though.

[DriverJeff]

The dual clutch was *okay*.  The 8-speed Tiptronic was very, very good (think 8 spd ZF that BMW uses).

Which transmissions are paired to each engine?  I don't think I caught that in the article other than these two:
2.0T with 7-speed DCT;
3.0L V6 TDI with 8-speed autobox;

...but what of the:
2.0T detuned?
2.0D?

2.0T w/ 252 hp comes with 7-speed S-tronic
2.0 TDI (190 hp) comes with 7-speed S-tronic

Those are the two drivetrains earmarked for North America.

190 hp 2.0T is supposedly coming to the U.S. too. Not sure about Canada though.

My Audi contact suggested just the two drivetrains I listed are the ones destined for us.

Audi's materials provided shows the 2.0T Ultra (which is the 190 hp version) is FWD only.

[ChaosphereIX]

Oh I love big Sedans. Just don't like the Price or the fact they will be 1/2 that in 3 years.

buy CPO - miles ahead.

A friend's dad just bought a S8 V10 for about $45K with only about 20kms on the clock - a gem and in perfect shape - with an extended 5 year warranty.

I dont get buying new cars ever - especially premium ones.

Do you mean that you lack the intellectual capacity, or that you're dumbfounded that people could have different priorities than you?

the latter, my impending PhD nullifies the former No, I won't take that bait my friend.

If you can afford it, or work is paying for it, then go right ahead I guess. I have to scrape every penny together but still want to be satisfied in my driving experience, so buying new is not really an option.

I just cant see why people would buy a new 80k car, and have it be worth 2/3 that in a couple of years...just buy the 2 year old CPO and do your homework I say. Lots of saved money and you still have a warranty and a new-ish car. But what do I know, I only used to work in the industry and saw many upside down customers etc.

But really, to each their own. It is your money.

[Noto]

2.0T w/ 252 hp comes with 7-speed S-tronic
2.0 TDI (190 hp) comes with 7-speed S-tronic

Those are the two drivetrains earmarked for North America.

I guess North Americans like jumpy transmissions in Audi's eyes...

Audi's materials provided shows the 2.0T Ultra (which is the 190 hp version) is FWD only.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

2.0T w/ 252 hp comes with 7-speed S-tronic
2.0 TDI (190 hp) comes with 7-speed S-tronic

Those are the two drivetrains earmarked for North America.

I guess North Americans like jumpy transmissions in Audi's eyes...

Audi's materials provided shows the 2.0T Ultra (which is the 190 hp version) is FWD only.

EVERY car needs to bang off shifts in less than a 10th of a second. Didn't you know that? Jeeze.

 

[quadzilla]

I just cant see why people would buy a new 80k car, and have it be worth 2/3 that in a couple of years...just buy the 2 year old CPO and do your homework I say. Lots of saved money and you still have a warranty and a new-ish car.

But what if I want a 2016 A4 now?

[ChaosphereIX]

I just cant see why people would buy a new 80k car, and have it be worth 2/3 that in a couple of years...just buy the 2 year old CPO and do your homework I say. Lots of saved money and you still have a warranty and a new-ish car.

But what if I want a 2016 A4 now?

like I said, it is your money sir

but one begs to question: since Audi has not changed the A4 substantially since...2006, what is it about the 2016 that has you straining in your seat? I cant even tell one "generation" from the other nowadays with Audi.

[Noto]

but one begs to question: since Audi has not changed the A4 substantially since...2006, what is it about the 2016 that has you straining in your seat? I cant even tell one "generation" from the other nowadays with Audi.

The smart-as$ in me wants to say:
FUEL ECONOMY!

The actual reasons are:
1) Safety features
2) interior space (I suppose you'll argue I should just go for a CPO A6 then...)
3) some fun tech as standard equipment
4) LED lights that North Americans don't get
5) the customizable display
...

[ChaosphereIX]

but one begs to question: since Audi has not changed the A4 substantially since...2006, what is it about the 2016 that has you straining in your seat? I cant even tell one "generation" from the other nowadays with Audi.

The smart-as$ in me wants to say:
FUEL ECONOMY!

The actual reasons are:
1) Safety features
2) interior space (I suppose you'll argue I should just go for a CPO A6 then...)
3) some fun tech as standard equipment
4) LED lights that North Americans don't get
5) the customizable display
...

hah fuel economy? really is the 2016 THAT much better than a 2014?

well I guess some people have different priorities...all that stuff is worth paying lots more for new, plus freight etc.?

well I guess us poor enthusiasts need to stay out of these conversations

[quadzilla]

But if nobody bought new cars, there would be no used cars for other people.

I bought my 2009 GTI new and have no regrets. Plus I wasn't interested in a 2007 or older model.

[mmret]

sorry, way too boring for me - bland as vanilla and it is HUGE for a midsize car - car makers must stop slowly growing their cars...

I am biased of course, but my pick in this class would be the driver's choice: Alfa Romeo Giulia. Lighter, better handling, better engines [rumoured still of course] and can still be had with a STICK and AWD. Sold.

Audi, in the name of becoming #1 and pleasing the Chinese...you have lost your way...

The B7 A4 still looks great compared to this IMHO.

You must be a bit delusional. The reincarnated Audi was never here to create pure drivers cars.

Audi is the ultimate in marketing exercise for the mass affluent. Highly competent, consistent, robotic, stylish, and packed with tech. A key cog of the VW empire, sharing parts both up and down the food chain. The brand ladder. This was always their way. Don't pretend otherwise and don't pull the Blame China card.

It is clear that you are looking upon a rose colored past that never existed in the first place. I suggest you go and purchase a Miata, or a S2000 perhaps.

[Fobroader]

sorry, way too boring for me - bland as vanilla and it is HUGE for a midsize car - car makers must stop slowly growing their cars...

I am biased of course, but my pick in this class would be the driver's choice: Alfa Romeo Giulia. Lighter, better handling, better engines [rumoured still of course] and can still be had with a STICK and AWD. Sold.

Audi, in the name of becoming #1 and pleasing the Chinese...you have lost your way...

The B7 A4 still looks great compared to this IMHO.

You must be a bit delusional. The reincarnated Audi was never here to create pure drivers cars.

Audi is the ultimate in marketing exercise for the mass affluent. Highly competent, consistent, robotic, stylish, and packed with tech. A key cog of the VW empire, sharing parts both up and down the food chain. The brand ladder. This was always their way. Don't pretend otherwise and don't pull the Blame China card.

It is clear that you are looking upon a rose colored past that never existed in the first place. I suggest you go and purchase a Miata, or a S2000 perhaps.

He's not blaming the chinese at all, but its true, Audi as a whole is a very boring automaker aimed at their market, which loves shiny stuff with lots of lights that has lots of rear seat room. Audi used to be cool, their Quattro coupe, V8 Quattro, 90, 100, 200 Turbo were interesting cars. Today Audi has what going for it.....a nice interior. Their Quattro system used to be something, today, Subaru is just as good. I do not get the comparisons between the A4 and the Giulia, thats a hardcore sports sedan that even BMW M3...M4...the 4 door M3 cannot keep up with, the S4 is a medium spicy sports sedan.