Topic: First Drive: 2017 Audi A4

[Hannibalsmith]

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

[Hannibalsmith]

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.

When you have money, you'll understand...

[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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

[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:

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

...

[Hannibalsmith]

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

Yes, they were more luxurious, had a better ride than say an accord or malibu of that day...just like today's Audis

[ChaosphereIX]

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.

yes sir, agreed

and the comparison with the Giulia is with the future more sedate versions with smaller engines, AWD, etc. The QV for sure is going to blow the doors off all the Germans, let alone the M3. and yes, the S4 is medium salsa.

[bluelines]

Agreed. The 100 and 200 were definitely innovative, in terms of aerodynamics and the elegance of their styling. The 200 Avant Quattro was an absolutely fabulous car, really one of the first performance wagons. Not so sure about the 80 and 90. I don't think they were ever very competitive, although they were great to look at. The ur quattro, though, was an incredible vehicle that had an enormous impact on rallying (it was pretty much untouchable for two years) and pioneered AWD in the performance category.

Totally unfair to say that Audi doesn't have an interesting past.

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

[Fobroader]

Agreed. The 100 and 200 were definitely innovative, in terms of aerodynamics and the elegance of their styling. The 200 Avant Quattro was an absolutely fabulous car, really one of the first performance wagons. Not so sure about the 80 and 90. I don't think they were ever very competitive, although they were great to look at. The ur quattro, though, was an incredible vehicle that had an enormous impact on rallying (it was pretty much untouchable for two years) and pioneered AWD in the performance category.

Totally unfair to say that Audi doesn't have an interesting past.

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

Thats where I am coming from, I thought all those cars were cool and had features that put them head and shoulders above their competition.

[Snowman]

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.

  Man...if I had a dollar for ever time I heard that.

[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.

  Man...if I had a dollar for ever time I heard that.

want proof?

http://hass.unsw.adfa.edu.au/research/current_postgrads.html

I am in there...one year in, two to go.

[Snowman]

 

[OliverD]

Agreed. The 100 and 200 were definitely innovative, in terms of aerodynamics and the elegance of their styling. The 200 Avant Quattro was an absolutely fabulous car, really one of the first performance wagons. Not so sure about the 80 and 90. I don't think they were ever very competitive, although they were great to look at. The ur quattro, though, was an incredible vehicle that had an enormous impact on rallying (it was pretty much untouchable for two years) and pioneered AWD in the performance category.

Totally unfair to say that Audi doesn't have an interesting past.

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

Thats where I am coming from, I thought all those cars were cool and had features that put them head and shoulders above their competition.

Like what?  I always liked Audis but aside from Quattro they didn't have much to set them apart from BMW and Mercedes.

[Fobroader]

Agreed. The 100 and 200 were definitely innovative, in terms of aerodynamics and the elegance of their styling. The 200 Avant Quattro was an absolutely fabulous car, really one of the first performance wagons. Not so sure about the 80 and 90. I don't think they were ever very competitive, although they were great to look at. The ur quattro, though, was an incredible vehicle that had an enormous impact on rallying (it was pretty much untouchable for two years) and pioneered AWD in the performance category.

Totally unfair to say that Audi doesn't have an interesting past.

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.

V8 Quattro, 90, 100...I think you too are looking upon a rose colored past...They were ok cars, nothing to write home about...

They were something in their day

Thats where I am coming from, I thought all those cars were cool and had features that put them head and shoulders above their competition.

Like what?  I always liked Audis but aside from Quattro they didn't have much to set them apart from BMW and Mercedes.

Turbo, aerodynamics, quattro

Sent from my SM-G900W8 using Tapatalk

[ktm525]

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.

Absolutely true and I want to thank you for taking one for the team. Unfortunately these days most 3 year old vehicles are still in the clutches of dealers. I have an aversion to depreciation and paying GST on my vehicles.

[OliverD]

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.

Absolutely true and I want to thank you for taking one for the team. Unfortunately these days most 3 year old vehicles are still in the clutches of dealers. I have an aversion to depreciation and paying GST on my vehicles.

Where do you live that you don't have to pay GST on private sales?

[Fobroader]

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.

Absolutely true and I want to thank you for taking one for the team. Unfortunately these days most 3 year old vehicles are still in the clutches of dealers. I have an aversion to depreciation and paying GST on my vehicles.

Where do you live that you don't have to pay GST on private sales?

Alberta

[SaskSpecV]

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.

Absolutely true and I want to thank you for taking one for the team. Unfortunately these days most 3 year old vehicles are still in the clutches of dealers. I have an aversion to depreciation and paying GST on my vehicles.

Where do you live that you don't have to pay GST on private sales?

Alberta

SK too.  Huge advantage when selling privately.

[redman]

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.

Absolutely true and I want to thank you for taking one for the team. Unfortunately these days most 3 year old vehicles are still in the clutches of dealers. I have an aversion to depreciation and paying GST on my vehicles.

Where do you live that you don't have to pay GST on private sales?

Alberta

SK too.  Huge advantage when selling privately.

 Ontario raise the tax rate on private car sales to 13 per cent (from 8 per cent) on July 1, 2010 the same date the HST came into effect.

 Consumers are being told the tax rate was adjusted because of the HST. In fact, it has no relation to the HST. It’s entirely a 13 per cent provincial sales tax. All communication from the Ontario government about this change is hiding behind the HST banner. Just another way to Fack over Ontario.

[ktm525]

I can't believe that most Canadians just roll over and take it when their Province/Feds try to make them pay GST/PST on a private sale. Do they also police garage sales to make sure they get their cut of those used $20 skates?

The GST was originally paid on the entire vehicle. A ny attempt to collect it on a private sale is just a money grab.

[OliverD]

I can't believe that most Canadians just roll over and take it when their Province/Feds try to make them pay GST/PST on a private sale. Do they also police garage sales to make sure they get their cut of those used $20 skates?

The GST was originally paid on the entire vehicle. A ny attempt to collect it on a private sale is just a money grab.

Of course it is, but what choice to we have other than "roll over and take it"?