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First Review of All-New 2016 Audi A4: Much Better than Its Predecessor

The initial reaction to the all-new Audi A4 sedan and estate was not a positive one. However, that was mainly because it looked boring. What most people don't know is that the cars made by the Volkswagen Group are usually rendered on a computer, not photographed. In reality, the new compact executive isn't all that bad in the cosmetics department.
First Review of All-New 2016 Audi A4: Much Better than Predecessor 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Matt Watson from Auto Express did the first review of the A4 in Germany and also had the pleasure of learning about some of the features first hand from high-ranking Audi executives. He paints a much rosier picture of the BMW 3 Series rival.

It's quite interesting, this review. For starters, we learned that Audi starts with the smallest car when developing a new platform. That's because it's hard to squeeze all the components and systems into a tiny package. By contrast, the BMW and Mercedes engineers usually start with their largest cars (the 7 Series and S-Class).

In any case, while the A4 might not be as beautiful as the C-Class, it's packed with gadgets. Everything you can buy on the Q7 is also available here, including the latest Nvidia Tegra chip, a limited slip rear differential and "semi-autonomous" tech. It's amazing to see something as small as the A4 keeping lanes and adapting to traffic without driver input, just like the S-Class.

When the A3 sedan was launched a couple of years ago, this editor concluded it has far more modern equipment and virtually the same amount of cabin space as the A4. But now, the 4er is a class leader in many aspects.

The Audi powertrain engineer also has something interesting to add to this review. Apparently, the new 2-liter TFSI engine's combustion cycle essentially turns it into a 1.4-liter by closing the intake valves really early. With that kind of tech available, the somewhat cramped Lexus IS 300h could be in big trouble.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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