The face lifted Audi A4 for 2020 has a wider grill, sits lower and there are new lights and new bumpers front and back. The biggest change is along the side, gone is the neat shoulder line and now there are more exaggerated wheel arches, similar to the A6.
It looks pretty close to the fourth generation A4, you get the same typical Audi dashboard and the same fantastic build quality. There’s a new touch screen higher up on the dash, with a new operating system, recently seen on the A6 and the A8. The reason the old infotainment wheel has moved from the centre console, is the introduction of voice control. The touch screen comes as standard, with audio control remaining as an analogue wheel on the centre console or on the steering wheel. This latest touch screen doesn’t vibrate to let you know that you’ve actually hit the right button, which makes it a bit harder to concentrate when you’re driving. The whole system is prepped to work with Apple Car Play or Android Auto and pairs up quickly and intuitively.
Special mention : The mild hybrid makes for a much lighter driving style.
Needs work : The steering wheel is oddly thin and has a sharp edge around the inside rim.
Specs: As tested
| Max Power 150 HP | Petrol / Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds | Road Tax €280 |
| Starting price €40,570 as tested €50,299 | Boot 480 litres |
The boot remains the same as it was before at 480 litres it’s the same size as the Mercedes C class and BMW 3 Series. You now get split folding rear seats as standard on the A4 with a 40/20/40 split. The back seats have always been one of the best in the business. Passenger comfort has always been good with a decent amount of knee and headroom.
Under the bonnet is where the real changes lie, apart from the 187 bhp 2-litre Diesel 40 TDI, all engines are now mild hybrids. This means there’s a 12-volt electrical system to help improve fuel consumption.
Using their new MLB EVO platform, Audi has shed 120kg of weight off the A4 using a hybrid aluminium and steel construction, downsized engines, less wiring, lighter seats, suspension and steering. This has also helped improve driving dynamics. As part of the options you can also spec Automatic Start-Stop with coasting functionality, which feels a little like the car is running away from you but once you get used to it, makes the car feel light and effortless.
The range kicks off with the SE model and it gets a 10″ infotainment screen and a 12″ digital drivers display. There’s a three zone climate control, cruise control with auto emergency braking and pedestrian detection. There’s also all around parking sensors, a low-fi reversing camera, four-way adjustable lumbar support and heated seats.
Next up is the S-Line with 19″ Audi Sport Alloy Wheels, S line front & rear bumpers, headlining in black cloth, decorative inserts in Matte Brushed aluminium accent surfaces, black gloss look, scuff plates with aluminium inserts in front, illuminated, with “S” logo, leather / alcantara sports seats with S and Sports Suspension.
As for connectivity, you’ve got USB inputs as well as 12 volt socket there if you need to charge other devices. There’s a wireless charging pad under the central arm rest as well as a USB-C port. The driving position is good with lots of adjustment, good thigh support, decent level adjustment for height as well as lumbar support.
In the boot, where the space is usually for a spare wheel, you actually get the mild hybrid technology, which means it’s a can of tire sealant to get you to the nearest puncture repair. This mild hybrid technology fitted to some means that when you lift off the accelerator when you’re driving, the engine cuts and the car coasts along.