Audi A4 S-line

2:22pm Friday 28th November 2008

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THE importance of the A4 to Audi cannot be overstated. It accounts for half the vehicles made by the company and is charged with taking on the two big sellers from its German rivals, the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

If the A4 is the bedrock of Audi’s incredible sales surge over the past couple of decades, then the two-litre diesel offering is the backbone of the 24-strong range.

And the prettiest star must be the S-line version, standing proud on its lowered sports suspension, with extended side skirts, exclusive front and rear bumper design, chrome exhaust tailpipes, 18-inch alloy wheels and xenon headlights flanked by daytime running lights that have become the hallmark of Audis with higher specification.

Those 14 white light-emitting diodes under each headlamp are starting to attract a lot of comment, ranging from “pretty naff”, to plain “pretty” or “pretty cool”, and they certainly get Audi models noticed. I favour the “pretty” tag.

Inside, the S-line is pretty tasty, too. Part-leather sports seats with ‘S-line’ embossed in the headrest, a three-spoke S line steering wheel, matt brushed aluminium inlays and a perforated leather gear knob give it the ambience of a special car.

But don’t get confused with the performance-orientated S4, the S-line is not the one for a white knuckle ride. The front-wheel drive S-line is the choice for a composed, comfortable journey. Its looks flatter to deceive.

The tested 2.0-litre TDI , offering 143 bhp, climbs to 60mph in only a shade under ten seconds.

The really impressive figures are the C02 emissions of 139 g/km, which places it in tax band C, and the average fuel economy of 53.3mpg. That’s a remarkable fuel consumption figure for a car that has grown in dimensions as well as stature.

Using the chassis introduced in the A5, Audi has made the fourth generation A4 wider and longer, with a slightly more spacious interior, and this big car feel particularly suits the S-line version. The dimensions are not far removed from the previous A6, and indeed there are technologies employed that were previously only available in the bigger luxury models.

To be precise, the new A4 adds 117mm to its length – and it was already longer than its rivals. It is also the widest in its class and at 1826mm remains at the same height. With the wheelbase longer, too – again the longest in the class now at 2,808mm – it can also boast the biggest boot capacity (480 litres) and the most rear legroom (908mm). Yet it weighs ten per cent less than the previous version.

The figures add up to a roomier and more comfortable ride for those in the back and front. You can add to that comfort by opting for the Audi Drive Select option (£1,300), which allows the driver to choose between comfort, normal or dynamic drive characteristics that adjust accelerator pedal response, power steering weighting and damper control.

My advice is to keep your money in your pocket – and fork out £45 instead for the hill-hold assist that automatically activates and de-activates the electromechanical parking brake system when the car needs hold when at a standstill in traffic or on an incline.

There are plenty of other options to choose from – my test car had more than £7,000 worth – and the extra safety and luxury features on offer will make a lot of sense to some and offer little to others.

The xenon headlamps come with automatic operation and washers, there are front and rear fog lamps and the boot lid lifts automatically with a touch of a button on the key fob.

Step inside and slot the intelligent key into the dashboard and you will instantly become aware that everything is up to scratch in the spacious surroundings. If there is one area where Audi has a definite edge on its rivals, then it is here in the cabin.

Apart from those seductive seats, there are the usual touches of refinement. For instance, standard equipment includes a CD player with MP3 capability and 6.5-inch colour display, and this is linked to ten speakers. And the three-zone climate control has a separate digital display for the driver and passenger, plus controls for the rear passenger compartment.

If you can stretch to the Multi Media Interface and DVD satellite navigation option, you will not regret paying the extra, because it is without doubt the best of its type in the business.

You will buy an A4 because it is your preferred choice in the premium compact executive sector. You will choose the S-line version because it’s the Prince Charming of the range.

At a glance

Model: Audi A4 2.0 TDI S line

Price: £25,600 (optional extras on tested model included satellite navigation system Plus, £1,970; Audi drive select £1,300; Audi parking system plus, £650;black leather/alcantara interior, £475; adaptive lights, £325; digital radio, £300; hill-hold assist, £45;

Engine: Four-cylinder turbocharged diesel

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Power: 143 bhp

Performance: 0-62 mph in 9.4 seconds; top speed 134mph

Economy: 51.3 mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 139 g/km