| Latest A4 is classy and relaxing |
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| Thursday, 24 April 2008 | |
 Despite all the predictions of doom and gloom about the Irish economy, apart from the building trade there still seems to be a lot of prosperity around this island of ours.Sales of new cars have fallen compared to previous years, but that’s only natural this year as many people are waiting to see what will happen when the new pricing structures kick in on July 1. Obviously there is still a lot of perceived status to be seen driving an Audi, BMW or Mercedes. Audi has been busy in the past 12 months with new models and upgrades of existing cars. I have been testing the fourth edition of the Audi A4, which was first introduced in 1994. I’m told the A4 is a firm favourite with junior executives in Ireland. It has style and substance and is definitely helping the German manufacturer to compete with its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes. So what is it that makes the A4 so attractive? Well in a nutshell it just oozes class. And when I sat in the driver’s seat I felt so safe and comfortable. It literally is solid and built like a tank. With that distinctive Audi front grille, the A4 now has an even more dynamic appearance, thanks to the introduction of styling features heavily influenced by the new A5. Improved proportions in the form of a shorter front overhang and a longer bonnet and wheelbase combine to give it a more sporty appeal. And it’s still 10 per cent lighter than the old model. It’s a very relaxing car to drive. I also found the sensors very useful for parking as it is a fairly long motor. There is ample room for five adults and the boot is huge - very long but not too deep. You get very attractive front headlamps and in Scandinavian style a version of the lights are on at all times. When I drove the S5 a few months back I got several envious glances and enquiries from young people. I find it amazing the interest young people, who probably cannot afford to buy an Audi, have in these beautiful cars. Whereas older people like to talk about Beemers and Mercs, young people with obvious impeccable taste, seem to fancy Audis. I loved the radio controls in Audi cars and while the radio in the A4 was not as high-tech as the one in the S5 I drove some time back it was still very attractive. Interestingly the volume of the radio lowers automatically when you select reverse; obviously to help you concentrate when reversing. My daughter, who as usual was my most regular passenger, also liked the way you could chose your radio station and during the week we listened to Lyric FM almost every day. Overall I think the choice of radio station suited the car, classy and relaxing. Prices start at e40,300 for the 1.8 petrol and if you go for all the optional extras they cost an additional e9,865, which will bring the total price of the deep sea blue-coloured car tested to e50,165. Also available in 1.8, 3.2 and 4.2 petrol and 2.0, 2.7 and 3.0 diesel. And when the time comes to trade in, you know there will always be a demand for an Audi, preferably with low mileage. The Avant version is the A4 will be here in July. |
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North Dublin Publications, 80-83 Omni Park, Santry, Dublin 9. Phone 8621611 | Fax 8621625/6
Developed by Kevin Flynn