Audi's name has long been associated with high quality and outstanding performance, and the Audi A4 is undoubtedly something that fits neatly into what you might expect of this make and model. Yet that was in the past. Does the A4 still have the same great design and handling as it did in previous years?

Overview 

The Audi A4 has changed a great deal from when it was first launched in 1995. A new iteration of this classic automobile has emerged every few years, keeping fans happy and newcomers intrigued. Part of the reason for this is that Audi never stops improving its vehicles, and there is always some innovation ready to go. But it's also down to the rivalry between Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. These three powerhouses of the road are continually looking at ways to one-up each other, so it should come as no surprise that the latest Audi A4, released in January 2021, is a vast improvement on the last one, which itself was a vast improvement on what came before. 

Even if you have a firm favourite, the rivalry is still an exciting one, and if it keeps bringing in new ways to make the cars better, from super-efficient diesel tanks to high-tech entertainment systems, then it can't be a bad thing.

Performance and Drive 

Of course, one of the essential elements of any car has to be how it feels to drive and what its performance is like. If either of these things is lacking, it makes no difference how attractive the vehicle is; over time, people will realize that it's no good and will shy away. 

The entry-level A4, the 134bhp 30 TDI, has a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds. While not bad, compared to other similar cars in this size and price bracket, there is a definite sluggishness. Ideally, you'll move up one level to the 35 TDI, which takes just 8.2 seconds to reach 62mph. It might not sound like much of a difference, but when you're behind the wheel, you'll feel it, whether you're driving on a motorway or a small B road. The 40 TDI is even faster, but once you get to this level, the emissions are pretty high, and it costs more, and those considerations aren't worth it when off-set against the additional speed. 

Suspension and Ride Comfort 

There are three different suspension setups available for the new Audi A4. It will depend on the trim level you opt for as to which one you get. For example, the Sport Edition and the Technik will give you a comfort dynamic setup. As the name suggests, comfort is the essential element of this suspension setup, and it's why this is perhaps the most popular of all. Combined with the standard 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels, which are also part of these trims, you'll find that the road surface barely makes a difference to your comfort level, ensuring that you can enjoy the car for what it is without being distracted by bumps. 

Then there is the Black Edition and the S Line. These are more expensive vehicles, and they have sport suspension. This is a lower suspension setup that feels a lot stiffer, but that makes the handling much sharper as a result. However, this suspension will reduce your comfort, and you will feel those bumps we mentioned earlier. 

There is another option, of course – this is Audi, after all. The final option is the adaptive sport suspension setup. This is controlled electronically and is a combination of comfort and sport setups. It sounds ideal, doesn't it, since it allows you to mix and match your suspension levels until comfort and handling are just what you want. Unfortunately, this particular setup is only available on the Vorsprung trim, which also happens to be the most expensive. 

Handling 

We've briefly touched on handling when talking about the new Audi A4's suspension, but now it's time to get into some more detail. As a loyal Audi driver will know, and anyone who knows anything about Audi will understand, the handling is exceptional no matter which model you opt for. Cornering is a dream, and even the cars using sport suspension aren't too uncomfortable at higher speeds. 

However, you'll want the Quattro version for the ultimate in handling when driving an Audi A4. This four-wheel-drive vehicle is difficult to fault when it comes to excellent handling, and if you want a fun but reliable and safe drive, the Quattro offers precisely that.