At the heart of the Audi A4 35 TDI is an upgraded 2.0-litre in-line four turbo-diesel that now makes 190 PS and 400 Nm. The new A4, like its petrol counterpart, ditches the old Multitronic CVT for the exceptional seven-speed twin-clutch automatic S tronic, driving the front wheels as before. The new Audi A4 35 TDI also weighs just 1,480 kg, giving it a healthy power-to-weight ratio of 128 PS/tonne. The acceleration, too, shows it’s just as quick as any would expect, with a sub-nine-second 0-100 km/h time and a claimed top speed of 237 km/h. It picks up well and carries the speed through the seamless gear-shifts with one clutch keeping the next ratio ready to go while the other clutch disengages the previous one.
And the Audi A4 35 TDI is very business sedan-like all the way. Be it hard acceleration during an overtake, where it rolls from 40 km/h to 80 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, or urgent braking, where it gets from 80 km/h to standstill in 2.2 seconds over just 24 metres. It’s unfazed when passing and manoeuvring and just as unperturbed shedding speed in a hurry. The suspension, though set up on the softer side, soaks up bumps well without compromising on handling and agility. The feel of the package, in its entirety, sums up Audi’s approach to car-making with everyday use compact dimensions in mind. Everything — from the way your senses respond when you grasp the steering wheel and gear lever to how the steering feels and responds to input — speaks volumes about the levels of balance and consistency they have achieved.
On the corners, the grip level is admirable. With 225/50 R17 rubber, there is no shortage of road-holding across varying surfaces, even without the quattro all-wheel driveline. How I wish they’d also offered a V6! Even so, the A4 mixes frugal practicality with satisfying driving dynamics, whenever either is called upon. Let’s not forget the old 2.7-litre V6 also made 190 PS and 400 Nm — this 2.0 four-pot manages identical figures with 27 per cent less displacement. It also manages up to 19 km/l on the highway and close to 14 km/l overall.
At Rs 43.69 lakh (ex-showroom) the Audi A4 35 TDI is not a bad deal at all. It’s definitive modern and contemporary on wheels, and it feels like it. Diesel, tidied up, seemingly.
