2017 Audi A4 TDi – Einstein Lives!

•Mark MusutuOn 16 July 1909, automotive pioneer August Horch founded August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH in Germany.

A short time later, he renamed the company after the Latin translation of his last name Horch which is derived from ‘listen’ in German – making it Audi Automobilwerke.

From the same Latin word Audi, we derive the English words audio, audible (sound or listening).

In 1932, Audi merged with Horch, DKW and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG. The four rings of the Audi badge symbolise the four brands.

Before World War II, Auto Union AG used the four interlinked rings only on Auto Union racing cars. Member companies used their own names and emblems. After World War II, changes led to Auto Union adopting the name Audi NSU Auto Union AG; it was then revised to Audi AG in 1985.

This is where the four glorious rings we have come to love today originated. Audi was born on the race track.

‘Vorsprung durch technik’ is Audi’s motto – to continually develop existing technologies. Audi has a market position that is undeniable, they are positioned as the most technological or innovative car brand with an aura that echoes a super intelligent scientists such as Albert Einstein or Victor Frankenstein.

Audis are built on this legacy and they are the master of it.

First appearing in 1996 as a successor to the Audi 80, the Audi A4 was introduced as the German luxury car maker’s entry-level brand and has been the most successful Audi. The A4 has been available in both front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive and famous for its ever beautifully designed Cabriolet and Avant variants. The Cabriolet variant has now graduated to the newly-introduced A5 line up.

If there is a car that sticks to a progressive design or evolution, it’s Audi. If you line up Audis of the last two decades dating back to 1997, you will see that they change progressively. Unlike their rivals who take revolutionary approaches, Audi stick to small changes on the exterior but the revolution happens on the inside, which is build quality, technology, features, ride and handling.

The current model A4 has a theme of clear lines, with spiky, sharp, pointy styling in some places especially on front for example; the headlights look like they were inspired by barbed wire. It’s got an aggressive looking face, as though it will shred anything in its way. And they seem to maintain a dome-shaped bonnet and roof (Audi TT inspired).

Entering the interior, the first impression I got was that of an ultra light car. From the moment you open the door, you can feel its light material. The weight loss hasn’t only come out of the body, but rather a relentless weight saving measure throughout the car, from wiring to seats to suspension to steering, including less metallic finishes in a bid to curb weight.

Statistics are that this car weighs in at about 1 500kg, and this is apparent.

Technology of efficiency was the first impression to me, not that of a host of gizmos. Audi is writing a new chapter in lightweight design technology and efficiency and it leaves you no choice but to be amused by its technological sophistication, interior and intelligent efficiency.

Because of its airy feel, you may think for a moment that it doesn’t package much features, but you will soon realise it’s loaded with a host of tech features you can expect from a German mid-sized sedan.

The entry level models come with xenon headlights, three-zone climate control, seven-inch Audi MMI infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth and USB ports, cruise control, keyless entry and ignition, and front and rear parking sensors. Upgrade to Sport and expect to find luxuries such as front sport seats, sat nav, an Audi sound system and rear diffuser fitted.

Meanwhile, the range-topping S-line models will be equipped with 18-inch alloys, sports suspension, LED head and rear lights, a sporty body kit and electrically adjustable front seats.

Our test car had Audi’s top-level infotainment systems fitted: MMI Navigation Plus with a free-standing 8,3-inch central screen; MMI Touch, which turns the top of the MMI controller knob into a touch-sensitive pad; the configurable LCD instruments of Virtual Cockpit and a colour head-up display.

Driving around Windhoek, it’s certainly very relaxing and easy to drive, it has a typical German feel to it; it feels a little like a VW but more plush and you just know that you are in a more tech-oriented car.

Our test car was a diesel and felt like one too. Steve from the Audi centre was quick to highlight the efficiency of its consumption and that there is about a dozen variants above it, including the 2,0 and 3,0 litres classified as TDI, TDI Quattro, TFSI Quattro, All-Road Quattro, TDi Ultra, TFSI Ultra and the S-Line package.

The 2,0-litre engine is responsive and a decent runner. At some point we came across a group of revellers dressed in costumes driving a small SUV, they seemed to be on a binge of some kind and just wanted to come as close to us. This called for a quick escape; the A4 takes off from 0 to 100 kmph in seven seconds, and soon they were nowhere in sight. The test vehicle can deliver maximum torque of 400Nm at 1 750 to 3 000rpm.

Talking about handling, Audi was first to introduce a four-wheel-drive sports coupé. The permanent four-wheel-drive system in the Audi Quattro enjoyed worldwide success in motor sport in the 80s and gradually found its way into the entire Audi model range. Audi has also switched to mono tube dampers for the A4. Ride can be set among four suspension configurations across the full model range: Comfort and sport tuned passive set ups, as well as separate comfort and sport-biased adaptively damped settings. It irons out potholes gracefully and has nice floaty feel.

I conclude with words from Audi’s technology centre: “We are working to maintain innovation leadership: In classical and alternative drive systems, in lightweight construction and production processes, in lighting technology, connectivity and driver assist systems up to and including piloted driving. This is how we shape the key difference that defines Audi,”.

True to claim, they are the most advanced. No wonder Will Smith drove one in ‘I, Robot’.

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