Comments by "" (@Gez492) on "New Audi A4 2016 review - finally better than a BMW 3 Series?" video.

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  10. Like Mercedes and BMW, versions of the technology would have been available as a result of the high end use on A8 and to a lesser degree A6/A7/Q7. Of course there is a trickle down process accompanied by refinements in the tech and some additional features as a result of what was learned from the execution on the top of the range vehicles, Since I am purchasing in the sector at the latter in of the year, I want to know about the technology that is finding its way into the Mid range cars. As far as the shape is concerned, yes it could have been a radical statement but why would they or for that matter BMW change a successful evolutionary format. Most people like the familiar but improved appearance that both manufacturers espouse, this way the car ages well, something that the XE Jag will not do, just look at the way the X and the XF have dated! Audi have on this occasion gone for technological change i.e. Powertrain, Suspension, Interior, Driver focus. I don't think the buyer will be short changed by this car, if early indications are correct, the B9 will bring big improvements over the B8 and could well be class leading in engine performance, ride, comfort and handling. No doubt the car will be hugely successful for Audi and share dominance with BMW 3 in this compact executive sector. For me the A4 Quattro Avant TDI Ultra will be a strong contender for my money but I will be driving a few and checking residual values etc. against  the competition before making a decision. Not sure what you meant by sticking to the premium brands, Audi is a premium brand....
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  11. Haha yes I see!  If I do get the A7 and I'm ever in the position to get the back end heading around to meet me, I won't have a clue what to do other than pray! I'm not against RWD per  se but I do get a bit irritated by bandwagon jumpers who say its the only way to drive fast or to have fun. I picked up my last new car from the factory in Germany and drove it home via Cuxhaven and ferry to Harwich. The German guy who accompanied me to the port described the way to get the best out of a Quattro Performance Audi he said many people try to drive them the same as RWD but they end up in terminal understeer and then blame the car, he said its a different method and no less fun when you master it especially when have as he put it "so much power to catapult you out ze corner early". I didn't really get what he meant until I had an opportunity to front passenger in a 2014 RS6 with an owner who had been on an Audi performance driving course, (I think it was part of the buying package) but anyone who could say it was dull or unexciting would have to be dead from the neck up!  He said he could induce 4 wheel drift a bit like Tiff managed on the R8. I declined the opportunity to test his assertion as I only had one pair of boxers with me, if you know what I mean! I share your frustration at some of the idiots depositing their XBOX experiences here as informed comment, its a shame because real Car enthusiasts in my experience discuss, debate and learn from one another, they don't abuse.
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  16. Ah David, now we get to the nub. Your comments give away your true intent here, I don't think you give a monkeys about this issue, your interest is defending the Bavarian Honour. Look, I know and appreciate that BMW make some very good cars, you don't need to be attention seeking so much. What I find irritating is that so many owners or fans are not content with that, they need to rubbish the competitors product too. Exactly what is wrong with a Skoda and have you owned one? as far as the motoring press and many, many owners they have proved to be a very attractive proposition. If its about shared platforms and parts, why is this in some way a bad thing? do you really believe that some Bavarian Artisan Engineer designs and manufacturers all the bits that go into your beloved propeller badge; I'd wager their are more parts that are common to a Skoda than you care to worry about. The fact is that these parts and component manufacturers are the experts in their fields and produce parts that BMW could not do as well or as efficiently. Getting back to the original discussion, I am not happy that VW lied about some suspicious mapping software but all manufacturers look to bend and push the rules at every opportunity, look at BMW's or any other manufacturer and try and replicate their stated power outputs and or economy figures, rarely do they ever match up in the real world. Its always happened in the motor manufacturers world. I don't like it and wish it would change but for now I will use this information to batter the dealers into submitting to better deals. As I have said I am in the market for a car in mid size exec Merc is not on my list because I just don't like their C class styling but Audi, BMW are with Jaguar and Alpha as outsiders. The whole point about the thread here is whether the A4 is the new class leader, it would seem that early indicators say yes, I will look at all aspects of the shortlisted cars capabilities, including brand image but ultimately as I suspect will be the same for most buyers in the category, this emissions issue will have very little impact on buying habits.I have owned 3 Audis  and 1 BMW both marques have their merits and issues but the recent decisions to lean towards Audi have been based on the reliability and quality of the ones I have owned, which for the most part has been exemplary. I don't spend my time in cars exploring the limits of Quattro or Rear wheel drift,  I drive everyday in everyday conditions up and down the UK, so generally good road manners, Good engines (3.0TDI is an excellent example) and well designed interiors play a larger role in my buying considerations. I don't want a manual;  I used too, but having driven a few, I prefer well sorted, intelligent Automatics particularly with powerful TDI engines, but I appreciate you do don't. Brand image is interesting depending on your perspective,  mine was further challenged by recent experience of a lease BMW that I had for a couple of weeks. It was a nice car with M sport wheels etc. What was noticeable is the lack of courtesy I received at junctions etc. where I was rarely let out and on the motorways when using the fast lanes, other drivers seemed to assume I was trying to intimidate them or wanted a race. It was very noticeable once I became aware of it. It was pointed out by a passenger originally. I don't think I would want that from my new purchase but I haven't written them off yet. I hope you continue to enjoy your Bavarian offering but you'd be missing out if you didn't open your mind to the distinct possibility that there are equally good cars out there and some may even be better.
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  28. Let's not forget the real loser here is the BMW which for all its balance and RWD got smoked by a Honda. All I can say is that not all circuits are the same, There are very twisty short straights here but on other circuits where there are longer straights and sweeping curves the Audi would probably smoke them both but lets remember BMW emphasise the track abilities of their cars, Audi don't build and market cars for race tracks with the exception of DTM and Prototype/ Le Mans Sports Car (which incidentally they win much more than they lose) Audi build cars for everyday roads populated by other cars and nice big articulated trucks etc. So I don't care how much of car enthusiast you are, why would you want cars that want to swing their tails out into the path of such vehicles the moment you give it hammer time.. Quattro Audi's do under steer at the extremes of grip but by the time they reach that point, rear wheel drive cars would have been drifting into on coming traffic. To say that you cannot enjoy Audi Quattro is just ridiculous Journo snobbery. The RS6 I had the privilege of driving was brutally fast but composed and once I had mastered the late braking before cornering and early on the power out, it was absolutely thrilling. I have driven an M3 a few years ago now, I remember it was exciting but I was always aware of its tendency to want to put its rear end along side you. Both cars were thrilling but in different ways. If I'd bought a vehicle for the track, maybe drifting would be fun but I would take the RS every time for all weather, all road mile munching it was exhilarating and re assuring in equal measure. 
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  30. ***** Well maybe on a track where you can get away with the consequences of not catching the tail but the point is these cars are road cars and its the enjoyment of them in these everyday all weather all road conditions that influence my buying habits. Its why I am looking for a A7 BiTurbo Quattro S Tronic Audi. I was looking at the new A4 just in case it offers something extra ordinary to draw me into the sector but the A7 is my preference having test driven it and a few very capable vehicles including a BMW 5. What I found was the A7 had the ability to put its power down more effectively and way before the point at which terminal understeer would occur and way beyond the point that would be seen as dangerous driving on UK highways.Recognising your racing background and knowledge sir; I also like the thrill that the open road and a capable powerful car can give even as a mere amateur car and driving enthusiast but I recognise that I am really just an ordinary bloke with a family and a dog, therefore my choice is a balance of many influences. I do understand the oversteer/understeer having had a few extraordinary track days in powerful sports cars in my recent past but I don't have the means to keep another vehicle for the track; if I did it would be something truly focussed like a Caterham 420 R or an Aerial Atom. It wouldn't be my hopefully future stylish and accomplished A7, although I suspect with 333 horses and all that useable torque, staying with me on the open road would need something pretty damn good. Nice to talk though...
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