Comments by "" (@Gez492) on "Auto Express"
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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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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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Just seen this and was hoping for a unbiased appraisal but should have known better, expecting journalistic integrity from autoexpress. Consistent as usual though, populated by Bavarian psycophants. This guy just set out to rubbish the Audi. These Cars are designed to get you point to point very rapidly in all conditions. What they should have done is see if the Beemer could have kept up with the RS on those roads. I doubt that the Beemer would have stayed in touch and I suggest that the reviewer may not have enjoyed the "fun driving experience" so much! If going sideways at every bend, camber or corner, drawing lottery numbers to avoid trees, ditches and more importantly oncoming 40 tonners represents the epitomy of driving dynamics, then we have come no further than beam axle American muscle car.Come on AE get some balance. Also the exterior and interior comparisons are ridiculous, the consensus out there generally accepts Audi interiors represent the state of the art in materials, design, fit and finish. Both Cars are distinctive to look at although the sloping back of the RS is more interesting and edgy. The Beemer's look has been around for ages although it still is one of the more interesting BM's to look at. Both Cars represent the very best of European tech out there and deserved a more intelligent appraisal, just a shame AE again sunk back into Beemer comfort mode and missed another opportunity to give people like me who can only aspire to own such vehicles, a true, rich competent account of the privilage of driving such brilliant Cars.
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Sorry I simply don't understand your point. I very recently visited an Audi Dealer show room because I am looking at buying mid sized exec saloon or Avant possibly the new A4 or 3 series, any way they had the new R8 in the show room right next to the previous model although this was a convertible. The differences between old and new are extensive and substantial to all aspects of the car. All the journo's have been saying the old R8 was starting to show its age, although it was a masterpiece of its time, the new one eclipses it in all ways. Lets face it, Audi couldn't please all of the people all of the time with this new R8 but I can tell you straight up, seeing one in the flesh and sitting in it, blew me away. It looked more purposeful and menacing but at the same time had an approachable character that made you want to look at it from every angle and what was apparent from first contact with the car, is how well screwed together it is, looking under the engine cover and closely at the interior and panel fit and finish, it really is beautifully put toegther. The brief for Audi for the new R8 was that the car needed to be sufficiently different from the outgoing model but at the same time build on its heritage. For me it has achieved this in spades and more importantly, every test review I have read say the same thing, it is a car with stunning performance which is accessible to the everyday driver but also challlenges the experts on both road and track and represents a signifcant performance evolution over the old car. I get it if you don't like Audi's but really this car cannot be denied that it is up there with the very best hyper performance cars of its generation. Also less importantly but worth mentioning is that its comparatively brilliant value for money.
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I really don't understand why people are getting so exercised that the A4 is not somehow radically altered for this iteration. Unless a manufacturer is entering the sector never before having been represented, it is rare that a completely different design replaces an outgoing model. Look at BMW's example 3 series; how many "new 3's have we had over last few years, the more they changed the more they remained the same. I have come to accept the design but take away the kidney grill and would you easily recognize it. Even with the Grill would you distinguish it from a 5, 4 or even a 2 very easily? Why such an outcry over the A4? No such problem for the Mercedes, having redesigned the C but they absolutely needed to! it was way behind the 8 ball in its design but have they gambled too much, as the C is like marmite; for me it's a messy design which rather drapes itself over its chassis and finished with a heat gun. Yes Audi is evolving the A4 but under the subtly altered exterior, much appears to have changed; whole new interior, new platform, engines and suspension and with it a whole new driving experience, if early indications are justified. I think the design while not as radical as the new entrants to the sector like Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia, it is a design that stands the test of time which I don't believe the Jaguar or Alpha will. I am buying in this sector soon and will wait to see the A4 in the flesh as well as drive a few. I will also consider the Jag and the Alfa but I am not impressed by the Jag interior, if I'm honest, it just looks dated already. As for driving I really don't get any kicks from hanging on to rear wheel drift on public roads and I don't buy a car for the track. I want something that has an air of quality, has a well equipped and modern interior that makes me feel good when I spend time in it, whether that is to and from work or shopping or rugby with the Kids. I want a car that in everyday conditions drives and performs well and having a responsive, powerful yet smooth and economical engine. On the face of it the new A4 in the Avant Quattro TDI Ultra S Tronic variant will be a strong contender.
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