Achieving Efficiency and Fuel Economy with the Audi A4 TFSI S tronic

Testing models like the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic is always an interesting exercise. Accustomed to getting behind the wheel of the most powerful, sporty, and equipped versions of all the cars on the market, on many occasions, we do not have the opportunity to drive the access versions, which often become the most demanded.

This is the case of the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic, the most affordable A4 with a gasoline engine, which offers 110 kW (150 CV) and 270 Nm, more than enough power and torque to carry out very dynamic driving without consumption skyrocketing during the day.

This is the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic

Starting with “the guts”, it must be taken into account that this particular Audi is the most affordable model of those currently being built on the MLB Evo platform (Modularer Längsbaukasten Evo or Longitudinal Evo Modular Construction Kit) of the Volkswagen Group. This means that this fifth generation of the Audi A4 is built on the same basis as much larger cars, such as the Audi Q7, the Bentley Bentayga, the Lamborghini Urus, or the Porsche Cayenne.

This gives us an idea of the rigidity and quality of the A4's architecture, but it also implies that we are dealing with one of those very rare cases in which the engine and transmission assembly is installed longitudinally while the available torque is forwarded to the front wheels since our protagonist today does not have Quattro all-wheel drive.

Another interesting aspect of the "over-engineering" of the access version of Audi's midsize sedan is the use of a two-liter four-cylinder engine instead of resorting to a "three in line" or the 1.4 block, which comes to deliver much more power than this "quiet" version of 2.0

The fact is that the cold figures (150 CV and 270 Nm) do not do justice to the good performance of the vehicle, which accelerates eagerly at any speed, regardless of the speed at which we circulate and the gear that the automatic change of alternating clutches has engaged.

Dynamically, few buts can be put on it. The suspensions are firm enough to contain the inclinations of the body without problems, while they are elastic enough to ensure good comfort in bumpy areas.

For its part, the brakes have good bite, the steering is fast and very precise, and the gearbox behaves in an exemplary manner only if we seek to tickle this Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic can we cause some undesired effect such as the logical loss of mobility of a vehicle with enough engine torque and front-wheel drive, although the optional Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 245/35 ZR19 93Y tires mounted by our test unit do an impeccable job, at least on dry.

The interior of the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic

Having said all this, it is most likely that the typical user of this Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic (which in many cases will be a company car while in others it will act as a versatile family vehicle for day-to-day) does not particularly appreciate that the behavior of this saloon is more or less dynamic. But what everyone takes into account is whether the comfort, the equipment, or the sensation of quality of what surrounds us meets the expectations created.

In this sense, the Audi A4 does not hold big surprises. It is an old acquaintance that has been on the market since the end of 2015 and was renovated in mid-2019, so it is near the end of its commercial cycle, which means that its design is conservative but very functional.

In our case, we enjoy the extra elements provided by the S Line equipment package, as well as extra equipment elements, but in general terms, the Advanced finish, as standard, can be satisfactory enough, with interesting elements, such as the three-zone climate control, included in the standard equipment.

In any case, the driving position is impeccable, and the rear passengers of the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic enjoy plenty of space.

Obviously, the trunk is compromised by the three-volume silhouette of the body. At 460 liters, its capacity is simply "correct" for a 4.76-meter saloon, although the biggest drawback may be a narrow filler neck. There is no doubt that the trunk of the Avant version, with a hatch, 35 extra liters, and the ability to grow upwards, is more practical, but it also forces you to pay about 2,000 euros more for the same engine and equipment.

Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic, from 45,570 euros

Since we are with the prices, the Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic is offered from 45,570 euros. It is not cheap in absolute terms, but it does start with a certain advantage over its main rivals, such as the BMW 320i, whose price starts at 46,500 euros, or the Mercedes C 200, which goes up to 51,814 euros.

So, in summary, this Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic is a car that can satisfy a wide range of users, while allowing it to be enjoyed at a reasonable cost per kilometer, since it is easy to move with consumption figures not far from seven liters per 100 km.

As an additional advantage, its light hybridization system allows it to have the Eco label that, beyond offering some advantages such as reduced rates when parking in cities like Madrid, potentially extends its useful life for administrative purposes compared to any model with a DGT C label.