Audi has built its brand around a simple, easy-to-say(ish) motto: Vorsprung durch Technik. In the car brand's native German, it means "advancement through technology". The 2016 Audi A4 – one of the company's flagship models – has been receiving rave reviews by critics, and many are focusing their enthusiasm on its level of technology.
Car Advice gave the 2015 iteration a good 7.5 out of 10, though improved it to a dazzling 9 out of 10 for this new model.
One of these approving groups is the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), which granted the car its highest five-star safety award in February.
If you're looking into a novated lease, you may find that the savings you make can be put towards a car of a higher standard. Let's look at what the experts are saying and why the Audi A4 might be a great option.
Vorsprung durch Technik
ANCAP praised the new A4's use of technology in keeping the car's occupants and other road-users safe.
"The A4 performed well in crash testing and it features a long list of safety equipment that customers in this segment expect as standard, including three types of autonomous braking – City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User," explained ANCAP CEO James Goodwin.
One particular feature that was well received was the vehicle's "exit warning" system, which uses sensors to scan the road and footpaths, and identify when it's safe to open the door. The system alerts the car's occupants if a car, pedestrian or cyclist is coming up to the car and likely to be struck by an opening door.
"This is the first time we have included 'exit warning' on our data sheet and it's hoped that technology like this will help reduce the number of 'dooring' incidents to cyclists," Mr Goodwin concluded.
A critic's choice
The 2016 Audi A4 has given car critics much food for thought. Car Advice gave the 2015 iteration a good 7.5 out of 10, though improved it to a dazzling 9 out of 10 for this new model.
The website called it "the most technologically advanced Audi ever sold in Australia", and praised its handling and ride comfort above last year's model.
In terms of performance, the 1.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine produces potent power, with 320 Newton-metres of torque at 1,400rpm, though is still energy efficient, getting around 6 litres/100 kilometres in average fuel consumption.
Perhaps most important for those looking at novated leasing, Audi has opened the A4 up to the entry-level. Car Advice notes the manufacturer's recommended list price of between $55,500 and $69,900 is lower than before.
While that still might be too much for some, saving 10 per cent on the buying price with a novated lease will help more people expand their car-buying options. Could an Audi A4 be your next purchase?
