Overview AWD premium sedan
Pros Pleasing powertrain, all-wheel-drive, quality
Cons Conservative styling
Value for money Good
What would I change? Swap Xenon headlamps for LEDs
How would I spec it? Progressiv
What’s this? A manual transmission in an Audi sedan? With six gears? Hadn’t these row-your-owns vanished from the automotive universe? Or did Audi deplete its stock of eight-speed tiptronics that account for the majority of quattro-equipped A4s? Do some drivers still prefer three pedals and complete control of their gears? Could it be?
2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro
Derek McNaughton, Driving
Indeed, it was this gearshift, poking up from the centre console like a lithe little gopher, that was the first surprise in our 2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro. Progessiv is Audi’s third of four trim options on the A4, ranking just above two Komfort models and just below the top-line Technik. Call the Progressive the just-right porridge.
The second delight to this minimally optioned A4 was how the 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder turbo engine motivated what is arguably a sleepy-looking sedan — an “old man’s car” as it was described to me by more than one person. OK, the base A4 sedan, while lacking the attention-grabbing fins or chiseled chins of a sportier Lexus or M-packaged BMW, is thankfully more Harry Rosen than Magnus Walker. But if you need more Sriracha in your Audi, that’s what the S and RS models are for. And here you thought S stood for “sport.”
And so the A4’s comparatively small direct-injection 2.0L might only just rival the power from a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS. But the 2015 A4’s 220 horsepower (an increase of nine), especially when hinged to the manual, makes for some brisk and pleasurable motoring. While the Audi’s 220 hp might pale in comparison to the 241 in BMW’s 328, the Audi matches the 328’s 255 pound-feet of torque with its 258.
2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro
Derek McNaughton, Driving
Clicks between gears could definitely be tightened, as the throws felt far too sloppy for a company that produces the perfect click-clack in the R8. But the torque curve and minimal turbo lag are such that most of the motivation arrives like the first party guest, showing up early and delivering a gregarious performance. Zero to 100 km/h acceleration is pegged at 6.6 seconds. That’s far from sedate and definitely a gateway to some fun.
In fact, my entire two weeks with this car was enjoyable. Even though the A4 never defines itself by doing one particular thing appreciably well — be it stellar fuel economy, enormous cargo space or crazy acceleration — it still stands out for its ability to multitask, doing many things competently. Most importantly, it felt good to drive every day, whether it be the regular office commute or a late-night run along the parkway: Each drive in an A4 returns a steady level of satisfaction often missing in similarly capable cars.
That goodness came from a commanding seating position atop comfortable seats, a lovely, flat-bottom leather steering wheel (though, shamefully, it’s not heated), good sightlines over a flat hood, and a smart, if somewhat aging, interior. Audi’s interiors have always been a hallmark of quality execution and ergonomics, and the A4’s is no different; but the MMI and its graphics, as well as those in the instrument cluster, are beginning to show their age, even if they remain effective. Blame the competition – even Audi itself, which is ushering in a new level of technology on 2016 models.
2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro
Derek McNaughton, Driving
Cabin noise could be improved a little, too, as could rear-seat leg room, though the Audi shares similar rear dimensions with the BMW 3 Series. I was also somewhat surprised at the higher-than-expected average fuel consumption — 11.2 L/100 km in mostly urban driving. I blame the marriage of manual and the turbo for this: it’s almost impossible to drive as conservatively as this car looks.
More interesting was the ride characteristics of the A4. Our test unit came with the S Line option package, which deletes Audi’s Drive Select controls. Those controls allow the driver to set throttle response, steering ratio, and even the ride to his or her tastes, though in the past the automatic setting worked just fine. So, absent of Drive Select and the sport suspension, we did get Audi’s optional ($900) Adaptive Damping Suspension. This allows the driver to control the dampening force of the shocks, in effect making the A4 ride like a Vista Cruiser over harsh pavement when set to comfort, or respond as quickly and sharply as Eugenie Bouchard when the road becomes a series of zigs and zags.
In an instant the A4 can ride like a Cadillac STS or Porsche Cayman depending on the setting. This can make the A4 an ideal family car — good for the spouse who wants comfort, ideal for the other who wants to drive with vigour. And, of course, because it has a manual, that would be the only way to drive it.
2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro
Derek McNaughton, Driving
The Specs
Vehicle type AWD luxury compact sedan
Engine Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with direct injection
Power 220 hp @ 4,450 rpm; 258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Brakes Four wheel disc, dual circuit, ABS, EBD, ESP, Brake disc wiping
Tires P245/40HR18
Price (base/as tested) $44,300; $48,717 (Progressiv)
Freight $2,095
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 10.9 city, 7.2 highway
Standard features Six-speed manual, quattro, LED daytime running lights, Xenon plus lighting, LED taillights, sunroof, power trunk, auto dimming side mirrors, auto-dimming rear view mirror, auto climate control, leather seats, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, smart key with push-button start/stop.
Notable options Moonlight blue metallic paint ($890), Audi Park system with rear camera ($800), Adaptive damping suspension ($900), S-line package ($1,700).
2015 Audi A4 Progressiv quattro
Derek McNaughton, Driving
