Sector: Compact Executive Price: €28,240–€42,460 Fuel: 3.8 –5.9l/100km CO2: 99–136g/km

A new Audi A4 is likely to be a car to be reckoned with, particularly when premium models are becoming increasingly important for the leasing sector in major markets. It’s a car that is likely to find its way onto many business drivers’ wish lists. So is that deserved and what are you getting for your money?

The fifth generation A4 is up to 120kg lighter than the outgoing model and, says Audi, uses up to 21% less fuel. The new model is based on a new modular platform and features revised front and rear suspension. Audi claims a best in class drag coefficient of 0.23 to help reduce fuel consumption. There are revised transmissions too, with new and revised engines, which are all Euro6 compatible.

The engine range starts with the 1.4 TFSI 150hp petrol engine and includes a new 2.0 TFSI engine with 190hp or 252hp. Earlier versions of the Volkswagen Group 2.0 TDI engine may be making headlines still, but Euro6 compliant engines are not affected and likely to be at the core of fleet models with 150hp and 190hp on offer and emissions from 99g/km (150hp Ultra) to 114g/km (190hp Quattro). The 190hp Ultra variant offers 102g/km with manual transmission and 17-inch wheels. Even the S-tronic dual clutch transmission only adds 1g/km to the CO2 test result. Topping the range is the 3.0 TDI V6 diesel with 218hp or 272hp but offering impressively low CO2 test results.

Inside, Audi says there is more head and shoulder room compared with its predecessor. The Audi Virtual Cockpit with digital instrument display first seen on the TT is an option with the new A4, besides the standard analogue instrumentation. As you would expect from an A4, there’s a long list of optional equipment. The UK spec models we drove come with 17-inch alloys, Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, Audi smartphone interface, Audi drive select, three-zone climate control and seven-inch colour monitor as standard, but check the specification for your market.

Audi concentrated on the 2.0 TDI models at launch and I started with the 150hp six-speed manual ultra SE (99g/km CO2). Rear seat space in particular has never been a strength for previous A4 models, but that appears to be much improved in the latest model. There seemed to be generous space for the driver and the expected range of seat and steering column adjustment. Audi’s MMI has avoided the fashion for touch screens and sticky finger marks and that has not changed in the latest A4. It’s still one of the best systems available.

The Volkswagen Group 2.0 TDI was not particularly refined when it first appeared but Audi has worked on this engine and it is now a well-refined four-cylinder diesel. Performance will satisfy most drivers, while its fuel consumption potential should also appeal to fleets.

Audi has come under fire in the past for stiff suspension settings on its more sporting versions. The SE is designed to be the more comfort-orientated model and the company seems to have struck a good balance between handling and comfort. Switching to a 190hp S line model didn’t show up any discomfort, so perhaps Audi has done for the A4 what it has already done for the A6 and sorted out ride quality.

The 190hp test car was also fitted with the seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission. There were no surprises here either, with the transmission providing smooth automated changes, which complimented the refined engine well.

Audi is offering a range of driver assistance systems and its Audi Connect system for in car connectivity with a WiFi hotspot. Matrix LED headlamps are also on the options list, providing bright, adaptive forward lighting.

Verdict:

The new A4 is impressive and with more interior space has more appeal than before. Low CO2 emissions from the 2.0 TDI engine and the latest exhaust treatment system should mean that this is the cleanest A4 diesel yet. It is likely to be a popular choice for fleets and so it should be.