audi a4 avant manual - good choice?
Discussion
lornemalvo said:
I'm considering an audi a4 avant , around 2016 or so, probably a 1.4 tsi. There seems to be a big price margin between the manual and auto. Does anyone have the manual, are they a compromise too far? I intend to test drive one and wouldn't mind a manual if the gearchange is slick
We’ve got the 2015 A4 Allroad 2.0 Tdi (190bhp), with the 6-speed manual. It’s a decent gearbox, with my only criticism being the engine didn’t really merit 6 gears, so they are all a bit shorter than they need to be and end up doing quite a bit of cog-swapping. Nice feel to it though, and gives the car a more sporting sense, so don’t see it as a compromise vs auto. lornemalvo said:
I'm considering an audi a4 avant , around 2016 or so, probably a 1.4 tsi. There seems to be a big price margin between the manual and auto. Does anyone have the manual, are they a compromise too far? I intend to test drive one and wouldn't mind a manual if the gearchange is slick
I have an 2017 A4 saloon 2.0 150ps TDI auto (s tronic). Lovely cars.I’ve never driven the petrol but I think my 7 gears match the engine I have very well.
In terms of auto vs manual, a lot of people complain the S Tronic is too slow to react when setting off from stopped (at junction, roundabout etc.). I don’t mind it, but, worth flagging as it might mean you’d prefer to stick with the manual.
Personally though, I’d see if you could find a 2.0 190 petrol. I understand real world economy isn’t too different.
tickedon said:
lornemalvo said:
I'm considering an audi a4 avant , around 2016 or so, probably a 1.4 tsi. There seems to be a big price margin between the manual and auto. Does anyone have the manual, are they a compromise too far? I intend to test drive one and wouldn't mind a manual if the gearchange is slick
I have an 2017 A4 saloon 2.0 150ps TDI auto (s tronic). Lovely cars.I’ve never driven the petrol but I think my 7 gears match the engine I have very well.
In terms of auto vs manual, a lot of people complain the S Tronic is too slow to react when setting off from stopped (at junction, roundabout etc.). I don’t mind it, but, worth flagging as it might mean you’d prefer to stick with the manual.
Personally though, I’d see if you could find a 2.0 190 petrol. I understand real world economy isn’t too different.
The upside of the petrol (or indeed any non 2.0 TDI) is you have the bigger fuel tank as standard - the 40L tank in my diesel is ultimately very small.
The petrol manual I imagine would be perfectly fine, but if you can hunt out a 2.0 then this would suit the car better. There was a thread on here of people who picked up cheap leases on the 1.4 manuals a couple of years ago, it may be worth hunting for that for some real world opinions.
I have a 2018 A4 1.4 Avant manual, it's been an absolutely brilliant commuting companion and occasional long distance business miles muncher.
It's not quick but perfectly adequate for motorway or busy A roads. Overtaking takes a little bit of preparation. 42.1mpg long term average since new over 18k miles. The irde and NVH are superb despite the S-Line suspension and 18' wheels. I would suggest a 17' equipped SE or Sport (on non-sport suspension). It's quite roomy although not as practical as a crossover, depending on your needs. The gear change is pretty slick actually, no issues.
It's making way for a Megane RS 280 Cup in September as the 2 car solution actually doesn't make that much sense now that the Megane is a little more refined.
It's not quick but perfectly adequate for motorway or busy A roads. Overtaking takes a little bit of preparation. 42.1mpg long term average since new over 18k miles. The irde and NVH are superb despite the S-Line suspension and 18' wheels. I would suggest a 17' equipped SE or Sport (on non-sport suspension). It's quite roomy although not as practical as a crossover, depending on your needs. The gear change is pretty slick actually, no issues.
It's making way for a Megane RS 280 Cup in September as the 2 car solution actually doesn't make that much sense now that the Megane is a little more refined.
Edited by nickfrog on Wednesday 24th July 10:24
I’ve got the 1.4 TFSI in s-tron -albeit in an A1 as daily run around.
I’d say it’s ok, but not great. It always wants to sit in a gear too high (31mph in 7th) which can make acceleration from 30-40/50 a clunky experience. From a start it’s fine, but again it can be crap when you’re approaching a roundabout and looking for a quick dart- it starts making all sorts of high rev mix ups as it decides which of the unnecessary 7 gears it wants.
It’s fine for everything else though. Average 32mpg which is mainly town driving. Wouldn’t buy again though.
I also had an S1 manual and that gearbox was made of chocolate but I assume that will be a different one to the manual in your posed car.
I’d say it’s ok, but not great. It always wants to sit in a gear too high (31mph in 7th) which can make acceleration from 30-40/50 a clunky experience. From a start it’s fine, but again it can be crap when you’re approaching a roundabout and looking for a quick dart- it starts making all sorts of high rev mix ups as it decides which of the unnecessary 7 gears it wants.
It’s fine for everything else though. Average 32mpg which is mainly town driving. Wouldn’t buy again though.
I also had an S1 manual and that gearbox was made of chocolate but I assume that will be a different one to the manual in your posed car.
Thank you all for these comments. My current cars are an Octavia 1.9 tdo manual (bought as a workhorse due to no dpf), and a Lexus LS 400. I'm looking to go down to one car to replace both the Lexus and Skoda. Above all, I value refinement, quiet, effortless progress with reasonable economy. The Lexus is sublime and progress is both silent and effortless. However, my wife will not drive it as "it's too big".
From what I've heard and read so far, the Audi/VW 1.4 TSi engine is a peach, much better than the 1.5 TSi that replaced it. However, it may depend on what car it's in. Several of you mention lack of torque and this makes sense. I'm tempted by the diesel even though I'm a low mileage driver, and risking the DPF worries. I may have to extend my budget and look for a 2.0 TSI. I have looked at other cars and the Octavia 2.0 TSI 4 x 4 is tempting, altough the Octavia is due a new model this years, and I know it has less insulation, and will not meet the low levels of NVH in the Audi.
The Lexus has spoiled me, sadly. I need to test drive several, hopefully on the same day, for a valid comparison
From what I've heard and read so far, the Audi/VW 1.4 TSi engine is a peach, much better than the 1.5 TSi that replaced it. However, it may depend on what car it's in. Several of you mention lack of torque and this makes sense. I'm tempted by the diesel even though I'm a low mileage driver, and risking the DPF worries. I may have to extend my budget and look for a 2.0 TSI. I have looked at other cars and the Octavia 2.0 TSI 4 x 4 is tempting, altough the Octavia is due a new model this years, and I know it has less insulation, and will not meet the low levels of NVH in the Audi.
The Lexus has spoiled me, sadly. I need to test drive several, hopefully on the same day, for a valid comparison
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