Audi A4 3.0 TDI 218, car review: Our pick of the new A4 range

When it comes to executive saloons, Audi has got it nailed with the latest version of the evergreen A4

Why market a six-cylinder diesel when there’s a very good four-cylinder already available? Because it’s bloomin’ marvelous, that’s why!

When it comes to executive saloons, Audi has got it nailed with the latest version of the evergreen A4. And the manufacturer has gone one better with the cheaper of its two 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel variants, as it’s surely the most relaxing engine in the line-up.

While on paper it may not be significantly faster than its 2.0-litre, four-cylinder stablemate, it’s also not much less efficient. In fact, this powerplant is a far better all-rounder. Its real-world appeal for the long-distance exec lies in its smooth, nay effortless, delivery and whisper-quiet performance, and this translates into a correspondingly stress-free drive.

The Audi A4

There’s more than enough power and torque – 215bhp and 295lb ft respectively – available across a delightfully wide rev range, so you don’t have to expend effort trying to conjure it up. The seven-speed S tronic auto box aids you in that bid, and on the whole is just as refined as the engine, even if it snatches a little when stop-start kicks in.

The peaceful, unflustered feel continues through to the cabin, which does its utmost to help you stay comfortable and wide-awake when cruising up the motorway. The quality of design, build, space, equipment and sound-deadening is well documented, and the 7.0in MMI infotainment system never fails to impress.

Audi A4 3.0 TDI 218 

Engine: 3.0-litre diesel
Price: from £34,250
Power: 215bhp
Torque: 295lb ft
0-62mph: 6.6 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Fuel economy: 62.8mpg
CO2: 109g/km

The A4 3.0 TDI 218’s handling is excellent, and the ride good enough to negate the extra expense of the adaptive comfort suspension option, although the steering isn’t as exciting or rewarding to use it is in the Audi’s Jaguar XE or BMW 3 Series rivals. Still, people buy executive saloons for reasons other than ultimate on-road thrills. When it comes to covering business miles in comfort and style, this model rules.

With those emissions and consumption figures impressively in accordance with the 2.0-litre model’s, there’s much to be gained from speccing this model rather than its more expensive quattro four-wheel-drive brother, not least with regards to company car drivers’ Benefit In Kind penalties. It’s our pick of the new A4 range – and the first to get our five-start rating.