|
Despite the comfort oriented chassis and tires, the A4's ride is far from cushy. In fact, it's fairly comparable to the 320i Sport, which has 45-series 17-inch run-flat tires as standard. Inside, the A4 really shines with excellent fit and finish. Although the overall look isn't creative in any sense of the word, everything is exquisitely finished, from the gear knobs to the switches, and even down to the minor controls. In terms of seating position, the steering wheel and driver's seat easily adjusts to fit any sort of person. It has a perfect driving position, but not as sporty as the 3 Series. Though the seats don't look comfortable in person, they are agreeable. The rear seats are less stellar, but are equally good considering the restrictive space. Like any entry-level German car, don't expect to fit three adults in there--just two average sized adults will find it comfortable at the back. But while the A4 is still in contention when it comes to cabin space, the overall look of the inside is beginning to date faster than the rest of the car. For instance, the ventilation controls are a simple mess, with just indecipherable acronyms for guide. At a time when everyone else is going rotary knob for easy tactile operation, the A4's sticking to tried-and-tested buttons. The same goes for the audio system, which are equally confusing to use. In terms of kit, the A4 actually quite generous. For the same amount of cash, the A4 Multitronic already has leather seats, dual zone climate control, powered driver's seat and a CD changer as standard. The equally-priced BMW 320i only has cow hide and a CD changer to match. But it's never about the value for money, isn't it? Given the numerous changes done inside and out in the wake of the E90, one would certainly expect that the A4 would give a good fight. Fat chance. More than anything, the BMW 3 Series has moved the benchmark beyond the reach of any of its rivals. Although the A4 has excellent fit and finish and kit, it severely lacks in other areas to make it a convincing buy. It doesn't have the same refinement and driving excitement commonly associated with cars in this segment. Priced at P 2,650,000 you'd be expecting more. If you're driving excitement, it best to go for a turbo-charged, Quattro-ed A4--the latter option of which isn't available. As for other A4 variants, it does get an A for effort, but a C for achievement.◊ |
|
||||||
 |
|||||||
