The rest of the A4 suffers from this mixed bag result.  Just when you’re beginning to like the car, you just manage to find a new fault.  For example, the steering and brakes are responsive—something standard in a car of this caliber, but start tossing the A4 around a corner and it returns with servings of understeer and body roll that would make a Japanese car proud.  Don’t get it wrong—the A4 does the twisty road thing perfect well; it’s stable, confidence-inspiring and all, but it’s just not that fun.  And what makes it worse is despite the comfort-oriented chassis, the A4’s ride is far from cushy.

So while the driving experience is still something to de desired, the A4 really shines in the interior department with its excellent fit and finish.  Like its skin, the look isn’t creative in any sense of word, but everything is exquisitely finished from the switches to the minutest controls.  Standard kit is quite generous with leather seats, dual zone climate control, power front seats and a CD changer all coming as standard.

Despite the quality interior, the treatment’s starting to date faster than the rest of the car.  For instance, the air conditioning controls are a plain mess, filled with indecipherable acronyms which are hard to master.  At a time when everyone else has gone for clearly marked rotary dials or chunky buttons, the A4’s sticking to buttons—lots of them; small ones to make matters worse.  The same goes for the audio system which is confusing, although audibly pleasing.

In terms of seating comfort, the Audi offers huge adjustment to both the steering wheel and the driver’s seat—perfect for the tall and wide out there.  There’s electric lumbar adjustment here too, which is lacking in the BMW 320d unless you opt for their sports seat pack.  The square-cut dash help in increasing foot well and hip area making the A4 the choice for long trips.  Those in the back though will find the accommodations less than first class.  Fitting three is purely wishful thinking, so it’s best left to two grown adults and a stuff toy.  The driving position’s spot on, with the handbrake as the only odd man out (it can’t be engaged when the driver’s arm rest/center console is put down.  Though the seats don’t look comfortable in pictures, they are very agreeable. 

Although the Audi A4 has excellent fit and finish, as well as agreeable space for the front occupants, it severely lacks in other key areas to make for a convincing buy.  It doesn’t have the overall “gotta-have-it-factor” as with other cars of this caliber, which makes for a big problem, especially if you’re shelling out P 2,990,000 for one.  If you’re decided for an A4, you’d be better off with the turbo-charged, Quattro-ed A4.

Fit and finish are easily one of the best in its class.  In terms of standard equipment, the A4 comes fully loaded with everything you need.

Multitronic CVT system can be shifted via the shifter or by steering wheel paddles. Indicators are buried underneath the center-mounted multi-information display though.