[sauravpat]

Originally Posted by petrol_head_

Are you using audi connect? As, it has been a month since we purchased our car and we were offered complimentary audi connect. The sale representative had himself registered our car on audi connect, uploading all the required details, but the weird thing is that our audi connect account hasn't been activated yet. Even after multiple calls to the helpline numbers, each and every time we got the answer that they are having some server issue and that is the reason no new audi connect user has been able to activate their respective accounts since last 2 mths. A very lethargic approach in my opinion by such a reputed company.

Yes, we have been using Audi connect with no problems since we got the car. It is not the slickest app though. But does the job.

[KI07]

The A4 now starts at Rs.51lac OTR for the base spec and goes till 58lac!
I believe this is a jump of 6-7lacs in 1 year! (Premium was launched at 43.5 lac OTR last year)

[petrol_head_]

Originally Posted by sauravpat

Yes, we have been using Audi connect with no problems since we got the car. It is not the slickest app though. But does the job.

I have seen commercials of people in USA unlock their Audi using connect instead of using key, is it possible here,in india?

[neel911]

My White Unicorn Review Link (2014 Honda City SV CVT Automatic - My White Unicorn) got a sibling this Dusshera: The Blue Unicorn

Details of Blue Unicorn:

• Car: Audi A4.
• Variant: Premium
• Exterior Color: Navarra Blue
• Interior Color: Beige
• KMs Clocked: ~1.8K

This post will cover my journey which ended up with the Blue Unicorn and my experience so far. It is a long post and hope it helps other buyers with some content as well. Since the common Audi A4 thread has been closed, posting it in Saurav's ownership thread who also owns Premium Variant

My 2014 Honda City has been doing well. It has clocked close to 60K Kms and post Covid there has been a need and an urge to add one more car.
Sometime in month of October 2021, I decided to go ahead and started shortlisting options. I have been following all launches and price hikes and know the old 30-35L has become the new 40-45L post Covid. The supply chain issues were going to stay for at least a year.

My Initial criteria:
============

• Budget: 40L OTR Bangalore[Karnataka has 20% road tax]
• SUV
• 5 star NCAP rating (for me safety is more important than features)
• AWD (not offroader - just for that extra peace of mind )
• Engine: Preferably Petrol as my annual run is going to be low but fine with Diesel if refined
• Seating Capacity: 5

SUVs considered in ascending order through the journey : (some did not meet above criteria but more details below):
===========

• 2020 Tucson
• VW Tiguan
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Citroen C5 Aircross
• BMW X1
• Mahindra XUV 700
• 2022 Tucson

2020 Tucson - ~34L OTR Diesel AWD
============
This was the 1st SUV considered in month of November after following team bhp thread. This is one highly under rated car and the blame goes to Hyundai on how they market it. It ticked all boxes in my criteria. Called up Trident Hyundai and they have dedicated SA for Hyundai premium segment: Kona/Tucson now. AWD comes only in top end Diesel. Test drive vehicle was arranged immediately. The engine is refined and the gear shifts were so smooth. I loved the tuning of the engine. However, interior felt dated to me and my wife. We are not fond of dark interiors as it feels car less roomy. With the next gen Tucson already launched in international markets, we decided to drop off idea of 2020 Tucson.

VW Tiguan- ~40L OTR
===============
Come December, we had launch of VW Tiguan facelift. I was really excited pre-launch. However, it did kill excitement with lack of features (how can you heated seats instead of ventilated in India) and high pricing. However, there were limited options in market and it did tick all my boxes. We called up Palace VW and they had Tiguan for test drive. My wife and I saw car in person and it looked much better in person. This was a black one. I did a decent test drive and the car was spacious but again the black interiors were not too appealing for us. It also felt more of station wagon than SUV from exterior. On pickup, I did feel a bit of lag, something I wasn’t expecting. The Bangalore pot holes also did not help and I could feel them in cabin at low speeds. Not 100% convinced, we put it on Hold.

Skoda Kodiaq- ~47L OTR L&K
===================
Come January 2022, Skoda Kodiaq Launched. This came in 3 variants and after looking at feature list, only L&K seemed the right one for me. I checked the Graphite Grey L&K and the car looked fabulous. It looked premium from outside and inside. We did not need 7 seater and the last row is only for small kids and for short trips. If I had to go for Kodiaq, it had to be L&K and it wasn’t possible for me to stretch so much that time. We were not able to take test drive and it went into drop/hold category.

C5 Aircross: ~43L OTR Shine variant
================
So now with limited options, I was ready to look at options which may not meet all criteria. In Feb, 2022, we checked C5 Aircross. The car has a fresh feeling. It felt premium inside, though could have been better. Somehow the car does not look as big as what the dimensions say. The rear seat was also something unique but I’m not a big fan of this layout as it gives limited moving space when only 2 passengers are on rear. Took a long test drive. The suspension is superb. However, during low speeds, I always felt the gear box a bit confused and had to drive in sports mode most of the time. Checked the sale numbers and not too exciting. After Ford exit, I wasn’t too comfortable shelling out 40L+ on Citroen. The pickup did not give me that smile as well (found Tucson better). Result: Dropped from list

BMW X1: ~54L OTR sDrive20i
============
Always been wanting to own a car in luxury segment. I know people who picked up Diesel X1 at about 40-42L due to Bs norms changing. This was already out of my budget but still wanted to go and check once considering it was financial year end and was not sure of what discounts might be offered. This now comes only in FWD option. Contrary to some of the reviews, I did like the interior in person. Yes, it does not have all upgrades other BMW have got, but I was fine with it. I took 1 short test drive and loved the engine. The Petrol engine is so well tuned. I then took second test drive for longer one and through some bad patches. This is when I could feel stiff suspension (it has improved but again it’s a bimmer) and my wife wasn’t that happy sitting in rear. I checked on discounts and they are no where what they used to be pre Covid but they were ready to negotiate and get it to ~50L. The package looked nice but the ride quality made me put this on hold and also had to figure out finances if I would still go for this.

Mahindra XUV 700 ~32L OTR AWD
==============
With one by one, options going into drop or hold bucket, I needed backup. Finally called up Mahindra SA and was offered test drive of top end Diesel non AWD. Petrol would have been fine but AWD comes only in Diesel option and if there is one, wanted to go for it. The front has grown on my and my family liked the car from exterior and interior. Somehow I felt it pretty easy to maneuver within the city. Waiting time was about 1.5 years and I went ahead with booking (completely refundable). Within 4 days, got the estimated delivery date of November 2023. There is no way I was going to wait so long but needed backup and was hoping that supply chain issue might ease. The other benefit of waiting for at least few months was that hopefully any major niggles reported would be sorted out.

2022 Tucson ~44L OTR HTRAC AWD
==============
My Hyundai SA (who helped me with TD of 2020 Tucson) called about launch of 2022 Tucson in month of April. Dealers were taking bookings. I knew more about 2022 Tucson through various threads on team bhp than my SA. I went ahead and booked the HTRAC variant. When the car was finally launched, the pricing was a big bummer. 44L OTR for top end HTRAC version was insane. I had lot of discussions within my family and it did not make sense to stretch so much. With my usage, I dropped off the idea of getting AWD but wanted all other bells and whistles. This was coming to 42L OTR. I did 2 test drives and was really happy with the vehicle. It felt premium and now comes with beige interior. I changed my booking to Starry Night 2WD Signature top end. My SA assured delivery by September end (delay since I changed variant).

Conflict:
So now the search had stopped from my side. My family on the other side was still not convinced. The car is lovely and though looks are polarising, we all liked it. However, they were not able to attach a ~42L price tag to Hyundai. A lot of convincing (bad timing for the Latin NCAP results where people just look at star rating without understanding details) but at end there was constant discontent. If you are spending 42L on Hyundai, either you stretch for a premium luxury brand or get into 25L segment and save money.

Now comes Blue Unicorn
================
This was early September. I had about 2-3 weeks left before my Tucson would be allocated. One of my close friend (who also did not completely agree on spending 42L on Hyundai), suggested to check out Audi A4. My wife just had to be there and she jumped saying, what is the harm to check out. I called up Audi Bengaluru and fixed an appointment.

Once I reached the showroom, the experience was on another level. The staff was so courteous there. They had Navarra Blue Audi A4 Tech Edition on display and it was love at first sight. The DRL on front and rear made car look luxurious and sporty. The interior was again at another level. This feeling is something both me and my wife got for first time. However, when we sat at rear, though seats were super comfortable, the middle hump was pretty huge and I was a bit concerned on comfort. We are usually 4(2 kids) but at times we need space for 5th person. I just told the SA that let me think about it as I was looking for SUV and this middle hump seems concerning. He respected my thought process but at same time persuaded me to take test drive. This is when things started to change. The car’s suspension is so well tuned. My wife and I immediately felt a big difference in how car absorbed undulation and potholes on the road. The acceleration was superb and engine so silent. Though this is longer than XUV700, I felt so comfortable driving it. My wife also took a short test drive and she also loved it. I got my daughter(12y) the next day to sit in middle, and she was fine. The ground clearance is better than by 2014 Honda City which has scraped only once in past ~9 years so I was comfortable.

Now the Tech Edition was way beyond my budget: 64.5 OTR Bangalore. Audi A4 now comes in 2 other variants: Premium(56 OTR), PremiumPlus (61.3 OTR). The only variant I could settle for is Premium. After a long discussion, my family agreed, that either I stretch myself and go for this or get into a 20-25L segment for now but cancel the Tucson. After driving the A4, I kind of agreed.

Now the negotiation phase started, and the dealer was keen on closing it by end of September. The next 7-10 days went into back and forth negotiation and after working out few things on my finances and the discount, I finally closed the deal 3rd week of September. The Navarra Blue with Beige interior was not in stock and had to come from lot getting manufactured.

Delivery date of Dusshera was finalized. I also opted for complete PPF from Audi itself with 5 year warranty (Stek is what they offer). The final price also includes 5 year Extended Warranty and 3 year Comprehensive Service Package.
Now when I look back on this journey, there is ‘Destiny’ and I am so glad I went with Audi A4.


What I Love:
========

• The look. For me, the lights look better than A6/Q5
• Engine. This feels like rocket. So well tuned
• Stability and Secure feeling of car (doors are heavy). Car feels planted
• Interior feels like flight cockpit: the ambient light, the ceiling buttons.
• Suspension/Comfort: Travelled to Chennai with 3 Adults and 2 Kids and they were comfortable throughout.
• Commanding View
• Good ground clearance for sedan
• Manual knobs

What I Dislike/Could have been better/features missing which I would have liked:
==============

• You can easily do illegal speeds. You do not even realize how smooth car touches those speeds
• 360 camera to maneuver through those tight spaces easily
• Inability to retain Auto Start-Stop setting: I prefer it disabled and it automatically re-enables every time I start car
• Panoramic sunroof
• Inability to fold wipers during cleaning until you move them up
• Turbo DSG kicks in when downshifting is happening from D3 to D2 and can take you by surprise when you are slowing down/gently applying brakes
• Absence of Direct TPMS

Accessories:
========

• Using provided velour floor mats(carpet like feeling) – not practical during rains/slush. 3D Mats are out of stock
• CR70 sun film on rear and sides (don’t miss rear AC vents)
• Direct TPMS – SensAiry
• 3M Nomad Mats

I hope you found details of this journey insightful. This is a beautiful car and looking forward to keeping it for years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank various team bhp members. They have been all so kind in responding to my various messages/queries that helped me finalize this car. If I start listing, it is going to be a long list. This forum has been of tremendous help. Thank You !!!

Some pictures from delivery day/short trip around Bangalore:

[sauravpat]

Originally Posted by neel911

I hope you found details of this journey insightful. This is a beautiful car and looking forward to keeping it for years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank various team bhp members. They have been all so kind in responding to my various messages/queries that helped me finalize this car. If I start listing, it is going to be a long list. This forum has been of tremendous help. Thank You !!!

Congratulations on the new car @neel911

Excited to have another A4 Premium on the forum. Wishing you plenty of happy kilometres

[Raghu M]

I just jumped at the pics and saw them a few times. It indeed is a stunner. You mentioned 360 degrees cam on the dislike list, any specific reason? I guess, it's the most important feature on premium cars these days and is so easy to operate.

[Pkumarblore]

Hello @neel911,
Congratulations on your new Audi A4. The Audi sedans have maintained the classic designs without overdoing anything. I just love their classic European styling.
My son bought the A6 Technology Pack last month and I drove it for a good 250 kms yesterday on the Blore-Tumkur highway. Must say, it feels securely planted and safe even at high triple digit speeds. The sport mode is too addictive and I just love the suspension. Its so well tuned. I am yet to explore the features in detail., will do it in due course of time and maybe post a driving experience thread on TBHP.
Wishing you a Happy and safe motoring with the splendid A4.

[yashg]

Wow congratulations! The colour really shines under the Sun. Great location too for the photoshoot.

[amartya_bhp]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

I just jumped at the pics and saw them a few times. It indeed is a stunner. You mentioned 360 degrees cam on the dislike list, any specific reason? I guess, it's the most important feature on premium cars these days and is so easy to operate.

The author of the post wanted to mention the lack of a 360 cam, even I miss it in my 3 month old A4(PPlus) variant. This is indeed a machine worth drooling over. Even though I faced some issues and it was in the ASC for about a week, it is back in its usual glory and I am raring to go out on the road - it has already munched about 8500 kms in 3 months went from Delhi - Kolkata during Durga Puja, Delhi - Gandhinagar on work and now, we are planning another road trip to MP (Gwalior, Indore, Bhopal, Bandhavgarh, Jhansi and back). Just waiting for D-DAY to arrive.

Originally Posted by neel911

I hope you found details of this journey insightful. This is a beautiful car and looking forward to keeping it for years.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank various team bhp members. They have been all so kind in responding to my various messages/queries that helped me finalize this car. If I start listing, it is going to be a long list. This forum has been of tremendous help. Thank You !!!

This is a gem of a machine - congrats on your acquisition. You must make full use of the beautiful engine and the car, this is what makes road trips memorable. All the best and Happy ownership!

I myself am the proud owner of an Audi A4 Premium Plus since Sept 1 and have been loving it - some pics to drool over.

[Mad Max]

Lovely car and colors. Wishing you many miles of happy motoring.

What does the Technology variant gain over the Premium plus? I am unable to find that in the Audi website (or possibly the net-tard within me can't)

[neel911]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

I just jumped at the pics and saw them a few times. It indeed is a stunner. You mentioned 360 degrees cam on the dislike list, any specific reason? I guess, it's the most important feature on premium cars these days and is so easy to operate.

Originally Posted by amartya_bhp

The author of the post wanted to mention the lack of a 360 cam, even I miss it in my 3 month old A4(PPlus) variant.

That is correct. I should have been more specific. I have driven few cars with same and it really helps. That said, the front sensors do a decent job and the engine more than makes up for it . One thing to note is that Tech Variant comes with 4 additional sensors (2 on front side and 2 on read side) which is used for Park Assist.

Originally Posted by amartya_bhp

This is a gem of a machine - congrats on your acquisition. You must make full use of the beautiful engine and the car, this is what makes road trips memorable. All the best and Happy ownership!

I myself am the proud owner of an Audi A4 Premium Plus since Sept 1 and have been loving it - some pics to drool over.

Congratulations. These days, I try to find a reason to get my car out of garage

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Lovely car and colors. Wishing you many miles of happy motoring.

What does the Technology variant gain over the Premium plus? I am unable to find that in the Audi website (or possibly the net-tard within me can't)

Thank You. The Audi website really needs an overhaul.

Variant comparison is below:
Note: This is when I got the car. Since then 2 new features have been added to the Tech Variant Only (and increase of ~1 lakh as well):
- 19 speaker B&O audio system with 3D sound
- Flat-bottom steering wheel.

[gungax]

Originally Posted by neel911

My White Unicorn Review Link (2014 Honda City SV CVT Automatic - My White Unicorn) got a sibling this Dusshera: The Blue Unicorn

Details of Blue Unicorn:

• Car: Audi A4.
• Variant: Premium
• Exterior Color: Navarra Blue
• Interior Color: Beige
• KMs Clocked: ~1.8K

Accessories:
========

• Using provided velour floor mats(carpet like feeling) – not practical during rains/slush. 3D Mats are out of stock
• CR70 sun film on rear and sides (don’t miss rear AC vents)
• Direct TPMS – SensAiry
• 3M Nomad Mats

Congratulations. The blue looks really good on this car. Wishing you many miles of fun.

I too was looking predominantly for a SUV. After using the A4 on Bangalore roads during the rainy season, I am sure you won't miss skipping any of the SUV on your consideration list.

Did you get the CR70 film applied on the front windshield also or only on the side windows.
Does your TPMS have external screen or through phone. Is it possible to integrate it into the AUDI MMI system.

[neel911]

Originally Posted by gungax

Congratulations. The blue looks really good on this car. Wishing you many miles of fun.

I too was looking predominantly for a SUV. After using the A4 on Bangalore roads during the rainy season, I am sure you won't miss skipping any of the SUV on your consideration list.

Thank You. The only thing I'm being a bit careful about is ground clearance. Lately BBMP (Bangalore) has been fixing roads which is a big blessing.

Originally Posted by gungax

Did you get the CR70 film applied on the front windshield also or only on the side windows.

CR70: Not applied on front windshield. I'll wait for Bangalore summer and then take a call. I've heard mixed reviews when it comes to visibility. I did see few cars at 3M in person and it does add a tint and not sure if I'm OK with that. This will cost me about 9-10K if I decided to go with same.

That said, lot of people go with RE70 on sides and CR70 on front. I would highly recommend to go with CR70 on sides/rear as well. I have RE70 on my Honda City and can easily make out the better heat shielding capability with CR70 on Audi

Originally Posted by gungax

Does your TPMS have external screen or through phone. Is it possible to integrate it into the AUDI MMI system.

I did not opt for additional screen since car will be primarily driven by me/my wife and have app installed on both our phones and app does run in background and will alert automatically based on set thresholds.

It does have Android Auto support (need to get different app version by calling their support) and shows up on Audi MMI. I'm not sure about Apple CarPlay support. Snapshot below:

[Mustang Sammy]

Originally Posted by neel911

Variant comparison is below:
Note: This is when I got the car. Since then 2 new features have been added to the Tech Variant Only (and increase of ~1 lakh as well):
- 19 speaker B&O audio system with 3D sound
- Flat-bottom steering wheel.

Attachment 2389850

Thanks for sharing this. VW still persists with including features like heated mirrors!!! which have limited use, while not including far more useful ones like ventilated seats.

[vignesh207]

Congratulations on your new car!

I'm in a similar dilema with family not agreeing to spend ~40L on a Hyundai Tucson as they don't see "Hyundai" brand associated with premium price and asking me to look into the ~25L segment. I'll try taking them for a test drive in Audi and see if they agree to stretch