[autobahner]

So having got the dictate from "The Boss", moved my sorry backside into the A-Star and start thinking how to get out of this conundrum. Options:

A. Be a good slave, do as the boss says and forego this moment of pleasure for another day.

B. Quit the job. But immediately reverse the decision (who will shell out for the EMIs?)

C. Use good old gujju ingenuity, hmm worth a try.

Got on the phone to the travel desk. Now the boss says be in Dammam by sunday, he never mentioned sunday morning (or did he?, who cares not like i am in the running for employee of the decade or something anyways.) so asked the travel desk to book me out on the latest (and more importantly the cheapest) flight out to Saudi. Got several options out but had to disregard all the direct flights owing to some being too far from my final destination and others being too expensive. Then she recommended something, which was almost heaven sent.

It seems there is an evening flight out to Bahrain and the drive from Bahrain to Dammam is something like 1.5 to 2 hours. Our office driver could pick me up from Bahrain airport for the drive to Saudi. To put it in a nut shell if i got out early in the morning, had breakfast i could reach the airport in-time for check-in. Yahoo!! Lonavala here i come.

30th Jan - The day of enlightenment.

Had a nice early morning wake-up (if there ever was such a thing on a sunday) went to the car and picked up the cover (its been almost a week since i last saw her). Fired her up nice and gently went through all the essential control systems once again and let the engine settle in its rhythm. Pulled her out from the driveway and immediately noticed the stares of morning joggers at the necklace running lights. Felt a bit guilty there they were out there sweating and me in this nicely air-conditioned cocoon.

Promised myself won't over-exert the engine on this run (remember this drive was more for the sake of familiarisation then outright ripping or so i kept repeating to myself), always did take me a while to get used to the indicator stalks on the left (same issue with the Opel), but somehow this time around managed to drive without switching on the wipers even once (must be a new record for me).

So Prima-Facie (based on the first 50 kms on the motorway) these are my humble findings.

The "Good Bits" first:

1. Absolutely lovely juicy gem of an engine (can't go into more specifics as we may have some under 18 Team-BHPians reading).

2. Throttle response is quite good however the turbo-lag at extremely low rpms could have been negated, i feel. Having said that the zillion N.ms of torque from TFSI does more than compensate for this little niggle. Hence, no red marks on this for now. I also feel this may have something to do with our normal "zero octane" like standard petrol from national oil companies. Perhaps going with Speed or Speed 97 may eliminate this?

3. Fantastic road manners and presence. Never once does it feel to lose its balance (even with a bit of spirited driving, never was one to keep promises when it came to regimented driving of my motors ). A note of caution on the handling bit though. The Pirellis 17 inchers can get real bumpy especially if pressurised on the higher side, had to stopover at a petrol pump and got the pressure released a wee bit (from the tyres that is) and could immediately notice the difference in handling and when driving over bumpy terrain. The final effect on FE seemed negligible.

4. For the purpose of this drive didn't take the beautiful CVT to S-Mode. However, did take her into manual a couple of times, just to get a feel on how she handles commands into manual over-ride. Resisted the temptation to downshift at high speeds like a good boy so as to not over-reach the RPMs on the tacho.

5. The steering in all probability is the lightest i have ever had. Even the A-Star steering seems heavier in comparision. The steering feedback is good and doesn't give you the feel that you are entirely disconnected from the road. However, as a matter of personal preference i would have liked a bit more feedback like on my Astra with the steering and i would have also loved if the grip on the steering wheel was a wee bit more chunkier (i have big hands and even bigger fingers). I wonder if Audi in Germany has a thicker wheel in its portfolio (will be on the lookout on my next sojourn).

6. Absolutely muted cabin. No exterior noise was evident even on more than single ton speeds. This was also thoroughly appreciated by the gujju uncle/aunties taken along for the breakfast. In fact the in-cabin insulation is so good that the your voice re-verbarates only issue with this being if you happen to be blessed like me with so many uncles and aunties who have the audacity to fall asleep on a scenic drive in a fanastic piece of engineering and more so snore loudly, it can get a bit annoying. Don't think even the CBUs come with a snore cancellation system do they?

7. The Auto mode for the headlights is a good feature me feels, as you really need not get your hands off the wheel while driving into or out of tunnels to switch the lamps on or off.

8. The instrumentation pod is probably one of the best ones i have seen. The writing is nice, neat and just the right size more so even the information display in the middle. The instrumentation lighting is crisp. This was a big talking point with one of my aunts (she notices the instrument clusture lighting but falls asleep when i describe the finer aspects of direct fuel injection on the TFSI engine, women really )

Now for the "Bits that can do with a bit more improvement" (notice how me like a good newly wed husband refrains from direct criticism of my better half) fellow bachelors everywhere, learn.

1. Hate the auto parking brake system. For those who may not be aware this is a system provided by Audi, which once activated engages the parking brake by itself whenever the car comes to a complete stand still. The plus point being the car does not roll off when stationary nor do you need to bother yourself to engage the tranny into N everytime you are in a stop-go traffic situation nor activating the park brake manually. I personally find the system a bit harsh. It does not go about its task as gracefully as a well-engineered system should, on more than one occassion it makes a harsh sound when it engages and almost everytime it disengages especially when the accelerator is pressed with a bit of gusto.

2. There is a very very annoying reflection of the driver side and passenger side air-con vents aluminium trim on the side view mirrors. This can be real distracting at times. I will try to take some snaps with my very limited photographic skills and even more limited amateur camera to explain what i mean. A solution for this needs to be discovered ASAP.

3. No engine roar at all evident in the D mode. Is this a plus? surely not for me love my engines to feel and sound alive. The engine note is sedate and at times when idling one wonders if there is even an engine at all. I sincerely hope that the tables turn when in S mode or in manual override.

4. The D mode is adequate for a daily commute run but feels can do with a bit more oomph when it comes to tacking the alpine like ghat sections on the expressway. Had to put it into manual override to get the best out of the engine on the upward spirals. Perhaps S-Mode would have been better? will be covering that on the next outing report.

5. Now i really am not one for honking and nor do i care much for people who use their horns more than the brake, accel and clutch. But this is India and there are times when one simply does need to use the horn, for the stray cattle, goat, gujju uncle aunties (i think you get the gist of what i mean) and then it can be an excrutiating pain to get the right point on the steering hub to blow the horn. I am going to need some real practice on this one.

6. I mentioned earlier that i do love the auto on and off for the headlamps, however, the default time delay setting is real weird. I happened to pass the tunnels on the expressway and could feel the lag when the lamps came on at different intervals in different tunnel. I think some fine-tuning on the control panel for this feature is called for. Will need to get the manual out for this one.

7. No GPS really really sucks. A premium beauty like this should definitely have one. I hope Audi manages to sort out the issue and even if an optional extra i would really like to have one in my beauty. The infotainment system could really do with some neat touches like showing the real time average speed, distance travelled, fuel consumption, tyre pressures, oil pressure, oil level etc on the main screen rather than just on the MID display between the instrument pods. Would give one the feel of travelling in an airliner and spare me the effort of giving a manual update when asked by the passengers are we there yet?

So friends this was my first impression on the first real outing i had with the Silberschönheit. I do have a more nicer surprise though. Went to Amby Valley the sunday last this time with intermittent durations in the S-mode and climbing up and down steep inclines and alpine spirals in manual override and yes the engine roar finally emerges. I am yet to fully recover from the experience but will be penning it down pretty soon. So once again, do watch this space.

[vb-saan]

As usual... an excellent report!
And I really liked this the best "Don't think even the CBUs come with a snore cancellation system do they?"

[Dippy]

Thats a superb write up autobahner. The attention to detail is superb. Nice to know the SLAVE had an enjoyable early morning before heading out of the country. I'm sure the Audi must have felt at home on the Amby Valley twisties. Looking forward to read that installment.

[noopster]

@autobahner, we're waiting with bated breath. I can't imagine what you feel like being stuck in the Saudi desert while your silver beauty lies untouched in Mumbai!

Edit: LOL just saw the last post. So you had your cake and ate it too. Nice!

[amitg79]

Wunderbar! Congrats on the Brilliant car. And absolutely fabulous write-up. Waiting for more...

[i<3turbo]

hey autobahner great write up bro. to answer one of your questions about the time delay of the auto headlamps, you would have to go to your on board computer by pressing car in the infotainment center, go to exterior lighting and choose either early med or late.

[Speeding@160mph]

I stopped using the Auto-Hold system due to its inflexible nature.To activate, Car needs to be at a complete stand-still. To de-activate, Car needs to be properly accelerated. The stop and go nature of traffic in Delhi doesn't allow use of this feature. I'm just creeping up on the car ahead to stop the bus-wallah from cutting in and the auto-hold activates, jerking me back and forcing me to think over what would happen if the bike-wallah behind me was a wee bit closer. No sir, I can hold the brake down just fine.

As far as the GPS is concerned, we are SOL. The CKD's do not have the equipment (GPS chip, MMI, etc) necessary for a simple software upgrade to enable the Navigation. Our options are restricted to MapMyIndia/Garmin's external screens. An Ugly option, not one which I would pick.

I was blazing past the red-line within the first month of getting my 2.0. At that point, I never thought too much about ripping the car to the 200kmph mark but I've had 11 engine oil top-ups in the last 12 months. Every 1250km on average. Nothing conclusive on it being related to my early drive's but definitely something for you to watch out for as apparently it is the 2.0's which are susceptible to the excessive oil thirst.

Enjoy the ride!

[autobahner]

Originally Posted by Technocrat

I like the nice clean interiors theme, congrats again

Thanks Technocrat. You should see the darling now after 2 consecutive weekend outings, it will be going to a specialist first thing tomm morning for a thorough interior/exterior cleaning.

Originally Posted by R2D2

Congrats autobahner. Lovely write up about a lovely car. Buying an Audi/BMW/Merc would be a dream come true for most and that includes me.

One of the best initial ownership posts I've read. Drive safe and thanks for sharing your experiences!

Cheers!

I so agree with you it really is a dream come true. However, for me the dream will really come true when i find a classic W114/W115 series benz (6 cyl - Petrol) then i can safely say "I lived, I loved!".

Originally Posted by Dry Ice

Oh man! What a thread and what a beauty!! Rated 5-stars!
Enjoyed reading through your honest buying process. Hope you keep smiling and keep on munching miles with the car!

Good choice about the black interiors, looks smashing!

Thanks dry ice, appreciate your feedback.

Originally Posted by noopster

Fantastic car and great review autobahner! The A4 has some awesome street presence- in fact that and the Superb are the best looking sedans on the road today. C's and 3's pale in comparison apart from the pedigree factor, of course!

Post some more pics and impressions please!

Noopster, first let me also congratulate you on your " beautiful fraulein" she truly is a drool material and also loved your very detailed write up on her. Isn't there a saying about other men's wives always seem more attractive? Hope you don't mind me fantasising about your fraulein too much. Enjoy your ride.

Originally Posted by unni.ak

Very well written. Was with you through the journey. Have a lovely, fun filled, trouble free run!!

Cheers mate, much appreciated.

Originally Posted by DNM

even after seeing the best of the best Audi's rolling in the streets of Mumbai, the A8, A6, Q7, R8, TT, etc, the A4 has always been one of my favorite and i have always stopped to have a look at it!
The A4 is one of the smallest sedans in the Audi garage and the little joy gives you immense pleasure!
Have loads of fun with your new love.. Take care of the body and the emblem-thieves!

DNM how so very very true. The A4 is my favourite amongst the current lot of beauties coming out from Ingolstadt (besides the R8 with a V10 of course). And i shall remember your note on the emblem-thieves rest assured she is always guarded.

Originally Posted by nutcracker

Really enjoyed the way you wrote the story. Good job. And congrats on the beauty. Drive safe, and dont let the Mumbai auto wallahs get to you!

Is it ever possible to not let the Mumbai auto wallahs get you. The only people i know who are not bothered by them i suppose would be holy men (but most are driven around in Benz and Rolls Royces anyways) nowadays so i suppose they would be above these worldly issues, which you and i face.

[mokshe]

Welcome to the A4 party brother. You have opted for the right engine my friend. Most of the Audi Petrols we see on the road are the 1.8, to my surprise the supply of 2.0 is a little inconsistent. Audi had launched this engine way back in 2008 end, but then pulled it back after some time and then relaunched it again! One does expect some level of exclusivity when you spend so much money and you do feel annoyed that your premium Audi shares the engine with a 12 Lac rupee Laura. I would feel the opposite if I end up buying the Laura though.

As far as the options are concerned, the reason we have more options in the 3.0/3.2 is because they are CBU. But they are stupendously priced anyways and the options really rocket up the price further. Plazas 3.0 has B&O and I am sure its one hell of a system. By the way, I really like the interior color. I opted for Black too, you will have less maintenance issues compared to the lighter colors.

@PlatzdaTurbo: Stick to your 17" alloys man, don't even think of upgrading unless you drive on carpeted roads. You have no idea how much can change with the possible upgrade you are talking about. In the A6 18" alloys are still understandable because of the softer set up. In the A4 you feel a lot of difference with the 16'' to the 17'', just imagine what will change with another upgrade. Besides this your father also drives the car and I am sure he does care for comfort in the car more than you.

[dot]

Originally Posted by autobahner

1. Hate the auto parking brake system. For those who may not be aware this is a system provided by Audi, which once activated engages the parking brake by itself whenever the car comes to a complete stand still. The plus point being the car does not roll off when stationary nor do you need to bother yourself to engage the tranny into N everytime you are in a stop-go traffic situation nor activating the park brake manually. I personally find the system a bit harsh. It does not go about its task as gracefully as a well-engineered system should, on more than one occassion it makes a harsh sound when it engages and almost everytime it disengages especially when the accelerator is pressed with a bit of gusto.

Originally Posted by Speeding@160mph

I stopped using the Auto-Hold system due to its inflexible nature.To activate, Car needs to be at a complete stand-still. To de-activate, Car needs to be properly accelerated. The stop and go nature of traffic in Delhi doesn't allow use of this feature. I'm just creeping up on the car ahead to stop the bus-wallah from cutting in and the auto-hold activates, jerking me back and forcing me to think over what would happen if the bike-wallah behind me was a wee bit closer. No sir, I can hold the brake down just fine.

As I had mentioned before on this thread, I was drooling at the A4 website when this write up came up. I was very curious about the Auto hold feature and its utility in bumper to bumper traffic. Not surprised that both of you gave a thumbs down to the feature.

[autobahner]

Hello Friends,

A small teaser for what's about to come shortly.

[anekho]

Awesome! She looks gorgeous

Can we expect another great write up?

Powerful petrol and black interiors - you seem to be going against the crowd!

[PlatzdaTurbo]

Originally Posted by mokshe

Welcome to the A4 party brother. You have opted for the right engine my friend. Most of the Audi Petrols we see on the road are the 1.8, to my surprise the supply of 2.0 is a little inconsistent. Audi had launched this engine way back in 2008 end, but then pulled it back after some time and then relaunched it again! One does expect some level of exclusivity when you spend so much money and you do feel annoyed that your premium Audi shares the engine with a 12 Lac rupee Laura. I would feel the opposite if I end up buying the Laura though.

As far as the options are concerned, the reason we have more options in the 3.0/3.2 is because they are CBU. But they are stupendously priced anyways and the options really rocket up the price further. Plazas 3.0 has B&O and I am sure its one hell of a system. By the way, I really like the interior color. I opted for Black too, you will have less maintenance issues compared to the lighter colors.

@PlatzdaTurbo: Stick to your 17" alloys man, don't even think of upgrading unless you drive on carpeted roads. You have no idea how much can change with the possible upgrade you are talking about. In the A6 18" alloys are still understandable because of the softer set up. In the A4 you feel a lot of difference with the 16'' to the 17'', just imagine what will change with another upgrade. Besides this your father also drives the car and I am sure he does care for comfort in the car more than you.

Thanks for the advice man. Well yea an upgrade is on my mind but am in no sort of hurry. As its my dad's car, i will only upgrade to better ones (IF AT ALL) once he moves up to a bigger class. I have always been apprehensive about upgrading at times but then i see some 3.2 fsi with 18s and i am bowled away !
You have 5 spoke 18s on your baby is it ?

[mokshe]

Its my experience with big wheels that stopped me from going ahead. If you drive a 525i (E60) you will feel its has a perfect stiffness for comfort and handling. On the other hand if you drive the 530i (E60) you will notice that it is too stiff to be even called a luxury saloon. Anyways the 17" makes the suspension feel quite stiff in the A4. You can imagine after the upgrade.

Now here, I am not trying to discourage anyone to go for big alloys at all. They do look fabulous and does add over to the drool factor, but make sure you have the habit of being too gentle over potholes and cracks. I think you cannot ask your father to do that, but probably you can.

[mdsaab]

Enjoyed reading your long drive report. That was one close call with the boss. Some smart thinking there on slaves part, and you got the best of both worlds. In mumbai even slaves are better off than the rest of us in india. THEY DRIVE AUDI'S!
she looks gorgeous in the teaser pic, waiting to hear more. Drive safe