Considering the 1.4 A4

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paulhib

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Hi guys, I'm considering the petrol 1.4. Not doing the sort of millege to justify diesel.

Good lease deals on the sport at the moment. Or should I go higher to the 2.0?

Thoughts please.

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It depends upon what roads you drive the car on and your expectations. The 1.4 is a fantastic engine in the a3, I owned one, not driven it in the A4 but I get the feeling the size of that car will dull it down a bit but I am sure those owners can say more. The 2.0l engine is well suited to the A4 though and has more than enough power on tap for all driving conditions. It is quiet, refined and has reasonable mpg on a run.
 
I would also be interested to hear views on this as I have the same dilemma.

I have a nagging doubt that a 1.4 engine just isn't quite enough for a car the size of the B9 A4. I know that it's a highly rated engine within the VW group but somehow the thought of a long motorway journey doesn't appeal. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has real world experience of the 1.4 and also anyone who has driven the 2.0 litre as well and whether it's worth the extra. 2 litre models seem quite rare on the Audi used car locator, certainly in manual form, which either means they haven't sold many or those that have them don't want to part with them! There are however plenty of nearly new 1.4 models and surely they can't all be ex-demonstrator models?

Having said that it's interesting to see that the MY18 changes are introducing S Line spec to the 1.4 engine range and so there must be a demand for it and leasing deals may be quite attractive because S line models will possibly have better residuals and it may not cost that much more on the monthly lease rate?
 
I have now completed over 16,000 miles in my 1.4 TFSI Avant. Coming from years of diesel ownership torque is of course grieved for. Speed however is not bad, motorway cruising is remarkably good and very quiet. It seems to have a sweet spot of pull up to the kind of speeds that will loose your license quite easily. Overall I would score the 1.4 TFSI engine in the A4 as just enough, but certainly no more.

Economy, motorway journeys I regularly achieve early 50's at speeds up to 70mph, though fuel economy at 80mph (for when you are in France obviously) drops a good bit. These days my driving is as much school runs versus the commutes to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth so overall economy is early to mid 40's. I've driven this to Cornwall and back, it was perfectly adequate for this. The big miss though in the UK is the S-Tronic Gearbox, dissapointingly it's only available with this combination elsewhere on the planet.

If you are needing a bit more thrill or want a semi-automatic then 2.0 TFSI is the one to go for. I chose the 1.4 TFSI due to diesel emissions and air quality issues, the good MPG v Death arguments. It's certainly a good engine choice for many!
 
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I can only concur with firebits after over 12 years of diesels, last one being a VAG 140 bhp 2.0TDI. 1.4 is definitely a sweet engine and due to the lighter weight of the A4 B9 has enough torque. Now run in I am using it like a diesel and rarely go over 3,000rpm mostly using 1,500-2,500. It pulls great and as stated it is smooth and refined and for my running averaging 41 MPG. I also chose the 1.4 TFSI due to diesel emissions and air quality issues and can say I will never go back. Hope this helps.
 
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My experience is identical to cuke2's. I had the 1.4 tfsi cod in an A3 and it really was a superb engine. When I decided to move up to the A4 I didn't want to risk having an underpowered car as I have had that in the distant past and it's so frustrating. 150hp ought to be sufficient to haul the B9 along respectably, but I wanted a power unit that would do it with ease and with a bit to spare and the 2 litre 190hp certainly does that. I don't think you'd be disappointed with the 1.4, but when you are spending getting on for £30K, you don't want to compromise on something as fundamental as power output.
 
wideboybloke said:
I don't think you'd be disappointed with the 1.4, but when you are spending getting on for £30K, you don't want to compromise on something as fundamental as power output.
Click to expand...

Ah but the OP is looking to lease and I suspect the 1.4 is a fair bit cheaper on a lease than the 2.0.
 
I really feel you will not be disappointed if you opt for the 1.4, please try and get a test drive in a1.4 with 2 or 3K on the clock.
 
Thanks guys. The A4 1.4 is much cheaper on lease deals giving me more room to add some option without hiking up the monthly budget. I'm coming from a Seat Leon diesel st estate with the 184bhp unit. However I am looking for a nicer quality built car on a 2yr lease as my millege has dropped quite a bit, so not many visits to the motorways, hence the idea of the petrol option. More dual carriageway and town centre runs! Got at test drive tomorrow in a se spec. Shame no sport or 2.0 available to test. Lease deals on the 2.0 is considerably higher and I've only found 5 reasonable deals.

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paulhib said:
Thanks guys. The A4 1.4 is much cheaper on lease deals giving me more room to add some option without hiking up the monthly budget. I'm coming from a Seat Leon diesel st estate with the 184bhp unit. However I am looking for a nicer quality built car on a 2yr lease as my millege has dropped quite a bit, so not many visits to the motorways, hence the idea of the petrol option. More dual carriageway and town centre runs! Got at test drive tomorrow in a se spec. Shame no sport or 2.0 available to test. Lease deals on the 2.0 is considerably higher and I've only found 5 reasonable deals.

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Nothing wrong with `SE`
Mind you...I'm a tad biased!
 
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I made the mistake of buying a small engined A3 three years back ,trying to convince myself i didnt need the power etc.However i wouldnt make the same mistake again,personally i wouldnt take the 1.4 .I went for the 2.0 stronic and glad i did.Excellent fuel economy (at least for my motoring needs)
very quiet ,smooth and plenty power when required.
I found the smaller capacity 1.0 /1.2 to sound a bit" hair dryer" like. I would go for the 2.0.
However on saying that ,in the future i may consider the awaited Q3 1.5 with ,i think 160 bhp?
 
There are some fantastic lease offers on all A4 trims at the moment, I've just gone for the 2.0 TFSI S Line S Tronic for £245+VAT pm on a 6+23 6k lease (options: metallic paint and alloy upgrade). That is an awesome price for that car, having been looking at lease prices on it for the past 6+ months. The 1.4 TFSI was about £190+VAT pm on a 6+23 for the Sport and manual, it's a great deal as well but £55+VAT pm extra for the 2.0, S Line, S Tronic and options was absolutely irresistible.

One thing I will say is email / call your local Audi dealer to price match any lease offer you find online. The nice chaps at Audi Worthing price matched Fleet Prices without any hassle, and recently did so with my wife's A4 order as well. Much better to be dealing direct with Audi and cutting out the middleman.
 
So the test drive went well. I'm really surprised with the 1.4. Has enough pull I think, well it didn't struggle or feel harsh or underpowered. Really more refined and much quieter in general compared to my diesel Leon st. Quality wise, big step up! Would I love a 2.0 petrol.. yeah I think for the sprint from 0-60. However I'm getting on in age and past my boy racer days, so more of a cruiser these days! Virtual cockpit is amazing but it's out of the budget. So now pricing a lease for 1.4 A4 sport with maintenance, tyres. Few options but not much as the cost of the lease will rocket. Audi dealership is trying to find me a 2.0, but might have to be a test drive in a A3 as the salesman said they don't sell to many..

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All good to hear, I am 62 this year and still enjoy a more 'spirited' drive when I get the chance to, however the 2.0l can be driven quite lazily because of its torque. If you want you can always put a tuning box on the 1.4, if you end up with one, that'll liven things up a bit. However if the costs of A4 aren't too far off the A3 then you'd be better off with the former as there is more car for your money. At least that's what I found at the time I was looking around...
 
paulhib said:
So the test drive went well. I'm really surprised with the 1.4. Has enough pull I think, well it didn't struggle or feel harsh or underpowered. Really more refined and much quieter in general compared to my diesel Leon st. Quality wise, big step up! Would I love a 2.0 petrol.. yeah I think for the sprint from 0-60. However I'm getting on in age and past my boy racer days, so more of a cruiser these days! Virtual cockpit is amazing but it's out of the budget. So now pricing a lease for 1.4 A4 sport with maintenance, tyres. Few options but not much as the cost of the lease will rocket. Audi dealership is trying to find me a 2.0, but might have to be a test drive in a A3 as the salesman said they don't sell to many..

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Click to expand...
If you indicate where you are, perhaps someone with a 2.0 would give you a spin.
 
cuke2u said:
All good to hear, I am 62 this year and still enjoy a more 'spirited' drive when I get the chance to, however the 2.0l can be driven quite lazily because of its torque. If you want you good always put a tuning box on the 1.4, if you end up with one that'll liven things up a bit. However if the costs of A4 aren't too far off the A3 then you'd be better off with the former as there is more car for your money. At least that's what I found at the time I was looking around...
Click to expand...
Bet you're using a phone, cuke2u!
 
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Lol well I live in Northampton, pretty central. Hopefully the dealership can sort it out. I think one of the most difficult decisions will be what colour!

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Turned off, any mistakes are due to my silly and clumsy fingers, did I make any as I usually go back and correct them. Plus my pain relief is making me a bit 'wacky' today after washing one car and mowing the lawn, unfortunately I suffer for my art being the age that I am...
 
Last edited:
So dealer called. Not got an example 2.0. Never mind, I've decided to go for a leased 1.4 A4 in Sport trim. Couldn't go mad with the options but mpaint, extended led, hill start and luggage pack with maintenance, service and tyres under my budget. Hopefully August. Can't wait lol

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I have had the 1.4 avant sport for 8 months now. And the power is perfect for every day driving. Very smooth and quiet with enough poke in 2nd gear for most things.
I came from a 1.9 vw bora 130 and you definately miss the torque with this car but you just need to get used to changing down a gear or 2 when over taking.
I got a amazing lease deals on mine 9+23 10k for only £139+vat.
I think I would go for the tdi next time as I was used to getting high 40s town driving and high 50s dual carriage way in my bora but I am getting only around 34mpg in my a4.
 
You could hardly expect the same mpg from a bigger car though. The Bora is based on the Golf isn't it and is your A4 a manual or stronic gearbox?
 
paulhib glad to see you have decided and I don't think you will be disappointed by the 1.4. Keep us posted when you get it mate.
 
Will do guys. I was trying to stop myself adding too many options. The wireless phone box and virtual cockpit would of been nice, but I can live without them. Maybe they'll be standard next time my lease is up!

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I knew it would be worse than my bora but didn't realise it would be that much worse!
Well the audi is actually lighter and I'm sure more aerodynamic than the bora. also the combined mpg rating was supposed to be better on the audi.
Don't get me wrong it's a lovely motor to drive but in all honesty I think I prefered how the diesel engine and gearbox of my bora performed.
The Audi is a manual. The 1.4t does not come in automatic guise.
 
holly35 said:
I made the mistake of buying a small engined A3 three years back ,trying to convince myself i didnt need the power etc.However i wouldnt make the same mistake again,personally i wouldnt take the 1.4 .I went for the 2.0 stronic and glad i did.Excellent fuel economy (at least for my motoring needs)
very quiet ,smooth and plenty power when required.
I found the smaller capacity 1.0 /1.2 to sound a bit" hair dryer" like. I would go for the 2.0.
However on saying that ,in the future i may consider the awaited Q3 1.5 with ,i think 160 bhp?
Click to expand...

In basic form it is quite a lively unit, I fitted a DTUK unit which gave me around 25bhp increase and improved mpg/ torque




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Something to consider although technically I'm not allowed to add something like that on a lease!

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paulhib said:
Something to consider although technically I'm not allowed to add something like that on a lease!

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Should be able to fit, it can be removed very easily or isolated: ie leave loom in and remove the module. ..
 
a1dmo1 said:
I knew it would be worse than my bora but didn't realise it would be that much worse!
Well the audi is actually lighter and I'm sure more aerodynamic than the bora. also the combined mpg rating was supposed to be better on the audi.
Don't get me wrong it's a lovely motor to drive but in all honesty I think I prefered how the diesel engine and gearbox of my bora performed.
The Audi is a manual. The 1.4t does not come in automatic guise.
Click to expand...
Automatic is now an option for the MY18 model year
 
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So from order how long should I wait until I get an official order number that I can track on Audi. Being a lease will that be any different?

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Great so basically I'm now having to pay £5 more a month more because of the dealer not taking into consideration the price increases across the Audi range. Was going to tell them no. However they are waiving the document fee so technically I'm up £65

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A result I guess, whether you can track the car or not might depend if you can get the order number directly from Audi or if the leasing company will release it to you...
 
I'd go for the 2.0 just for the rear looks!

1 pipe on the 1.4 and 2 pipes on the 2.0

1
2
 
To late I've ordered the 1.4! Went for the colour black. Was toying between either white, black, red. Nice car mind, I'm sure I'll be happy with mine when it arrives later this year!

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Whilst I agree it looks far sportier and good looking to have two pipes, and I guess it has some bragging rights too, however you can't see them from the drivers seat. Having come from a car ownership where exhaust pipes didn't matter it probably isn't a deal breaker. Plus there are those of us who then get totally obsessed with keeping them clean...
 
You can't see the pipes from the driver's seat, true enough, but to anybody following you they suggest that there's something serious under the bonnet! (Which there is, of course)
 
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