psychoscot has a point about the gearing. First is tiny and a bit frustrating. Though I have got used to it. I would disagree about 2nd. Once the engine is warm, it’s more than up to the task. And (as I’ve noted before) there’s some fun to be had at the top end (when taking into account the engine size and size of car). I can’t see how anyone could complain about 3-6th. They are well set up for a mix of power and efficiency.
In general, the engine is more than enough for urban, suburban and intercity driving. Especially when you learn how to get the best from it.
I have to say, if I still lived in central London, personally, I’d never have considered a manual in the first place. It’s kind of self evident that an automatic is going to make your life easier. Each to their own...
I do still live in a city but it’s nothing like central London and so have plenty of opportunity to get away from stop start traffic. It means changing gears isn’t onerous (I like having a manual). And I’ve got an average of 43mpg since taking ownership (3,500 miles). Which I think is excellent for a car as large and as solidly built as the A4.
Really, I t comes down to finances. I paid around £15k for a 16 avant with 9 months of warranty. I was always going to get a petrol engine and always going to get an estate. Similar priced cars were golf estates, Leon estates and for focus estates. For me, the A4 was head and shoulders above them all of them. I regret nothing about the purchase.
Would a larger engine be nice? Yes.
Do I mind the engine size? Not at all.
Would I recommend the 1.4 A4 in the £15k budget range? Without a shadow of a doubt.
But if you don’t like changing gears, get an automatic. Innit.
