Mid-life refresh + C Class update

[DohNut]

Anyone know when it’s due? Having just ordered and what with Geneva about a month away, I’d be rather annoyed if Audi showcased a refreshed A4. Have to admit I didn’t do my homework here.

Also what are your thoughts on the c-class update? Think I prefer the new (subtle) changes to the exterior over the old styling but the interior has left me a bit ‘meh’. The new digital dials (like BMW’s) seem miles away from Audi’s VC.

 

[Nickfrog]

I hear the facelift will have heated pedals.

 

[DohNut]

Muppet.

Literally - judging by your avatar.

 

[Syed Shah]

C class update wasn't all that great tbh. Heard the mercs infotainment is no good so unless you're used to it won't be a great deal? I've heard A4 facelift is scheduled for 2019

 

[SMI77]

Also what are your thoughts on the c-class update?

https://www.goauto.com.au/future-mo...rcedes-c-class-surfaces/2018-02-14/69736.html
Drove a C43 when looking at the S4. Merc would have to seriously up the quality & finish inside and have mild-hybrid ICE, & would still lose out.

 

[DohNut]

I did go and look at one a while back and although I quite liked it seemed small inside. Especially in the rear where the rear wheel arches intrude into bench making the actual bench width quite narrow.

 

[SRB93]

I can't see Audi making any changes this year as they are implementing the platform and interior into a few cars. Most likely to see the new A6, A7, Q3, Q8 in 2018.

 

[Jsmills]

Whatever you do don’t make the mistake of buying a c class.... I was dragged in with it’s goood looks 2 and a half years ago. Needless to say beauty is skin deep with Mercedes. I could literally write all day about it’s issues but I’ll summerise.

Build isn’t perfect, neither is quality or reliability, infotainment is old, doesn’t register users to keys, 3 zone climate means it has an air vent in the back and worst of all it eats tyres and needs servicing every year at silly prices. Mine goes in tomorrow for it’s 3rd service. £700

I’d put money on A4 facelift mid next year.

 

[DohNut]

I can't see Audi making any changes this year as they are implementing the platform and interior into a few cars. Most likely to see the new A6, A7, Q3, Q8 in 2018.

A7 already released to the press at least and I'm expecting the new A6 to debut at Geneva.

 

[SRB93]

A7 already released to the press at least and I'm expecting the new A6 to debut at Geneva.

Yes, the "press". Geneva Motor show being also open to the public, It'll be there.

 

[cuke2u]

Well if audi can produce a completely new a4 that to the uninitiated doesn't look much different to the old one there isn't much hope for a facelifted version to change things.
There will always be a newer version of whatever you buy, be happy with what you've got...

 

[Nickfrog]

Muppet.

Literally - judging by your avatar.

That was quite funny. Frogs have cold blood I think so probably not very sensitive to limited exposure to cold...like most blokes I guess ;-)

 

[Fozzie1960]

https://drivemag.com/news/facelifte...ill-get-major-styling-makeover-to-boost-sales

 

[SimonAshley]

https://drivemag.com/news/facelifte...ill-get-major-styling-makeover-to-boost-sales

The images used look like the new A6!
Think they will release the new A6 hybrid and possible the (R)S7 that's supposed to be hybrid too!

 

[SMI77]

Merc-AMG C43 sedan/estate - larger twin-turbos (+17kw/23hp) facelift in Aust. Q3 '18.
Note not a C53 part-hybrid.
https://www.goauto.com.au/future-mo...uts-c43-4matic-facelift/2018-03-06/70360.html

 

[SRB93]

Merc-AMG C43 sedan/estate - larger twin-turbos (+17kw/23hp) facelift in Aust. Q3 '18.
Note not a C53 part-hybrid.
https://www.goauto.com.au/future-mo...uts-c43-4matic-facelift/2018-03-06/70360.html

What are they doing with the Exhaust pipes.... same on the CLS 53,

 

[blackb9er]

Well if audi can produce a completely new a4 that to the uninitiated doesn't look much different to the old one there isn't much hope for a facelifted version to change things.
There will always be a newer version of whatever you buy, be happy with what you've got...

I think the design will be pretty similar but they'll change the interior probably adding that second touch sreeen that were seeing in these new A6 upwards which i hope isnt the case. I love my tech but i dont think Audi needed to replace the rotary dial with another screen. it's a ballache in other cars trying to adjust the climate control on a screen.

 

[wideboybloke]

Whatever you do don’t make the mistake of buying a c class.... I was dragged in with it’s goood looks 2 and a half years ago. Needless to say beauty is skin deep with Mercedes. I could literally write all day about it’s issues but I’ll summerise.

Build isn’t perfect, neither is quality or reliability, infotainment is old, doesn’t register users to keys, 3 zone climate means it has an air vent in the back and worst of all it eats tyres and needs servicing every year at silly prices. Mine goes in tomorrow for it’s 3rd service. £700

I’d put money on A4 facelift mid next year.

Very interested to read your experience with the C class. I have toyed with the idea of a C class estate for a number of years, firstly because I wouldn’t mind a different make for a change (currently on my 3rd consecutive Audi) and secondly because...well, it’s a Merc innit. The reviews I read were generally favourable, but more than one said that the petrol engines are not particularly refined which put me off. Another minus was the fact that my boss had an SLK and it was certainly not free of faults and she had a devil of a job getting it booked in whenever it needed attention. Not to say that my experience would be the same, but it kinda puts you off. Then the B9 A4 came out while I was wavering and when I discovered there was a 2 litre tfsi in the engine range and the discounts on offer, I canned the Merc idea. Seems I may have saved myself a bit of disappointment - I certainly love the A4

 

[cuke2u]

Forgot to say there is already a thread about the a4 facelift here http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/audi-a4-b9-facelift-expected-for-2019.340378/ and I couldn't give a ff about the c-class at all...
The 2019 a4 is expected to have two touch screens inside such as the a6/a7a8 have...

 

[DohNut]

Personally I'm not a fan of the new style interiors we are now seeing from Audi. The A8, 7 and 6 style interiors all look a bit too sparse (plain even) to me. Was looking around an A8 in the showroom a few weeks ago whilst waiting for a sales rep and was left totally underwhelmed.

 

[cuke2u]

It's not a looker for sure, but then we know big Audi saloon's tend not to be. If we were concerned about that then we wouldn't buy an A4 however I am looking forward to some of the technology coming to the facelift, if it indeed does...

 

[SPIKE_]

I'm quite liking the revised lights...really makes it look a lot sharper. It will still be a late spring/early summer 2019 UK launch for it. Still bit of a wait yet.

 

[SMI77]

At least Merc are attempting to partially hide that ridiculous screen that sticks out like a sore thumb.
Another C43 feature, I really warmed to, are you listening Audi AG, is the auto shift, just D/N/R, being actually a column stalk, with the 'sport' etc. buttons located in the console. In reality, less cluttering and much better ergonomics. In this day, why does the gearshift have to be in the console? The mid-60's Chrysler Valiant, had the auto shift as a series of buttons on the dash, rhs of the steering wheel. So much for technological advancement.
The S4 set-up is s-o-o antiquated and un-user friendly.

 

[Jsmills]

The flip side of Mercedes having the stalk on the steering wheel (which I’m a fan of) is the front wiper / wash, rear wiper / wash, indicators and headlight flash & main beam are all on 1 stalk. (Which I’m not a fan of)

It also means the wiper function is on the left of the wheel not the right that most cars are... just takes a bit of time to adjust.

 

[DohNut]

I quite like the way the shifter in the A4 doubles as a wrist rest when using the rotary. Also think it looks great and is a nice piece of design.

My personal fave is the Jaguar/Land Rover dial that rises electronically from the centre console.

 

[Skatman]

Whatever you do don’t make the mistake of buying a c class.... I was dragged in with it’s goood looks 2 and a half years ago. Needless to say beauty is skin deep with Mercedes. I could literally write all day about it’s issues but I’ll summerise.

Build isn’t perfect, neither is quality or reliability, infotainment is old, doesn’t register users to keys, 3 zone climate means it has an air vent in the back and worst of all it eats tyres and needs servicing every year at silly prices. Mine goes in tomorrow for it’s 3rd service. £700

I’d put money on A4 facelift mid next year.

+1

Great looking cars and the Art Deco interior is nice initially, but my word it is boring to drive.

 

[SMI77]

The flip side of Mercedes having the stalk on the steering wheel (which I’m a fan of) is the front wiper / wash, rear wiper / wash, indicators and headlight flash & main beam are all on 1 stalk. (Which I’m not a fan of)
It also means the wiper function is on the left of the wheel not the right that most cars are... just takes a bit of time to adjust.

Are you positive the wipers & lights are on 1 stalk??? I don't think so, 'cos rhd vehicles normally have the lights stalk on rhs with wash/wiper on the left. Thinking about that, in Oz, most of our imports are from rhd Japan/Korea, where UK imports may largely come from Europe. Anyhow, being used to rhd, when I test drove the C43 I think I hit the wipers more than the indicators.

 

[Jsmills]

Positive, just clocked 55k miles in mine it’s not the “normal” layout, the gearstick is on right side, wipers lights cruise on left.

 

[SMI77]

OK. corrected.

 

[cuke2u]

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a4-b9-platform-discussion-212/audi-a4-best-mercedes-owner-2944429/