Skip advert
Advertisement

2020 Audi A4 review - MPG and running costs

Still not the driver’s car of the class, but the A4 is strong in all other areas

Evo rating
  • Refined, well built, competitive engines, S4’s strong performance
  • Rivals are more entertaining, messy styling details

MPG and running costs

With specifications for the 30 TDI and 35 TDI yet to drop – likely the A4’s most frugal models – it falls to the 40 TDI to uphold that honour, with an official combined fuel economy figure of 48.7mpg on 18-inch wheels, and 45.6mpg on 19-inch wheels. Given that’s also with an S-tronic transmission and all-wheel drive, it’s likely you’ll see more from the diesels below it in the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re thinking those numbers also sound a little low compared to previous A4 TDIs, then remember too that manufacturers now quote WLTP economy, rather than the old NEDC figures. Essentially, the new tests are more thorough and more accurately reflect real-world driving, so bank on those mid-to-high 40s being relatively achievable day-to-day.

The same goes for the numbers quoted of the 35 and 40 TFSIs – as frugal as 42.8mpg for the 35 with 17-inch wheels and the dual-clutch ’box, or 42.2mpg for the 40 TFSI in Sport trim on 18-inch wheels. Avant models are just a touch thirstier.

Then there’s the S4, which manages 40.9mpg combined as a saloon or 39.8mpg combined in Avant form – not bad at all for cars which reach 62mph in under five seconds.

CO2 is a corresponding 164g/km and 166g/km for the S4 saloon and Avant, while the regular models are better still. Lowest are actually the basic 35 TFSI petrols, emitting as little as 126g/km, though again, you’d be best off waiting for the 30 TDI, which will emit 101g/km at its lowest, with low tax rates the side-benefit of that.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Skoda Superb Fast Fleet test – 16,000 miles in the GTI-powered estate
evo Fast Fleet Skoda Superb
Long term tests

Skoda Superb Fast Fleet test – 16,000 miles in the GTI-powered estate

After 11 months and over 16,000 miles, did the Superb estate prove to be the best Skoda long-termer we’ve run so far?
10 Oct 2024
Best fast family cars – the best fun everyday drivers
Best fast family cars
Best cars

Best fast family cars – the best fun everyday drivers

A family car doesn’t need to be dull – some of our favourite performance models deliver the thrills of a purpose-built sports car
10 Oct 2024
Alpine A110 R Ultime revealed – France’s answer to the Cayman GT4 RS
Alpine A110 Ultimae front
News

Alpine A110 R Ultime revealed – France’s answer to the Cayman GT4 RS

More power, more aero, more money; the limited edition A110 R Ultime makes its debut at the Paris Auto Salon.
14 Oct 2024