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
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.
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.
