Caught in the classifieds: 2016 Audi A4 S Line Quattro 2.0 TFSi

In this week’s “Caught In The Classifieds” we spotted a 2016 Audi A4 S Line Quattro 2.0 TFSi 250 bhp automatic advertised on the DesperateSeller.co.uk website. It only had one previous owner, 20k miles on the clock and judging by the pictures was in immaculate condition. However, the best thing about this car was undoubtedly the asking price of just £17,000! Here’s why we think this car is excellent value for money.

The Audi A4 is one of Audi’s most popular and profitable models to date, and for good reason. For nearly two decades it’s been the safest choice for buyers who are after a practical yet fun saloon/estate, not to mention extremely economical. It’s one of the most spacious cars in its class, and with the Quattro four-wheel drive system equipped, one of the safest too. In 2016 Audi decided to launch an all-new generation of the A4, called the B9. They decided to go all out and completely redesign the car from the ground up, with new styling, a more luxurious interior, and even more dynamic prowess. The B9 is some 265 lbs. (120 kg) lighter than the outgoing B8 generation car. That’s a remarkable achievement, but there’s more to the Audi A4 than lightness.

Exterior
The A4 is one of the sharpest-looking cars you can buy. It’s always been a great-looking car, but with the B9, Audi knocked it out of the park. The Mercedes Benz C Class looks straight up sedated by comparison, and you have to work your way up to an M3 to get the BMW looking anywhere as aggressive as the Audi. The B9 A4 is beautiful even in standard trim, but if you want the most handsome saloon outside an RS4, S-line trim variants fit the bill nicely.

The B9 promoted Audi’s design language and showcased where the company intended to take the brand in the future. It was an overnight success, building upon all previous eight generations’ success and heritage. It’s not a radical deviation from what Audi usually makes, but it’s different enough to make it immediately distinguishable. The B8 received a facelift in 2012, but very few people noticed or cared, because the differences weren’t massive. They are with the B9 though.

The front is dominated by a large grille, spanning from the bottom of the bonnet all the way to the lower portion of the bumper. There’s a big Audi logo in the middle, which comes as a surprise to no one. They’ve made the headlights sharper, cutting off a section near the bottom to create an upside-down, inverted ‘L’ shape. They not only look great but work amazingly well too. The cutoff from the LEDs is razor-sharp and the actual luminosity (how bright they are) is pretty stout.

The back is a similar affair, but it’s much less angry than it is in the front. S-line trims get a nice bumper to make the A4 look sportier, and quicker models equipped with bigger engines even get dual exhaust setups (more on that in a bit). Overall, it’s an amazing looking vehicle. Lots of people choose the A4 based on looks alone, and who can blame them?

Interior
Here’s where the Audi really shines and overshadows both the Mercedes and the BMW. For generations the rule went as follows: the Audi is the nicest place to spend time in, the Mercedes is the most luxurious, but the BMW is the most fun to drive. Well, the first part is true, but Audi completely dominated the interior department back in 2016 when the B9 came out. For starters, the build quality and the materials used are something both the BMW and the Mercedes can only dream of. Everything you see and touch feels expensive, and nothing rattles or squeaks even today, four years after the cars first came out.

Then we get to the steering wheel which is the perfect size and shape. BMW’s M-Package steering wheel is probably slightly better when it comes to sporty driving, but ultimately, the wheel in the Audi feels more expensive. One option I’d definitely look for is Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit, which combines all of the information, along with a map and the navigation, on the screen behind the steering wheel. The MMI system is a joy to use and it’s miles faster and better than anything the other German offerings had at the time. The Virtual Cockpit looks cool because you can minimize the speedo and the rev counter and put the giant map on to impress your friends, but it’s not a deal-breaker if you can’t find a car that has it.

Elsewhere, it’s usual Audi, which means plenty of space in the second row of seats and a massive boot (bigger than the others). Sales between saloon and estate are split about even, but I think the estate looks cooler and it can squeeze in that little bit more luggage in the back. Ultimately, it’s down to personal preference as they’re both amazing.

Engine and performance
The engines are a carryover from the past generation with some minor modifications, so you’re all probably well familiar with them by now. The most popular choice in Europe and the UK is the frugal 2.0-liter diesel which comes in several variations with different amounts of horsepower. There’s also a V6 diesel in the mix, as well as an inline-four petrol and a V6 petrol. Ultimately, you’ll end up going the 2.0-liter diesel route because let’s be honest, it’s the most efficient and more than plenty fast enough for UK roads.

The B9 A4 is better to drive than the last A4 thanks to its diet, but it’s still not the sportiest proposition. I’d say it’s a tie between the C-Class and the A4, but the 3-Series ekes out both. In all honesty though, no one buys one of these cars to push them to the absolute limit, and in terms of driver involvement and experience, the A4 gives off the perfect blend. It’s enjoyable when you want it to be and mundane when you’re just pootling around, which is what you want really.

Why you should consider one
For just £17,000 you’re getting a car that’s still one of the best, if not the best car in its respective segment. The A4 really does speak for itself. It’s more efficient and more practical than the equivalent BMW or the Mercedes, and it’s cheaper to run too because it’s a VAG product. Go ahead and buy one if you’re on the fence about it, you won’t regret it. There’s no better place to find used Audi A4 cars for sale than on DesperateSeller.co.uk.