Audi A4

Saloon and Estate (Avant) · 1994 to present

The Audi A4 has been a mainstay of the UK executive and family car market since it replaced the Audi 80 in 1994. Sold as a four-door saloon and a practical Avant estate, it has competed closely with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class across several generations, including the B5, B6, B7, B8, B9 and the facelifted B9. UK buyers have had access to a wide range of petrol and diesel engines over the years, with mild hybrid technology introduced on later B9 models and a plug-in hybrid TFSI e option offered in limited form. Trim levels have ranged from entry-level SE to sporty S line and Vorsprung specifications, with quattro four-wheel drive available on higher-powered versions. The A4 is valued in the used market for its solid build quality, comfortable interior and strong residual values, making it a popular choice for private buyers and company car drivers alike.

Body type

Saloon and Estate (Avant)

Years (UK)

1994 to present

Typical engine

2.0 TDI diesel or 2.0 TFSI petrol, available with manual or S tronic automatic transmission, front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive

Fuels available

4 options

Fuel and powertrain options

The Audi A4 is sold in the UK with the following powertrain options across its current and recent model years:

Petrol Diesel Mild hybrid Plug-in hybrid

Things to check at MOT

Below are common inspection items that owners and technicians often pay attention to on the Audi A4. These align with standard DVSA MOT criteria. Every individual vehicle is different, and the MOT history of a specific car can be checked on gov.uk using its registration plate.

Check for play or wear in front suspension control arms and bushes, a common A4 advisory point
Inspect the diesel particulate filter (DPF) warning light and check for excessive smoke on TDI models
Examine xenon or LED headlight alignment and condition, as these are costly to repair if faulty
Look for timing chain rattle on early TFSI petrol engines, particularly on cold start
Check the electronic parking brake operates correctly and the handbrake warning light extinguishes

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical MOT failure point on an Audi A4?

Suspension wear, worn tyres and lighting faults are common reasons for failure, but exact pass and fail data for any specific car should be checked on the official DVSA MOT history service.

Is the Audi A4 Avant estate available in the UK?

Yes, the Avant estate version has been sold alongside the saloon throughout the A4's time on the UK market, offering increased boot space for family or practical use.

Does the Audi A4 come with four-wheel drive in the UK?

Quattro four-wheel drive has been offered on various A4 models, particularly higher-powered petrol and diesel variants, though many UK cars are sold as front-wheel drive.

How can I check the mileage and history of a used Audi A4?

You can use a free vehicle check service alongside the gov.uk MOT history tool to review past mileage recordings, advisories and tax status before buying.

Run a free reg lookup on any A4

Enter any A4 registration on MotifyMe^® to see its MOT history, tax status, full vehicle details and an estimated valuation. Free, instant, and no account needed.

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