[KT_F31_EBII]

I will definitely miss the RWD but the current 330i touring is not that exciting, love the M3 and 4 GC, but i need the boot for work and the technology is dated compared to Audi.

i will have my bimmer for another few months (hope to arrive in late june and see whether i can squeeze further for their Quattro EOFY promotion like last year...). The only problem for me is the limited choice of colour, i personally like the Nardo Grey used in the RS cars but this solid grey colour costs $7k inc Duty, GST and LCT, too costly. They just don't have any sporty colour. Too conservative for the A4 line up, even less choice for S4. Only problem is all the bright and interesting colours are reserved for Q2 and A3/S3...

Will keep you posted for the birth of my four rings. I will miss my Blue Samurai Estoril Blue

[KT_F31_EBII]

sad news, i am going to place the order of B9 A4 AVANT 2.0 Quattro this weekend at Audi Sydney.

the dealer offers me at this point 15% off with fully loaded options for 90k
S Sport package with 19" RS V wheels, Virtual Cockpit, HUD, panorama sunroof, matrix-LED, heated front seat, fine nappa seat, oak inlay, adaptive sports suspension, B&O, black trim, extended ambient lighting, parking package and assistance package)

just need to choose the exterior colour: stock option for me will be scuba blue or daytona grey. Otherwise i will go for exclusive colour for Sprint or Nogaro for blue option, or Nimbus, Nardo or Arrow for grey. I prefer the lighter colour, just getting too bored with the standard options.

[BOSSCR]

I like the Nardo Grey. Can you get that colour on a non-RS car?

[KT_F31_EBII]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

I like the Nardo Grey. Can you get that colour on a non-RS car?

You can order Audi exclusive colour from either their current exclusive calendar (they have a dedicated exclusive paint folder with real paint). Nardo grey is not on the calendar but Audi sydney is checking with factory in Germany whether it can be painted. Nogaro blue is on the catalogue and is a stunning blue colour. The price is $6000 AUD, STANDARD METALLIC PAINT IS $1420, you can negotiate during the deal, I ended up paying only $3500 including on road cost and taxes for exclusive, so just ~$1500 more.

Nardo grey is the hottest colour in Audi for a long while. Look extremely good with black panels

[KT_F31_EBII]

the new 4 series LCI finally catches up with the digital speedometer, like the colour change but i think the Audi Virtual cockpit is still more functional. Other than the minor exterior design update (just like all German brands) and the RWD driving pleasure, i can still justify my move to Audi A4 especially the discount they offered me (over $20k) with all almost all options ticked... i get more on the A4 than my 328i Touring for similar price.

[KT_F31_EBII]

Found my car on youtube!

someone in Sweden actually ordered the same spec except the interior lining and fine nappa seat in grey (mine configured to black and black and is a TFSI 2.0 Quattro).

Hi guys, just found the first Nogaro Blue A4 B9 AVANT on youtube in Sweden, this is exactly the same exterior i ordered. The interior mine will be in black nappa seat and black lining. Looks awesome and at long last i can see the real car. Can't wait for mine to arrive in August now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=P...&v=Gur2tXqLfeo

[KT_F31_EBII]

After 3.5 years with almost 60000 km, my F31 is still going strong with EBII

[ontheway]

Originally Posted by KT_F31_EBII

After 3.5 years with almost 60000 km, my F31 is still going strong with EBII

Did you get to see how the HUD works with the virtual cockpit?

I like the idea of the virtual cockpit but the future is surely a context sensitive HUD. I hardly ever look at the instrument binnacle. (exception being when I'm wearing my polarised sunnies - that is annoying...)

[chet82]

Congratulations , Post some PICS or Maybe Privately shared you-tube tour .

[KT_F31_EBII]

Originally Posted by ontheway

Did you get to see how the HUD works with the virtual cockpit?

I like the idea of the virtual cockpit but the future is surely a context sensitive HUD. I hardly ever look at the instrument binnacle. (exception being when I'm wearing my polarised sunnies - that is annoying...)

I briefly test driven the virtual cockpit with HUD on a4 sedan, it has certainly been improved over the BMW (was best on the market when f30/f31 released in 2012/3). The virtual cockpit is amazing and the MY18 BMW 3/4 series finally catch up with their version. The only downside for the Audi virtual cockpit is you don't get the option to customise the dial colour like the new 4 series lci or the awsome S/RS only central digital speedo in the centre.

In summary Audi is doing a good job and bring the industry towards digital cockpit.

[KT_F31_EBII]

Originally Posted by chet82

Congratulations , Post some PICS or Maybe Privately shared you-tube tour .

Hope I can get a side by side comparison photos next week when I pick up a loan A4 for the weekend test drive (free!). I don't have good video setup like those YouTuber from U.K. (Mr jww, seen through glass, shemee150, Supercars of London). So static review probably from me.

[KT_F31_EBII]

The transition period begins, signed off the final specification for the build at Audi Sydney.

Final Spec
A4 AVANT 2.0 TFSI Quattro S-Line
Colour: Audi Exclusive Nogaro Blue
Exterior Packages:
1. Audi S-Line Sport Package with 19" RS Wheels
2. High Gloss Black Styling Package
3. Assistance Package (traffic jam assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, etc)
4. Parking Assistance Package (360 camera, parallel and front/reverse perpendicular parking)
5. Panorama sunroof
6. Matrix LED
7. Adaptive Sport Suspension (lowered 20mm)
Standard full keyless entry and start, power tailgate, convenient opening for boot

Interior:
S-Line package with flat bottom steering wheel
Seat and trim: fine nappa seat in black with contrasting stitching, trim in alcantara, heated front seat
Audi Exclusive Extended Leather Package: Jet Grey Fine Nappa with Magnolia contrast stitching for Door handle, armrest
Audi Exclusive Extended Leather Package: Night Blue Fine Nappe with Magnolia contrast stitching centre control side panels
Blacking lining
Virtual Cockpit with HUD
Bang and Olfusen sound
Extended ambient lighting package

ETA: late August.

[KT_F31_EBII]

Youtube video: Audi A4 AVANT Nogaro Blue - same exterior package, different engine and inside from mine

[BOSSCR]

I like your style. For shits and giggles i test drove a VW Passat 206TSI last week. Unfortunately, having been spoilt by my F31 328i, I can't take that backwards step. There is a very real chance my next car will be very similar to the Audi you have ordered.

[KT_F31_EBII]

Originally Posted by BOSSCR

I like your style. For shits and giggles i test drove a VW Passat 206TSI last week. Unfortunately, having been spoilt by my F31 328i, I can't take that backwards step. There is a very real chance my next car will be very similar to the Audi you have ordered.

I think at the moment for the big 3 german teams, AUDI is the leading pack with all the technology and the extended options for Audi exclusive program. much better i think than BMW or MB. If you get the Audi, please get Quattro, coz FWD is really not my cup of tea and Audi A4 Quattro is bias towards to the RWD :-)

A4 Audi Exclusive Catalogue in German
https://www.audi.de/dam/nemo/models/...clusive_a4.pdf

Once got my car in August hope i can have a side-by-side shot with the F31 before farewell...

On the other hand, went in for my 60000 km service today and was advised to replace the complete rear brake and pad (1mm left and not shown on my service requirement on the NBT) $750 (apparently 20% off promo already applied at the moment). definitely trying to get my money before end of the term. Someone from BMW sydney must have read this blog! ;-)

[KT_F31_EBII]

9 June 2017 update: The new Audi A4 B9 Avant is finally in production since 6 June and i'm glad that Audi has changed my MY17 model to MY18 spec (nothing much changes TBH).

Have been given various demo cars for weekend drives including A4 Allroad and the new A5 Coupe. A5 is a gorgeous looking car but i think 4 series will drive better.

Can't wait august to see my Shogun arrives and farewell my F31 samurai.

[donR]

Just curious to know what are the main features the b9 has over an f31 330i that made you switch?

[KT_F31_EBII]

Originally Posted by donR

Just curious to know what are the main features the b9 has over an f31 330i that made you switch?

The main reason for the switch is the feature for value. The F30/31 LCI has improved the exterior but the interior is still dated compared to the new gen A4 B9. The interior has the best and latest technology compared to BMW and MB.

Also, F31 doesn't come with AWD and the amount of time i drive in country NSW definitely requires the better traction.

Finally, the extensive choice of Audi Exclusive Colour is much cheaper as i ordered the Nogaro Blue and nappa leather.

Yes i will miss the driving experience but at the current offer Audi is the best on the market.

[donR]

A friend of mine just bought the new A5 B9 sline quattro which I assume is similar to your A4 and it was very nice inside but I was surprised at the cost with all the extra options! I would have been tempted to spend a little more and get an S5 or S4.

[KT_F31_EBII]

Audi can do a big discount like my exclusive colour and interior. I got about 20% discount built-to-order. hope your friend has a big bargain discount.

yes Audi options are quite steep but BMW will be more expensive when you add all the options and package with similar spec to A4/A5. Only MB can be cheaper on their options (most of AU MB models have lots of standards). The only downside for the Audi is the turbo lag with hesitation to start from complete stop, but the current gen is much better than the last gen.

BTW, my A4 AVANT B9 (MY18) has arrived Port Kembla, and will be delivered in two weeks time. And sadly my F31 328i EBII will be returned to BMW Sydney this Friday.