Latest entry-level A4 is cheaper than equivalent 3 Series, but BMW has edge on running costs

THE first shots have been fired in the battle between the revised Audi A4 and new BMW 3 Series, with the announcement of prices for the two cars.

And Audi is set to take the lead, revealing that its car will start at less than L24,000. That undercuts BMW‘s entry- level 316d ES by at least L880.

It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to buy a sub- L24,000 model until early next year – when the new 3 Series goes on sale. Until then, the cheapest A4 available will be the 170bhp 1.8-litre TFSI, which costs L25,240. BMW is strong in the middle of the range, where its driver-orientated cars look excellent value for money compared to the quattro- equipped A4s.

The sporty 184bhp 320d SE, for example, will cost L28,930, while an A4 2.0-litre TDI with 175bhp is L29,120.

And BMW looks a better bet for running costs, too. At launch, the most efficient 3 Series will be the L28,080 320d ED. This has 163bhp, but delivers 68.9mpg fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 109g/km. In contrast, Audi‘s eco special, the 134bhp 2.0-litre
TDIe is cheaper at L26,555, but it’s less powerful and only offers 65.7mpg and 112g/km.

A top-spec A4 3.0 TDI with a seven-speed S tronic gearbox will cost L34,600, while Avant estates carry a premium of around L1,000 over A4 saloons.

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