B8 A4 1.8T or 2.0T Multitronic.

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Gaz{M}

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I'm looking at a pre-owned A4 1.8T multitronic and also the 132kw 2.0t multitronic.

Can anyone comment on the multitroinc gearboxes in the new B8 Audi's. Have they finally fixed the unreliability issues? I know motorplan covers any faults, but I've already been through the hassle of 6 visits to Audi in a month with my previous A3.

Other than that, any owner comments on either car? The 1.8T was pretty quick, but the 2.0T was insane. I think it is worth about R25k more.
 
I hate multitronic, cvt gearboxes in general. Why audi still uses it is anyones guess. But still nicer than a manual if you sit in traffic a lot. But I think you better off with a manual if you gonna keep it past its warranty.
 
A4 2.0T

I have the 2010 B8 A4 2.0T Multitronic. All I can say is you will not regret it! I test drove the 1.8T and as you mention, the performance is very good..................but the 2.0T is a whole different sorry! :D

I beleive the fuel economy on the 1.8T is a fair bit higher than the 2.0T purely because of the smaller engine having to move that heavy body. I average 10l/100km in traffic and it drops down to about 6.8l/100km on the open road.

As for reliability, I've had no problems. I've only done 30 000km, so I doubt anything would have broken by now. The multitronic is fantastic though. Put it into sports mode and the car is a completely different beast. ;)

I honestly doubt you would have any regrets buying the 2.0T.
 
astro250 said:
I hate multitronic, cvt gearboxes in general. Why audi still uses it is anyones guess. But still nicer than a manual if you sit in traffic a lot. But I think you better off with a manual if you gonna keep it past its warranty.
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A CVT is, by far, the most efficient transmission in existence. Besides, any CVT worth its price will give you 6 or 7 'virtual' gears if you feel like playing around. Do note however that I'm not saying anything regarding reliability, but simple efficiency is enough reason for them to continue developing the concept.
 
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Thanks Thorin. Your fuel consumption figures are impressive. I think I need another test drive, especially on the freeway to get a proper comparison between the 2.

I am consistently hearing praise for the multitronic. I would love a DSG, but not prepared to pay R100k more just for the S-tronic quattro.
 
Gaz{M} said:
Thanks Thorin. Your fuel consumption figures are impressive. I think I need another test drive, especially on the freeway to get a proper comparison between the 2.

I am consistently hearing praise for the multitronic. I would love a DSG, but not prepared to pay R100k more just for the S-tronic quattro.
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The beauty of the multitronic is how it gives you so many driving style options. If you just cruising, I can 100% guarantee you; you will not know when the car is changing gears. If you in a hurry and you put your foot down, you have more than enough power and the changes are still very smooth. If you really need to move, then put it into sports mode and you WILL feel the changes along with the amazing power.

If I have any criticism, it would be the slight delay you experience when touching the accelerator to the car reacting. This is really a non-issue and your driving style adapts to this quickly.

Someone else on here has an A5 multi and also commented on how they would not go back to a manual after experiencing the multitronic gearbox.
 
Thorin said:
The beauty of the multitronic is how it gives you so many driving style options. If you just cruising, I can 100% guarantee you; you will not know when the car is changing gears. If you in a hurry and you put your foot down, you have more than enough power and the changes are still very smooth. If you really need to move, then put it into sports mode and you WILL feel the changes along with the amazing power.
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Just as a point of clarity: that's because there are no separate gears, and hence no gear changes, to feel. ;)
 
enigma243 said:
Just as a point of clarity: that's because there are no separate gears, and hence no gear changes, to feel. ;)
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I believe so! I'm not at all mechanical, but I've been told that the gears are actually "Programmed" to be there just to give you that feeling of the car changing gears. Obviously the more aggressive you are on the accelerator, the more obvious they make the "programmed" gear change.
 
Thorin said:
I believe so! I'm not at all mechanical, but I've been told that the gears are actually "Programmed" to be there just to give you that feeling of the car changing gears. Obviously the more aggressive you are on the accelerator, then more obvious they make the "programmed" gear change.
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Still not quite. If you slot it into manual, like I mentioned earlier, it will give you a bunch of fixed ratios - or gears - which are nothing more than artificially defined steps in an infinitely variable range. In normal driving the car simply matches the engine's revs to the power demand at any given moment. That's why, if you floor it in auto, the revs quickly rise to the engine's torque peak & then just stay there while your speed climbs. Conversely, when you're coasting the revs will drop whilst maintaining your speed.

Have a read on howstuffworks.com - it's a truly brilliant concept, but there are questions regarding long-term reliability.
 
I did notice the 'delay' between pressing the accelerator and the car responding. That was the only slightly disappointing aspect of the car for me.

But as you say, perhaps you get used to it anyway.

If we are honest, it would take us the same amount of time to declutch, select a lower gear, clutch out and then floor it.

Can you do any sort of quick takeoff using, say, the brake and revving it a bit so that when you release the brake, the car responds immediately? Or a rolling start? Or using the paddles to be at higher revs just before you floor it?
 
Gaz{M} said:
Can you do any sort of quick takeoff using, say, the brake and revving it a bit so that when you release the brake, the car responds immediately? Or a rolling start? Or using the paddles to be at higher revs just before you floor it?
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To be honest, I don't actually know what I do. You just adapt to it. If I had to guess, I probably anticipate the trafic light changing to green by watching when the other side turns red. I'm not a street racer type of guy, so it really is not an issue for me. Even with the slight delay, you still going to get away really quickly. I find you have to feather the accelerator, otherwise traction control takes over anyway.
 
I was in the exact same position about 2-3 weeks ago, and all I can say is I am super glad that I got the 2.0T. Actually only test drove the 1.8T, put down a deposit, until I found a 2.0T with less mileage, more power (obviously), bigger wheels (17") and for only 3 grand more (Sacrificed Sunroof).

In truth, although I didn't want to admit it at the time, I thought the 1.8T was a touch unexciting... Multitronic gearbox was a solid choice, I love the laziness when you want it, and the options it gives you when you are feeling frisky. There is the delay that is spoken of, but I reckon its about 0.3-0.5 of a second, and when it kicks in the tyres light up. You get used to it, but it makes you look like a **** in traffic for the first few days (Jumpy car).
 
Drove the A3 1.8T the other day, 2010 model. Really liked it, but was a little disappointing on power.
 
Just a quick revive.

I bought an A4 multitronic 2.0T, I can't get enough of this car. The multitronic is awesome. Amazingly smooth ride and the power is there when you need it.

I love the way it changes to your driving style.
 
Grimspoon said:
Just a quick revive.

I bought an A4 multitronic 2.0T, I can't get enough of this car. The multitronic is awesome. Amazingly smooth ride and the power is there when you need it.

I love the way it changes to your driving style.
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Enjoy! I've had mine for just over a year now..........................still get excited each time I get behind the wheel! I was fortunate enough to get one with the optional Bang & Olufsen sound. WOW! that's all I'll say. :D Awesome drive...................awesome sound.
 
I've had mine for about 2 months now. The multitronic gearbox is truly amazing. I can sit back and coast when I want to relax, or I can 'laat loop' and motor when I am in the mood :D
 
The good thing about these Audi's are they retain there value quite well. So if you decide to upgrade to a Mercedes in the future you won't have to fork out too much :cool:
 
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