Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-tronic Design vs Lexus IS Turbo IS200t 2.0 Executive
19 Sep 2016|79,039 views
Audi's cars aren't the most beautiful machines on the road, but bear a somewhat conservative design, which to many, beats stand-out styling.The German marque has also acquired a reputation for designing some of the best car interiors around and is known for being at the forefront of in-car technology.
Renowned luxury carmaker Lexus on the contrary, is a symbol of Japanese luxury, precision and artistry. Because of this, Lexus is stereotyped as a favoured brand for highly-educated and higher-earning older or retired people.
In recent times, the company has tweaked the packaging of its cars and targeted a younger demographic. Now, it faces a stronger adversary, the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-tronic Design.
The new Audi A4 cuts a figure of elegance, style and status
Today, if you're just about 30 and considering owning an executive sedan, the new Audi A4 and the Lexus IS Turbo would make great choices. So, what we're here to find out is - which is greater?
Fashionably speaking...
Let's first examine the Audi. Its design is but a modest evolution, and to some just isn't quite eye-catching enough. But this doesn't mean there's a bad line on the car. There's a great one in fact; a crease, which runs along the side profile of the car.
Its design is akin to a sharp, bespoke suit; understated but graceful. However, the best view of the Audi is, surprisingly, from the rear.
Renowned luxury carmaker Lexus on the contrary, is a symbol of Japanese luxury, precision and artistry. Because of this, Lexus is stereotyped as a favoured brand for highly-educated and higher-earning older or retired people.
In recent times, the company has tweaked the packaging of its cars and targeted a younger demographic. Now, it faces a stronger adversary, the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-tronic Design.
Today, if you're just about 30 and considering owning an executive sedan, the new Audi A4 and the Lexus IS Turbo would make great choices. So, what we're here to find out is - which is greater?
Fashionably speaking...
Let's first examine the Audi. Its design is but a modest evolution, and to some just isn't quite eye-catching enough. But this doesn't mean there's a bad line on the car. There's a great one in fact; a crease, which runs along the side profile of the car.
Its design is akin to a sharp, bespoke suit; understated but graceful. However, the best view of the Audi is, surprisingly, from the rear.
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The Lexus is a whole lot funkier. The IS has a unique, tigerish front end, which finishes nice and clean towards the rear.
In Julian's point of view, Lexus has managed a design that's remarkably sporty yet isn't one, which we'd consider over the top or compromising. It's the most unconventional in terms of style compared to many executive sedans, almost to the point of making its rivals pop up a dab dated.
But real beauty lies within, no?
As we mentioned earlier, Audi's reputation for designing some of the best car interiors around is demonstrated by the A4's minimalist dashboard. It's a layout that's simple, employing intuitive controls and perfected using quality materials, like real aluminum for example.
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And Audi's optional Virtual Cockpit, which places a customisable digital instrument cluster where you'd ordinarily find analogue instrument dials is a tech triumph. The Virtual Cockpit comes standard on the A4 2.0 TFSI - it's part of the package from Audi, which includes navigation, HDD (for your media) and wireless LAN, among other technologies.
The background can display a detailed map or trip information depending on your preference. It even remains as visible and crisp as conventional gauges under sunlight.
The rotary knob for the infotainment system also has a particularly satisfying action.
The A4's cabin exudes a sense of slick, honed engineering
In the Lexus, cabin design is more chiseled and dramatic. The driver enjoys a tight, sporty cockpit-like experience and it's a lavish interior created from high-quality materials throughout, plus comfy cushioning furnished in the most important places.
In our opinion, however, the Lexus' control layout is disorganised in comparison to the Audi and isn't as modern.
Tech's the word...
Audi wins the tech race hands down (duh). The Active Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control in the A4 means that you can actually leave a lot of the driving up to the car. Let the car drift out of its lane, and the Active Lane Assist system will automatically adjust the steering wheel and veer you back on track.
Last but not least, performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, the Audi is the more powerful car of the two, besting the Lexus' 241bhp and 350Nm.
The background can display a detailed map or trip information depending on your preference. It even remains as visible and crisp as conventional gauges under sunlight.
The rotary knob for the infotainment system also has a particularly satisfying action.
In the Lexus, cabin design is more chiseled and dramatic. The driver enjoys a tight, sporty cockpit-like experience and it's a lavish interior created from high-quality materials throughout, plus comfy cushioning furnished in the most important places.
In our opinion, however, the Lexus' control layout is disorganised in comparison to the Audi and isn't as modern.
Tech's the word...
Audi wins the tech race hands down (duh). The Active Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control in the A4 means that you can actually leave a lot of the driving up to the car. Let the car drift out of its lane, and the Active Lane Assist system will automatically adjust the steering wheel and veer you back on track.
Last but not least, performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, the Audi is the more powerful car of the two, besting the Lexus' 241bhp and 350Nm.
Because it's also the lighter and quicker-shifting car, the Audi charges from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, 1.2 seconds quicker compared to the Lexus, although we suspect, that won't be of too much importance to buyers in this segment.
When roads turn corners, Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system provides confident, usable and secure grip. It's tuned to send 40 percent of the torque to the front and the remainder aback, and the system steadily adjusts the split, front to rear. One quibble about the car, however, is how the steering lacks heft and in general, imparts a slight sense of dullness.
In this respect, the IS feels more alive. Even though it's the slightly slower car, its steering and handling are the true standouts. It's tight and responsive, and has a more natural steering feel; genuinely fun to drive, yet, doesn't sacrifice occupant comfort.
When the going gets fast, Lexus' meaty paddle shifters will increase the joy of driving with their wonderful tactility
So which?
That depends on who's asking, really. They're both great cars. Audi's new A4 being a class leader in technology and interior design while the Lexus IS200T, with its class and refinement, has in many ways succeeded as a German contester.
If tech, tech and more tech is your deal, the Audi will more than fulfil your deepest, darkest, nerdiest desires. If you prefer travelling around feeling like a young Ken Watanabe, go for the Lexus.
When roads turn corners, Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system provides confident, usable and secure grip. It's tuned to send 40 percent of the torque to the front and the remainder aback, and the system steadily adjusts the split, front to rear. One quibble about the car, however, is how the steering lacks heft and in general, imparts a slight sense of dullness.
In this respect, the IS feels more alive. Even though it's the slightly slower car, its steering and handling are the true standouts. It's tight and responsive, and has a more natural steering feel; genuinely fun to drive, yet, doesn't sacrifice occupant comfort.
So which?
That depends on who's asking, really. They're both great cars. Audi's new A4 being a class leader in technology and interior design while the Lexus IS200T, with its class and refinement, has in many ways succeeded as a German contester.
If tech, tech and more tech is your deal, the Audi will more than fulfil your deepest, darkest, nerdiest desires. If you prefer travelling around feeling like a young Ken Watanabe, go for the Lexus.
Audi's cars aren't the most beautiful machines on the road, but bear a somewhat conservative design, which to many, beats stand-out styling.The German marque has also acquired a reputation for designing some of the best car interiors around and is known for being at the forefront of in-car technology.
Renowned luxury carmaker Lexus on the contrary, is a symbol of Japanese luxury, precision and artistry. Because of this, Lexus is stereotyped as a favoured brand for highly-educated and higher-earning older or retired people.
In recent times, the company has tweaked the packaging of its cars and targeted a younger demographic. Now, it faces a stronger adversary, the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-tronic Design.
Today, if you're just about 30 and considering owning an executive sedan, the new Audi A4 and the Lexus IS Turbo would make great choices. So, what we're here to find out is - which is greater?
Fashionably speaking...
Let's first examine the Audi. Its design is but a modest evolution, and to some just isn't quite eye-catching enough. But this doesn't mean there's a bad line on the car. There's a great one in fact; a crease, which runs along the side profile of the car.
Its design is akin to a sharp, bespoke suit; understated but graceful. However, the best view of the Audi is, surprisingly, from the rear.
Renowned luxury carmaker Lexus on the contrary, is a symbol of Japanese luxury, precision and artistry. Because of this, Lexus is stereotyped as a favoured brand for highly-educated and higher-earning older or retired people.
In recent times, the company has tweaked the packaging of its cars and targeted a younger demographic. Now, it faces a stronger adversary, the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S-tronic Design.
Today, if you're just about 30 and considering owning an executive sedan, the new Audi A4 and the Lexus IS Turbo would make great choices. So, what we're here to find out is - which is greater?
Fashionably speaking...
Let's first examine the Audi. Its design is but a modest evolution, and to some just isn't quite eye-catching enough. But this doesn't mean there's a bad line on the car. There's a great one in fact; a crease, which runs along the side profile of the car.
Its design is akin to a sharp, bespoke suit; understated but graceful. However, the best view of the Audi is, surprisingly, from the rear.
The Lexus is a whole lot funkier. The IS has a unique, tigerish front end, which finishes nice and clean towards the rear.
In Julian's point of view, Lexus has managed a design that's remarkably sporty yet isn't one, which we'd consider over the top or compromising. It's the most unconventional in terms of style compared to many executive sedans, almost to the point of making its rivals pop up a dab dated.
But real beauty lies within, no?
As we mentioned earlier, Audi's reputation for designing some of the best car interiors around is demonstrated by the A4's minimalist dashboard. It's a layout that's simple, employing intuitive controls and perfected using quality materials, like real aluminum for example.
In Julian's point of view, Lexus has managed a design that's remarkably sporty yet isn't one, which we'd consider over the top or compromising. It's the most unconventional in terms of style compared to many executive sedans, almost to the point of making its rivals pop up a dab dated.
But real beauty lies within, no?
As we mentioned earlier, Audi's reputation for designing some of the best car interiors around is demonstrated by the A4's minimalist dashboard. It's a layout that's simple, employing intuitive controls and perfected using quality materials, like real aluminum for example.
And Audi's optional Virtual Cockpit, which places a customisable digital instrument cluster where you'd ordinarily find analogue instrument dials is a tech triumph. The Virtual Cockpit comes standard on the A4 2.0 TFSI - it's part of the package from Audi, which includes navigation, HDD (for your media) and wireless LAN, among other technologies.
The background can display a detailed map or trip information depending on your preference. It even remains as visible and crisp as conventional gauges under sunlight.
The rotary knob for the infotainment system also has a particularly satisfying action.
In the Lexus, cabin design is more chiseled and dramatic. The driver enjoys a tight, sporty cockpit-like experience and it's a lavish interior created from high-quality materials throughout, plus comfy cushioning furnished in the most important places.
In our opinion, however, the Lexus' control layout is disorganised in comparison to the Audi and isn't as modern.
Tech's the word...
Audi wins the tech race hands down (duh). The Active Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control in the A4 means that you can actually leave a lot of the driving up to the car. Let the car drift out of its lane, and the Active Lane Assist system will automatically adjust the steering wheel and veer you back on track.
Last but not least, performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, the Audi is the more powerful car of the two, besting the Lexus' 241bhp and 350Nm.
The background can display a detailed map or trip information depending on your preference. It even remains as visible and crisp as conventional gauges under sunlight.
The rotary knob for the infotainment system also has a particularly satisfying action.
In the Lexus, cabin design is more chiseled and dramatic. The driver enjoys a tight, sporty cockpit-like experience and it's a lavish interior created from high-quality materials throughout, plus comfy cushioning furnished in the most important places.
In our opinion, however, the Lexus' control layout is disorganised in comparison to the Audi and isn't as modern.
Tech's the word...
Audi wins the tech race hands down (duh). The Active Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control in the A4 means that you can actually leave a lot of the driving up to the car. Let the car drift out of its lane, and the Active Lane Assist system will automatically adjust the steering wheel and veer you back on track.
Last but not least, performance
Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre TFSI engine producing 252bhp and 370Nm of torque, the Audi is the more powerful car of the two, besting the Lexus' 241bhp and 350Nm.
Because it's also the lighter and quicker-shifting car, the Audi charges from 0-100km/h in just 5.8 seconds, 1.2 seconds quicker compared to the Lexus, although we suspect, that won't be of too much importance to buyers in this segment.
When roads turn corners, Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system provides confident, usable and secure grip. It's tuned to send 40 percent of the torque to the front and the remainder aback, and the system steadily adjusts the split, front to rear. One quibble about the car, however, is how the steering lacks heft and in general, imparts a slight sense of dullness.
In this respect, the IS feels more alive. Even though it's the slightly slower car, its steering and handling are the true standouts. It's tight and responsive, and has a more natural steering feel; genuinely fun to drive, yet, doesn't sacrifice occupant comfort.
So which?
That depends on who's asking, really. They're both great cars. Audi's new A4 being a class leader in technology and interior design while the Lexus IS200T, with its class and refinement, has in many ways succeeded as a German contester.
If tech, tech and more tech is your deal, the Audi will more than fulfil your deepest, darkest, nerdiest desires. If you prefer travelling around feeling like a young Ken Watanabe, go for the Lexus.
When roads turn corners, Audi's quattro four-wheel drive system provides confident, usable and secure grip. It's tuned to send 40 percent of the torque to the front and the remainder aback, and the system steadily adjusts the split, front to rear. One quibble about the car, however, is how the steering lacks heft and in general, imparts a slight sense of dullness.
In this respect, the IS feels more alive. Even though it's the slightly slower car, its steering and handling are the true standouts. It's tight and responsive, and has a more natural steering feel; genuinely fun to drive, yet, doesn't sacrifice occupant comfort.
So which?
That depends on who's asking, really. They're both great cars. Audi's new A4 being a class leader in technology and interior design while the Lexus IS200T, with its class and refinement, has in many ways succeeded as a German contester.
If tech, tech and more tech is your deal, the Audi will more than fulfil your deepest, darkest, nerdiest desires. If you prefer travelling around feeling like a young Ken Watanabe, go for the Lexus.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Lexus IS 300 2.0 Executive (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.3km/L
Horsepower
180kW (241 bhp)
Torque
350 Nm
Acceleration
7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Lexus IS 300Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 TFSI qu S tronic Design (A)
CAT B|Petrol|16.1km/L
Horsepower
188kW (252 bhp)
Torque
370 Nm
Acceleration
5.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Audi A4 Sedan
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