Audi A4 new from the wheels up

Audi has just launched its latest A4 sedan and Avant, brand-new models on a new platform, and with new technology for the segment. John Oxley reports.

The Audi A4 makes up 11 percent of the company’s model mix in New Zealand, on a par with two of its SUVS, the Q5 and Q3, and as such it’s an important part of the range, although, like most medium sedans, a shrinking segment. Nevertheless, Audi is determined to grow its share, and is looking at the company and fleet segment to do this. Currently, Audi’s sporting models, the S and RS, are the most popular, but Audi boss Dean Sheed says a new range, Design Line, will be launched for those who don’t want the sporty add-ons, although there will also be a Sport Line for those who do. It is the Design Line model which is most likely to appeal to companies which want to place middle managers in a premium German brand. The new A4 is longer (4.73m) and wider (1.84m) than the outgoing model, with a wheelbase which is 12mm longer, and most of this has been applied to making the interior more spacious. Built on the latest LMB platform, the new sedan is 110kg (sedan) and 120kg lighter (Avant) than the previous version, thanks to the increased use of magnesium and aluminium alloys, and more use of hot press stamped high tensile steel. It also boasts the best aerodynamics in class (Cd 0.23 for the sedan, 0.26 for the Avant), and Audi says it has the longest interior and greatest shoulder width at the front compared to its competitors. Luggage volume is 480 litres for the sedan, 505 litres for the Avant. There are four engines in the lineup. The entry level 1.4 TFSI petrol, produces 140kw/320nm, with overall economy rated at 5.1L/100km fitted with the S tronic seven-speed dual clutch automatic, and comes in at $71,900, with the Avant at $75,400. It has Design Line specifications. Next up is the diesel 2.0 TDI Quattro Sport, also producing 140kw, but with 400Nm of torque. It also gets the S Tronic gearbox, and is rated at 4.5L/100km overall. All Sport Line models get sports suspension with damping control. Prices: $79,900 and $83,400. The 2.0 TFSI Quattro Sport boosts 185kw/370nm, with economy of 6.2L/100km, and costs $85,900 (Avant $89,400) while the 3-litre V6 3.0 TDI quattro Sport, due later in the year, has 200kw/600nm and 5.2L/100 economy for prices of $106,400 and $109,900 respectively. The top model also has an eight-speed Tiptronic auto gearbox. As mentioned above, features abound, and all models get Audi pre-sense city and pre-sense rear, as well as side assist (lane keeping) and rear cross traffic assist. There’s also exit warning to warn if anything is approaching from the rear, as well as front and rear parking aid, rearview camera, and cruise control, although adaptive radar control is fitted on only the top three models, as is high beam assist. All but the entry model also get turn assistance. There are 18-inch alloy wheels on all but the top version (19 inch): that model also gets a 360 degree camera and LED headlights as opposed to the xenon lights which are standard on the rest of the range. The MMI navigation plus infotainment system is standard on all models, as is leather upholstery, Audi Phone Box – which allows wireless connection to the car’s external aerial for better phone reception, and there’s three-zone aircon, as well as hands-free access with pushbutton start. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, with a 12.3-inch high resolution screen, is standard on the top three models, optional on the entry model. We drove two models at the launch in the Taupo area, the entry version and the 2-litre quattro, and both impressed with their ride quality and exceptional handling, the latter assisted by the redesigned suspension, with five-link axles front and rear. We had abysmal weather conditions during the launch, with water streaming across the road in places, but even the front-drive version showed no sign of loss of traction, thanks to the wheelselective traction control fitted as standard on all models. The cars were both roomy and beautifully finished, especially Audi’s renowned interiors. Good-looking, spacious and well-priced, these latest A4s are set to take the fight to the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-class. Let the games begin!