A4 goes high-tech
AUDI revealed its new-generation A4 sedan and Avant this week ahead of their official debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September.
While it’s a very evolutionary styling redesign from the outgoing car, there’s plenty new under the metal. The new A4 is Audi’s second model to be built on a new MLB Evo platform which was first adopted by the recently-launched Q7 model. The platform uses a combination of highstrength steel and aluminum to help redu c e weight , which has resulted in the new A4 being up to 120kg lighter (depending on engine derivative) than the existing car despite being larger and more spacious. The length has grown to 4.73 metres and the wheelbase has also been stretched to 2.82 metres, which has improved passenger space.
At the same time slicker aerodynamics have resulted in the A4 sedan having the best drag coefficient in its class at just 0.23cd, along with what are claimed to be segment-leading noise levels.
The updated cockpit gets an all-digital instrument cluster with a panoramic 12.3” LCD screen, which is dubbed the “virtual cockpit” and was first introduced in the new Audi TT.
The MMI interface has been redesigned to work more like a smartphone and includes an intelligent free-text search function. A new, more natural voice-control system also understands input in normal everyday language.
The subtle redesign involves edgier, more geometric lines for the headlamps and single-frame grille as inspired by the new TT, while the headlights in LED and Matrix LED technology (including dynamic turn indicators) make technology a visual trademark.
Inside, the quality of workmanship conforms to usual Audi high standards, while customers will have a wider option to configure different colours and materials.
In contrast with rear-wheel drive rivals like the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the new Audi A4 continues with frontwheel drive or quattro allwheel drive to get the power down.
Transmission options include six-speed manual, seven-speed S tronic dualclutch and eight-speed Tiptronic automatic units.
The automatic transmissions now offer a fuel-saving freewheeling function
The latest driver- assistance gadgetry includes systems that help the car stay in its lane, parking assist, a drowsiness detector, and adaptive cruise control which automatically maintains a safe following distance in traffic. The new A4 also features an object detection system.
Audi says the handling and ride quality of the new A4 make great leaps forward thanks to a redeveloped fivelink suspension system. Ad- ditional options are dynamic steering, which varies its ratio according to the car’s speed and the steering angle, and suspension with adjustable shock absorbers which as before allow the driver to select between damping settings for sport or comfort.
At market launch in Europe, the new Audi A4 and A4 Avant will be available with a choice of three petrol and four diesel engines, all turbocharged, ranging in power output from 110kW to 200kW. Compared with the previous powerplants, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 21 percent while outputs have increased by up to 25 percent.
For the first time the A4 range will be available with the 1.4T FSI petrol engine producing 110kW and 250Nm, while the 2-litre petrol is available in two flavours: the more economical 140kW/320Nm version and the powerful 185kW/370Nm derivative. As with the petrol engines Audi offers the oil burners in different power configurations.
The 2-litre four-cylinder TDI is available with either 110kW/320Nm or 140kW/400Nm, while the sixcylinder 3.0 TDI offers outputs of 160kW/400Nm or a mighty 200kW/600Nm.
All engine details and specification for South Africa will be announced closer to its local launch expected early in 2016.