Audi has done enough to ensure that rivals like the new C-Class and the BMW 3 Series don’t simply get a walk over from the A4. The new Audi A4 is less expensive than the predecessor, starting at Rs 27.33 lakh for the 1.8TFSI, Rs 29.38 lakh for the 2.0TDI and Rs 38 lakh for the 3.0TDI (Ex-showroom Delhi). The fuel efficiency on an average has improved by 10 percent on the new Audi A4. The 1.8 TFSI offers a fuel efficiency of 15.64 km/l (ARAI) – fuel efficiency has improved by 25 percent compared to its predecessor. The 2.0 TDI offers an efficiency of 16.55 km/l (ARAI), thus ensuring best in class fuel efficiency.
“The new Audi A4 with its progressive design, efficient driving dynamics and class defining interiors will take the driving experience to a new paradigm for all our customers. The young and sleek looks will appeal to the younger generation who have arrived in life and are looking to affirm their status and positions among their peers. The engines with their superior technology will give better fuel efficiencies while the new and improved lines and interiors will certainly turn heads and add to the comfort and luxury that one expects from Audi. The outstanding sales performance in the first quarter of 2012 of its predecessor encouraged us to pre-pone the launch of the new Audi A4”, said Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.
The family has gone through design changes, and characteristically, the changes are very subtle. The engine hood has a more pronounced curvature. The upper corner of the single frame grille are tapered, and not unlike the new BMW 3 Series, the cross ribs and Audi rings have a highlighted three dimensional form. The grille is painted gray in most models. The bumpers have been redesigned with angular air inlets, revised grilles and flat front fog lights.
The headlights have also changed, with a slight wave at the bottom edges, and a re-arranged interior. Xenon plus headlights are available from Audi on request. The LED daytime running lights form a narrow, optically homogeneous band that remains open in the vicinity of the xenon lens. The adaptive light with dynamic and static cornering lights are available on request.
The tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights, and in combination with xenon plus have homogeneous strips of LEDs. The bumper with its diffuser insert has been redesigned, with two tailpipes as part of the exhaust system.
15 paint finishes, including four new tones are available.
Interior
The interior of the A4 models has been refined. Audi offers a wide selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel also featuring a flattened lower rim. The steering arm and the ignition key have been modified. The interior also has its touches of high-gloss materials and elegant chrome trim.
Audi Ingolstadt production line – assembly of Audi A4
The MMI Navigation Plus system now has been simplified with only four buttons taking the place of eight, in the previous version. Audi mentions that improvements have been made in the operation of the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel. The seat heating and air conditioning are now directly operated with the respective buttons.
With the kind of obsession that only the Germans can live with, Audi has re-coordinated all interior colors, except black. The upholstery range has also been revised, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. The new, single-part cluster trim has been adapted in color to the interior, while the inlays are available in Aluminum Trigon, walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural and the premium Beaufort oak plywood inlay.
Engine options include
New 1.8 TFSI engine producing 125 kW/170 hp and 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) and a claimed fuel efficiency 15.64 km/l ARAI
2.0 TDI with 143PS and 320Nm and fuel efficiency of 16.55 km/l (ARAI)
3.0 TDI generating 245 hp and 500 Nm
Engineering
Engineers at Audi have again striven to find the best balance of sporty precision and ride comfort. The mounts of the rear suspension control arms and the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been even more finely tuned. Most of the components of the five-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum.
The electromechanical power steering is all new. It offers better feel for the road surface and slight brake applications counteract pulling to the side on unevenly slippery surfaces.
Drive modes on offer include “comfort,” “auto,” “dynamic”, “efficiency” and if there is an onboard navigation system, the additional “individual” mode.
Dynamic steering offered as option, that using a superposition gear adjusts the gear ratioin a continuously variable manner depending on the driven speed; at the handling limits small interventions compensate for understeering and oversteering.
Audi Ingolstadt production line – finishing hall
All front-wheel-drive versions of the A4 feature the electronic stabilization program (ESP) with electronic limited slip differential.
As with other German manufacturers there’s a host of driving assistance systems including adaptive cruise control.
For more information do check out our design story on the 2013 Audi A4
The new Audi A4 is the first Audi which offers the fully integrated Audi Car Life product, which combines financing, service plan, insurance and extended warranty. Audi Car Life is a high convenience product for elite customers, which integrates finance, insurance, service plan and extended warranty. With Audi Car Life, customers can enjoy maximum convenience as these services can be bundled at one single EMI rate. Audi Car Life, launched with the new Audi A4, will be offered eventually with the Audi A6, Audi A8,Audi Q5 and Audi Q7.
