New Audi A4 boasts more power and less consumption

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Friday, December 16, 2011

It is probably appropriate that in the week in which we got our first sight of the new 3-Series from BMW, one of that car’s biggest rivals — the Audi A4 — should also get a facelift.

Audi tell us that in early October this year, it delivered the 10 millionth A4 model to a customer in Germany, cementing the car’s position as the company’s most popular model.

Since its Irish launch back in February 2008, the eighth generation of the A4 has topped the highly competitive premium B segment sales table in Ireland for each of the past four years.

That domination, the company maintains, is now set to continue into 2012 due to “an extensive mid-life refresh.”

Due here in Ireland in mid- February, the new generation A4 ranges will carry broadly similar price tags to their outgoing equivalents, despite significant styling enhancements, equipment upgrades and claimed efficiency gains of up to 21%.

Prices will start at €33,040 (that’s the on-the-road figure) and orders are already being taken.

The nuts and bolts of the machine show us that consumption levels have dropped by 11% on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines.

In the Saloon and Avant, Audi offers any of six TDI and four TFSI petrol engines, with 23 possible engine-transmission combinations.

All engines are supercharged direct-injection systems; the start-stop system and the recuperation system are standard throughout.

The most popular variant here in Ireland is the 2.0 TDI (120 bhp) variant and we are told it now sips even less diesel thanks to a more intelligent thermal management system and a new redesigned, more efficient climate control system.

It emits just 119g and boasts fuel consumption of 4.5 litres per 100km or 63mpg.

Electromechanical power steering is new to all models in the series.

Its direct gear ratios work in favour of precise response, and it draws no power from the engine when running in the straight-ahead position, improving fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 7g/km.

All front-wheel-drive versions of the A4 feature the electronic stability programme (ESP) with electronic limited slip differential.

The changes under the bonnet have been matched by extensive exterior and interior enhancements.

Visually, the latest refinement of the A4 range begins with a reworked bumper with new look angled air inlets and flat fog lights which leads into a revised single frame grille with tapered upper edges and redesigned cross ribs.

Flanked by restyled headlights, the grille flows into a re- sculpted bonnet.

The headlights have also changed, with a slight wave at the bottom edges.

The A4’s interior has also been revised and upgraded.

The A4 is offered in a wide selection of new steering wheels with new chrome and high-gloss inlays.

Operation of Audi’s intuitive MMI system has been made easier still, now with four buttons instead of the previous eight.

All interior colours except black have been re-coordinated.

Specification levels have been significantly enhanced versus the outgoing model. All versions gain Audi’s intuitive Bluetooth interface, rear park assist, multifunction leather steering wheel and 17” alloy wheels.

SE versions add cruise control, upgraded 17” alloys, light and rain sensor, colour driver information system, three zone climate control, anti glare interior mirror and advanced key, for €1,700 extra.

S Line specification is a new line addition for the A4 in Ireland and is the choice for more performance-oriented drivers, including larger 18-inch alloy wheels and lowered sports suspension.