Audi has radically transformed its popular A4 range to now include more current styling, an even larger range of diesel and petrol engines and a fully revised suspension influenced by the A6 and S4 models.Audi has radically transformed its popular A4 range to now include more current styling, an even larger range of diesel and petrol engines and a fully revised suspension influenced by the A6 and S4 models.
The “facelifted” model is almost entirely new and, excluding the roof, none of the exterior panels are shared with the initial model. From the rear, styling on both the saloon and avant models is new with the arching light clusters mimicking designs first seen on the Nuvolari concept.
At the front, the model displays new face of Audi with the dominant single-frame grille seen on the A6 and new clear glass headlamps. The side panels are also completely redesigned with curved and sculpted arches up the shoulder lines giving the car a distinct three-dimensional character.
At launch, the A4 is available in 11 models with avant models offered in all engine derivatives excluding the entry-level 2,0-litre petrol manual and multitronic models for the first time. From May, the A4 will be offered with the striking new 188 kW 3,2 FSI V6, though the S4 saloon and avant, with V8 power remains the range-topping models.
Three completely new engines are offered to local buyers, but the petrol 96 kW 2,0-litre, 120 kW 1,8-litre turbo and 253 kW 4,2-litre V8 remain unchanged.
The 1,9-litre TDI has been replaced with the 2,0-litre turbodiesel engine that has become extremely popular in the A3 range.
The new V6 diesel engine is a modified version of the 3,0-litre TDI found in the A6 and comes with common-rail technology, twin intercoolers and piezo high pressure injectors. Available with quattro, it also comes with a choice of six-speed tiptronic or six-speed manual transmissions.
The latest A4 is also the first local Audi model to use the new 2,0-litre turbo charged FSI four-cylinder engine.
From May 2005, the 3.2 FSI V6 petrol will be added with the option of either front-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive. This 3,2-litre direct injection V6 engine is also used in the new A6 and produces 188 kW at 6 500 r/min and 330 N.m of torque at 3 250 r/min.
Apart from the new engines, the A4 also comes with a greatly revised suspension and steering system. The dynamic chassis, with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal rear suspension, has been dramatically revised with extensive changes to the spring and shock absorber settings.
The A6 and S4 have been heavily borrowed from – mountings and the dimensions of the shock absorbers have been adopted from the former, while the rear trapezoidal links and front track rods have been sourced from the S4.
In the cabin, aluminium inserts are offered as a standard feature on all models, while wood furnishings are offered as optional. New cloth and leather options have also been made available for the seats and interior surfaces.
All models come standard with a rain and light sensor, multi-function steering wheel, servotronic steering (optional on the 2.0 petrol, 1.8T and 2.0 TDI), dual zone climate control, remote central locking, a CD-based sound system, electrically operated windows and side mirrors, ESP 8 traction and stability control, six airbags and ABS.
Occupant protection features include two-stage front, side and curtain airbags as well as active head restraints.
For the first time, the A4 can be ordered with adaptive headlight technology including optional bi-xenon plus headlights. Audi also offers the DVD-based Navigation Plus, based on the MMI systems offered in the A8 and new A6 as an option, while the premium BOSE surround sound system with noise compensation can be ordered too.
