Performance-hungry drivers are in for a treat as Audi releases more versions of its 140 kW A4 1,8T, now available in Avant guise and with Multitronic.
Performance-hungry drivers are in for a treat as Audi releases more versions of its 140 kW A4 1,8T, now available in Avant guise and with Multitronic.
Similar to the 140 kW 1,8T saloon launched last year, these versions can be recognised by the lowered sports suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels shod with wider tyres for improved handling and grip.
The red “T” denoting the car’s nomenclature is evident at the rear, while the Avant version is fitted with brushed aluminium roof rails. On the inside, sporty touches are visible. Standard are leather sport seats for the front occupants with electrically operated lumbar support. Standard too is the three-spoke leather covered sports steering wheel while the four-spoke wheel with multi-function controls is optional.
The power output is rated at 140 kW at 5 700 r/min and 240 N.m of torque between 1 980 and 5 400 r/min. A six-speed manual transmission is offered on both saloon and Avant versions with the option of a Multitronic continuously variable transmission, which is able to transmit up to 310 N.m of torque.
The Avant fitted with the manual ‘box launches from standing to 100 km/h in 8,4 seconds (the saloon covers the same range in 8,2 seconds) and reaches a top end of 240 km/h. With Multitronic, the saloon races to 100 km/h in 7,8 seconds, while the Avant completes the distance in eight seconds.
There are no fixed gear ratios for smoother changes and, as with the five-speed tiptronic transmission, six simulated gear ratios can be selected. In automatic mode, the best gear ratio is determined with the help of the Dynamic Regulating Programme. It calculates the gear ratio according to engine load, the driver’s preferences and driving conditions.
The saloon, with Multitronic, sells for R288 500 and the Avant version sells for R304 500. The manual Avant sells for R290 000 and all prices include a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
