Impressive new A4 models arrive

Since it first appeared over 25 years ago, the Audi A4, in all its guises has struck a chord with beers right around the world. The brand’s most successful model, more than 7.5 million Audi A4s have been produced including Sedans and Avants and its appeal since becoming a best seller in its first year of production (1995) has not diminished.

With the arrival of the fifth generation A4 models, that success and popularity is not hard to understand at all, once again extraordinary levels of equipment and the very latest in automotive technology as well as sharp, distinctive new design treatment and performance across the range.

Available as both a Sedan and Avant as well as a new allroad quattro variant, the newest offerings continue that tradition of excellence with a range of model options, powerplants and drivelines.

Despite strong customer interest in the SUV market across the board, the A4 has continued to appeal to discerning customers who prefer the look and driving feel of the Sedan or Avant over the SUV configuration. For those looking for a taste of both, the Audi A4 allroad quattro effectively offers the best of both worlds, with its largely Avant – wagon – configuration, yet with a higher ride height as well as many drive features and styling cues taken directly from the Audi Q family.

The A4 range has always offered tremendous flexibility and choice, allowing customers to choose a vehicle that perfectly worked for them and their lifestyle and this is again the case with no less than three 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines, as well as two TFSI petrol engines with 12V mild-hybrid technology (MHEV). While those looking for the added flexibility of the A4 allroad quattro can also choose a TDI engine that is exclusive to the allroad quattro. 

The Australian range kicks off with the A4 35 TFSI Sedan at $55,900*, sporting a 2.0 TFSI engine producing 110kW and 270Nm, mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission and with drive going down to the front wheels. 

Most popular and significantly more potent again is the 45 TFSI engine variant which produces 183kW and 370Nm and is available in the A4 Sedan 45 TFSI quattro S line $68,900*, A4 Avant 45 TFSI quattro S line $71,400* and in the A4 allroad 45 TFSI quattro $72,900*.

In the A4 Sedan, this powerplant produces a 5.8 second 0 to 100km/h time, yet still manages to deliver fuel economy of just 7.1L/100km, making it the consummate allrounder.

The sole TDI variant on offer is in the A4 allroad 40 TDI quattro $69,900* which cranks out 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque providing great tractability in all situations as well as outstanding fuel economy of 5.2L/100km. 

Both the 40 TDI and 45 TFSI engines are matched to a quattro all-wheel drivetrain with a seven-speed S tronic transmission, with the 45 TFSI engine featuring Audi’s ultra technology. This system which was introduced previously on the allroad quattro and Q5 model, allows the A4 to be driven by its front wheels when all-wheel drive is not required, but predictably engages all four wheels instantly slip is detected, driving dynamics change and based on driver inputs and conditions.

The new A4 models have undergone significant changes visually, continuing the evolution of this popular model and its trend of becoming more elegant and sophisticated with each iteration. Both the Sedan and Avant are larger than before (24mm longer and five millimetres wider) and implementation of the new Audi design language has meant that almost every panel has been redesigned. The effect is profound and while understatement remains the name of the game, all three have a distinct new look that is sharper and more refined.

The A4 allroad models also feature a front track that is 6mm wider than the standard Avant, with the rear 11mm wider, as well as a suspension systems that adds 46mm of ground clearance over the A4 Avant for practical reasons, but this also adds to the visual presence. The offroad mode within the drive select system combines traction control, stabilisation control, ABS and hill descent control and visually, the aluminium-look exterior package, including roof rails, allroad front and rear bumpers harks back the original allroad models. The front grille treatment too, with its vertical bars are more commonly seen on the Audi Q model of SUVs and offer another point of difference for the allroad quattro.

All models feature new LED headlights and new LED taillights giving the A4 a fresh, distinctive look and presence on the road. The 19-inch wheels alloys are standard across the range, with differing designs from Audi Sport dependant on model and specification.

Inside too, the interiors have been redesigned to reflect the latest Audi interior design language and sport the most advanced vehicle systems, technology and infotainment ever seen in the A4 range. They offer superb finish as you would expect and tremendous room for a vehicle that is traditionally classed as a mid-sized, yet offers full-size space. In addition to the abundant accommodation for five adults, storage is substantial, with the Sedan boasting 460-litre of luggage space and the Avant and allroad variants upping that to 495 litres. Fold the rear seats forward on the latter models and that space increases to a massive 1495 litres – easily accessed via the electric rear tailgate with gesture control.

In the cockpit area of the A4, the design is clean and elegant and the technology beautifully integrated for ease of vision and use. From the 10.1-inch MMI touch display with 10 times more computing power than its predecessor to Audi connect plus which connects the car to the surrounding environment – online traffic, places of interest, parking, Google maps etc – the standard equipment is impressive.

Then there’s the Audi smartphone interface which allows connection of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the wireless charging with the ability to connect two phones simultaneously.

Step into the A4 35 TFSI and the likes of electric driver’s seat with 4-way electric lumbar support for both front seats, leather-appointed upholstery and three-zone deluxe auto air-conditioning are all part of the standard inclusions. 

Step up to the A4 35 TFSI S line ($59,900*) and you add a sharp S line exterior package, while inside both front seats are electronically adjusted sports models. Illuminated aluminium door sill trims feature the S logo and frameless, auto-dimming interior mirror with auto-dimming exterior mirrors are beautiful touches that add to the overall premium feel.

The 45 TFSI models are both the most popular and top the A4 range with additional items such as driver seat memory functionality and the 180W, 10-speaker Audi sound system.

As important as the infotainment and connectivity, the A4 models once again offer the highest levels of vehicle safety with 5-star ANCAP safety rating and a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection, eight airbags, side assist lane, change warning, exit warning system, cross traffic assist rear, parking system plus with reversing camera, tyre pressure monitor and pre-sense rear.
In addition to the high levels of standard equipment, customers are also able to select option packages such as Assistance, Assistance plus, S line interior and Carbon and black styling package to further enhance technology or styling respectively.

Visually impressive, technologically advanced and beautifully finished, the fifth generation Audi A4 comfortably accepts the challenge of its hugely successful predecessors and takes it to new heights. The brand’s most successful model ever is in very safe hands.

Visit audi.com.au to learn more about the Audi A4 range.

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)