Audi is presenting the new generation of its best-selling models – the A4, A4 Avant and the high-performance S4. The front-end styling of both saloon and Avant models is new, with the addition of the characteristic Audi single-frame grille.

Self-assured in appearance: the striking single-frame grille and the newly styled clear-glass headlights with their sweeping bottom edge and inward taper give the new Audi A4 a completely new face. The front-end styling deliberately echoes design elements of the Nuvolari quattro coupé study, signalling that this model also belongs to the same family as the other new Audi models – the A8 6.0 quattro, A6 and A3 Sportback: a new Audi generation.

The side panel sections are also a completely new design. The gently curving arc of the shoulder line – depicted here as a clearly drawn shadow line – divides up the panels, sculpting a three-dimensional structure.

The new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch in the interior. Their characteristic element is the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 versions. Inlays in Walnut, Fine-grained Birch wood grey or Fine-grained Birch wood beige can be ordered as an alternative – attributes that also emphasise the special exclusiveness and sporty elegance of the interior of current A8 and A6 models.

Three new cloth and two exclusive leather grades as well as a leather/Alcantara version can be ordered for the interior surfaces and the seats.

Audi is now also offering two newly designed petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the new A4 for the first time: the 188 kW (255 bhp) 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 T FSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). These combine high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a peak-torque range at a high level.

The range also includes three engines which have been tried and tested several thousand times over: the two-litre inline four-cylinder unit, which develops 96 kW (130 bhp), and the 120 kW (163 bhp) 1.8 T four-cylinder version. The 75 kW (102 bhp) 1.6 completes the choice of petrol engines.

The TDI range at launch will include the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with pump-injector fuel injection and a power output of 103 kW (140 bhp), and the newly developed six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with common rail injection and piezo injectors. What is currently the most modern TDI engine around made its debut a few months ago in the large A8 and A6 saloons. This immensely powerful V6 delivers 150 kW (204 bhp) in the A4 and makes 450 Nm of torque available between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm.

All engines, petrol and TDI versions alike, deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearboxes are available for the various A4 models, as is the continuously variable automatic transmission, the multitronic. This revolutionary Audi transmission technology will be available for the front-wheel-drive versions of the new A4. The now 6-speed tiptronic with sport program is offered for quattro models.

The Audi A4 and A4 Avant offer a standard equipment specification which sets a benchmark in the midsize class. Every new A4, for example, is fitted with deluxe automatic air conditioning which has separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

There are almost unlimited possibilities for combining items of optional equipment. For example, the new Audi A4 can be ordered for the first time with adaptive light technology including xenon plus headlights. This also includes the daytime running lights function which only increases energy consumption slightly: a clear safety bonus. An optional light/rain sensor activates the dipped headlights and windscreen wipers automatically if necessary.

Customers can choose from 15 exterior colours, including five new ones. In addition to the standard specification, the wheel range comprises eight summer and three winter wheels of up to 7.5 x 17 J in size, with tyres up to 235/45 R 17. Additional versions up to 18 inches in size are available from quattro GmbH.

The S line equipment packages and the Audi exclusive customisation range also offer countless other visual and functional features designed to make every new Audi A4 and A4 Avant even sportier.

Text/Photos: Audi