New Audi A4 reaches first customers this Spring
, Wednesday, 13 February 2008
The all-new, fourth generation Audi A4 makes its UK specification debut this week, accentuating more fully than ever before the attributes which helped the 1994 original to spearhead the transformation of the Vorsprung durch Technik brand. Priced from £23,940 OTR, the A4 Saloon is available to order now and will reach its first UK customers in spring 2008.
Longest-in-class wheelbase enhances accommodation and driver appeal in all-new, high-tech Audi compact executive
• First phase of UK specification A4 models available to order now with prices ranging from £23,940 OTR to £30,290 OTR
• Engines at launch (UK): 3.2 FSI 265PS, 2.0 TDI 143PS, 2.7 TDI 190PS, 3.0 TDI 240PS
• 1.8 TFSI model with 160PS priced from £22,590 OTR available to order from March 2008
• All new chassis with repositioned front axle, all new steering and latest generation quattro system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split
• Longest wheelbase in the class giving reduced overhangs for optimised weight distribution and much improved cabin space
• Length 4,703mm (outgoing A4 4,586mm), width 1,826mm (1,772mm), height 1,427mm (1,427mm), wheelbase 2,808mm (2,642mm)
• Advanced features including Audi Drive Select enabling tailoring of throttle, steering, transmission and suspension characteristics to suit driver preferences
Thanks to a combination of leading edge technology and a new chassis with longest-in-class wheelbase, the newcomer can number significant gains in both driver appeal and cabin space among its long list of advantages. It debuts with four new or extensively revised direct injection engines, comprising the 265PS 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol and three common rail TDI turbo diesels – the 143PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the 190PS 2.7-litre V6 and the 240PS 3.0-litre V6. A new lead-in engine for the petrol range – the 160PS 1.8 TFSI – will be available from March 2008. All are available initially in conjunction with a generous SE specification, which will be complemented from April 2008 by a more performance-oriented S line trim option.
The majority of new A4 Saloon models in the first phase are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, the one exception being the 2.7 TDI which launches exclusively with an updated and even smoother version of the ultra-efficient multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The most powerful petrol and TDI versions of the new A4 Saloon are equipped with latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, and are also available with the option of an extensively revised, faster-shifting six-speed tiptronic stepped automatic.
The gains in both interior accommodation and chassis composure compared with the outgoing A4 have been achieved with the help of the longest wheelbase in the class. With a completely new suspension and steering configuration, it sites the front axle with its sophisticated new five-link set-up 154mm further forwards than in the existing car, reducing overhang and optimising weight distribution for outstanding handling balance.
Latest driver assistance systems
The feeling of even greater agility can be amplified even further by the unique-in-class Audi Drive Select option, which in the UK is available in three specific ‘packages’ enabling the driver to fine-tune the driving characteristics of the car via dashboard-mounted buttons to suit personal preferences or prevailing road conditions.
The first option, available for all A4 models equipped with servotronic power steering, allows the driver to select comfort or dynamic settings for accelerator pedal response, transmission shift points (where automatic transmission is fitted), power steering weighting and damper control. It includes a Continuous Damper Control (CDC) system allowing even greater suspension adaptability to the road surface.
Option two, available for six-cylinder A4 models, combines the ability to adjust throttle response and transmission shift points with an Audi Dynamic Steering system offering even greater scope for adjustability by allowing alteration of the actual ratio of the steering, i.e the turns required lock-to-lock, for optimum feel and feedback in any given situation. The third option, also available for six-cylinder models only, combines Continuous Damper Control and Dynamic Steering in one complete package.
A bespoke driving experience
In addition to the Comfort and Dynamic settings, an Individual mode (available when the optional DVD Satellite Navigation System Plus with full MMI control is specified) allows the driver to tailor the car’s character even more precisely to suit his or her personal preferences. In this mode, for example, the damper control and transmission shift points could be set to Comfort, and the steering and throttle response to Dynamic. Alternatively, the driver can simply select the Automatic setting (the default mode) and allow the car’s sensors to make all the decisions.
Also new to the A4’s extensive list of driver aids are the optional Audi side assist, which uses sensors to warn of vehicles approaching in mirror blind spots, and Audi lane assist, which guards against unintentional lane changes by activating steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver.
In the appreciably more spacious cabin, the benefit of the 2,808mm wheelbase is evident particularly in the rear, where leg room has increased by 29mm, and the extra liberated space also shows in the larger 480-litre boot, which is expandable to a total of 962 litres.
Executive class appointments
Not only does the new A4 offer cabin dimensions that come closer than ever before to matching the spacious executive class A6, but it also adopts several of its sophisticated features. These include a space-saving electromechanical parking brake, the acclaimed Multi Media Interface operating system (MMI) and the exceptional DVD satellite navigation option with TMC congestion avoidance technology and 7-inch colour monitor. Luxury extras such as ventilated ‘climate comfort’ seats and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system are also available at extra cost.
SE specification will be common to all versions in the first phase of the A4 launch in the UK. It includes 17-inch 7-arm design alloy wheels, a Concert audio system with single CD player and MP3 capability enhanced by a 6.5-inch colour display and a 180-watt 10-speaker speaker system, advanced three-zone climate control, automatic headlight and wiper activation, rear acoustic parking control and aluminium inlays.
The more sporting S line option that will become available for UK A4 models from April 2008 will include 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique S line front and rear bumper design, extended side skirts, xenon headlights flanked by distinctive LED daytime running lights and S line sports suspension lowered by 20mm. Inside, it will add part-leather sports seats, a 3-spoke S line sports steering wheel, matt brushed aluminium inlays and a perforated leather gear knob.
For all of the images for the new Audi A4 - check out our gallery!
Longest-in-class wheelbase enhances accommodation and driver appeal in all-new, high-tech Audi compact executive
• First phase of UK specification A4 models available to order now with prices ranging from £23,940 OTR to £30,290 OTR
• Engines at launch (UK): 3.2 FSI 265PS, 2.0 TDI 143PS, 2.7 TDI 190PS, 3.0 TDI 240PS
• 1.8 TFSI model with 160PS priced from £22,590 OTR available to order from March 2008
• All new chassis with repositioned front axle, all new steering and latest generation quattro system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split
• Longest wheelbase in the class giving reduced overhangs for optimised weight distribution and much improved cabin space
• Length 4,703mm (outgoing A4 4,586mm), width 1,826mm (1,772mm), height 1,427mm (1,427mm), wheelbase 2,808mm (2,642mm)
• Advanced features including Audi Drive Select enabling tailoring of throttle, steering, transmission and suspension characteristics to suit driver preferences
Thanks to a combination of leading edge technology and a new chassis with longest-in-class wheelbase, the newcomer can number significant gains in both driver appeal and cabin space among its long list of advantages. It debuts with four new or extensively revised direct injection engines, comprising the 265PS 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol and three common rail TDI turbo diesels – the 143PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the 190PS 2.7-litre V6 and the 240PS 3.0-litre V6. A new lead-in engine for the petrol range – the 160PS 1.8 TFSI – will be available from March 2008. All are available initially in conjunction with a generous SE specification, which will be complemented from April 2008 by a more performance-oriented S line trim option.
The majority of new A4 Saloon models in the first phase are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, the one exception being the 2.7 TDI which launches exclusively with an updated and even smoother version of the ultra-efficient multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The most powerful petrol and TDI versions of the new A4 Saloon are equipped with latest generation quattro four-wheel-drive system with 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, and are also available with the option of an extensively revised, faster-shifting six-speed tiptronic stepped automatic.
The gains in both interior accommodation and chassis composure compared with the outgoing A4 have been achieved with the help of the longest wheelbase in the class. With a completely new suspension and steering configuration, it sites the front axle with its sophisticated new five-link set-up 154mm further forwards than in the existing car, reducing overhang and optimising weight distribution for outstanding handling balance.
Latest driver assistance systems
The feeling of even greater agility can be amplified even further by the unique-in-class Audi Drive Select option, which in the UK is available in three specific ‘packages’ enabling the driver to fine-tune the driving characteristics of the car via dashboard-mounted buttons to suit personal preferences or prevailing road conditions.
The first option, available for all A4 models equipped with servotronic power steering, allows the driver to select comfort or dynamic settings for accelerator pedal response, transmission shift points (where automatic transmission is fitted), power steering weighting and damper control. It includes a Continuous Damper Control (CDC) system allowing even greater suspension adaptability to the road surface.
Option two, available for six-cylinder A4 models, combines the ability to adjust throttle response and transmission shift points with an Audi Dynamic Steering system offering even greater scope for adjustability by allowing alteration of the actual ratio of the steering, i.e the turns required lock-to-lock, for optimum feel and feedback in any given situation. The third option, also available for six-cylinder models only, combines Continuous Damper Control and Dynamic Steering in one complete package.
A bespoke driving experience
In addition to the Comfort and Dynamic settings, an Individual mode (available when the optional DVD Satellite Navigation System Plus with full MMI control is specified) allows the driver to tailor the car’s character even more precisely to suit his or her personal preferences. In this mode, for example, the damper control and transmission shift points could be set to Comfort, and the steering and throttle response to Dynamic. Alternatively, the driver can simply select the Automatic setting (the default mode) and allow the car’s sensors to make all the decisions.
Also new to the A4’s extensive list of driver aids are the optional Audi side assist, which uses sensors to warn of vehicles approaching in mirror blind spots, and Audi lane assist, which guards against unintentional lane changes by activating steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver.
In the appreciably more spacious cabin, the benefit of the 2,808mm wheelbase is evident particularly in the rear, where leg room has increased by 29mm, and the extra liberated space also shows in the larger 480-litre boot, which is expandable to a total of 962 litres.
Executive class appointments
Not only does the new A4 offer cabin dimensions that come closer than ever before to matching the spacious executive class A6, but it also adopts several of its sophisticated features. These include a space-saving electromechanical parking brake, the acclaimed Multi Media Interface operating system (MMI) and the exceptional DVD satellite navigation option with TMC congestion avoidance technology and 7-inch colour monitor. Luxury extras such as ventilated ‘climate comfort’ seats and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system are also available at extra cost.
SE specification will be common to all versions in the first phase of the A4 launch in the UK. It includes 17-inch 7-arm design alloy wheels, a Concert audio system with single CD player and MP3 capability enhanced by a 6.5-inch colour display and a 180-watt 10-speaker speaker system, advanced three-zone climate control, automatic headlight and wiper activation, rear acoustic parking control and aluminium inlays.
The more sporting S line option that will become available for UK A4 models from April 2008 will include 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique S line front and rear bumper design, extended side skirts, xenon headlights flanked by distinctive LED daytime running lights and S line sports suspension lowered by 20mm. Inside, it will add part-leather sports seats, a 3-spoke S line sports steering wheel, matt brushed aluminium inlays and a perforated leather gear knob.
For all of the images for the new Audi A4 - check out our gallery!
