Audi; A4, A4 Avant and the high-performance S4.

 

Audi has launched the new generation of its best-selling models ? the A4, A4 Avant and the high-performance S4.

This is a new model generation that is obvious at first glance. The front-end styling of both sedan and Avant models is new, with the addition of the characteristic Audi single-frame grille. The rear end, with its horizontal lines, and the sides, where the shoulder line accentuates the panels in an emphatically sporty manner, are also new.

Audi is offering two newly-designed petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the first time for the new A4 ? a 188kW 3.2-V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0T FSI, which delivers 147kW.

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 the engine which has served Audi well, the four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbocharged unit.

The 3.2-litre V6 FSI, which only made its production debut in the new Audi A6 a few months ago delivers its maximum output at 6500rpm. Its peak torque of 330Nm is available at 3250rpm. With six-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro drive system it accelerates from 0-100 kmh in 6.8sec seconds and on up to a governed top speed of 250 kmh.

The 2.0T FSI, is also making its first appearance in the new Audi A4. This is the first time in this class that turbocharging has been combined with the FSI concept of petrol direct injection. Maximum torque of 280Nm is available from just 1800rpm all the way up to 5000rpm.

The A4 2.0T FSI with six-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro accomplishes the 0100kmh sprint in only 7.7sec and has a top speed of 235kmh.

The 1.8?T four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers 120kW. Peak torque of 225Nm is reached at a speed of 1950rpm.

Torque remains constant up to 4700rpm. This means that maximum torque is always available in the predominantly used driving/engine-speed range.

The A4 1.8 T with front-wheel drive and multitronic gearbox consumes just 8.2 litres of premimum petrol per 100km and it accelerates from 0-100kmh in 8.6sec with a top speed of 223kmh.

Available on the A4 2.0T FSI and the A4 3.2-litre, the legendary quattro, permanent four-wheel drive, system has long since been one of the favourite technical concepts of Audi drivers. Its major strength lies in capabilities that have come to be regarded as a matter of course over the past 25 years a persuasively superior dynamic performance and driving safety.

A vehicle with permanent four-wheel drive can translate significantly more traction and consequently higher cornering forces into propulsion. This in turn means greater driving enjoyment and safety for the driver.

Improved directional stability, much lower susceptibility to crosswinds and better towing properties also characterise the superiority of the Audi?A4 quattro.

The new Audi A4 is equipped with the four-link front suspension and the highly complex self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension. Both consist primarily of light-alloy components resulting in a low unsprung mass.

All new Audi A4 models come with the latest electronic stabilisation program, ESP 8. This system comprises ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution EBD and hydraulic brake assist.

Yet another new feature is the brake disc wiping function integrated into ESP. This new function helps to keep the brake discs largely dry on wet roads even when the driver does not apply the brakes for a relatively long time.

The new Audi?A4 is an unmistakable car with a standard specification that already covers virtually every requirement. It is priced from $74,900 for the 1.8T multitronic to $149,900 for the S4 Avant. In between 2-litre quattro version sits at $89,900 while 3.2-litre V6 variant lists at $105,500.