By: Dave Abrahams
Ingolstadt, Germany - Judging by what Audi is saying about its new-generation A4 and A4 Avant, the buzzword at Ingolstadt is 'smoothness'.
Huge effort has gone into smooth-running, super-efficient engines, smooth-riding adaptable suspension and lightweight body shells, smoothly conservative styling with smooth-flowing aerodynamics and smoothly seamless interfacing between driver and car - it's a wonder they can get the badges to stay on.
Marginally longer than their predecessors at 4730mm overall on a 2820mm wheelbase, the new A4 and Avant are up to 120kg lighter thanks to a conscious weight-shaving effort on both body shell (more aluminium, more high-strength steel, less mild steel) and running gear (more aluminium alloy, less drop-forged steel components).
Strong horizontals fore and aft emphasise the car's sporty stance, the single-frame grille is set low and wide and optional headlights in LED and LED Matrix format (including sexy dynamic indicators) give a visual emphasis to technology.
The 2016 A4 boasts a new generation of turbopetrol fours, including a 140 kW two-litre TFS1 and, for the first time on an A4, a 110kW 1.4, as well as two-litre turbodiesel variants from 110kW, and revised six-speed manual and seven-speed S tronic transmissions (now on front-wheel drive as well) with a new free-wheeling function.
Wheel-selective control smooths the application of torque to tarmac, and the top TDI model will offer the option of a sport differential on the rear axle.
Revised five-link axles and electric power steering (dynamic steering with variable ratio is an option) smooth out bump steer while feeding in lateral forces, and selectable damping smooths out the ride - or tightens it up on demand. Selectable drive modes (incorporating selectable damping) are standard on A4s with 140kW or more on tap.
SMOOTH STYLING
Smooth interior styling based on a broad band of air outlets frames a virtual cockpit with a 12.3 inch high-resoluion LCD screen. A new line concept gives customers even more freedom in configuring their A4, and optional contour lighting gently outlines the doors and central console at night.
The 8.3 inch infotainment display is controlled by an MMI rotary switch and smartphone-style touchpad that also reads characters handwritten with fingertips, as well as voice commands. Chuck your Apple or Android phone in the 'phone box and it'll not only be wirelessly connected to the car's onboard computer and its antenna, I'll also be inductively charged while it's in there.
A Bang and Olufsen audio set-up with 3D sound that makes the car sound like a high-ceilinged concert hall is an option, and the new Audi tablet will work for rear-seat entertainment.
Driver aids include an efficiency meter, active lane assist, Stop&Go adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist to smooth rush-hour commuting by reading road marking and the traffic ahead, cross-traffic monitoring, auto parking, collision avoidance with pre-sense and turning assist.
Engine details and specification for the South African A4 and A4 Avant range will be announced closer to their local release early in 2016.