By: IOL Motoring Staff
George - Audi says its new A4, released in South Africa this week, is more powerful, more efficient and more intelligent than its predecessor.
Marketing hype aside, it's a little bigger at 4.73 metres long on a 2.82 metre wheelbase but as much as 120kg lighter, depending on the engine, thanks to a clever mix of materials. With a low, wide front treatment and clever airflow ducting it's definitely the sleekest A4 yet, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.23.
The slinky new A4 comes to South Africa offering a choice of choice of two petrol engines, with a diesel and a petrol quattro to follow - each with an S tronic automatic transmission, the love-it-or-hate-it multitronic CVT transmission having been discontinued.
Available now is a 1.4T FSI rated for 110kW and 250Nm, with either manual or S tronic transmission. Nominal fuel-consumption under laboratory conditions is quoted at 4.9 litres per 100km and CO2 emission at 114g/km, making it immune from the Pollution Police.
Next up is the 2.0T FSI, boasting 140kW and 320Nmh, in auto-transmission format only, at a nominal cost to the planet of 5.4 litres per 100km and 122g/km of CO2.
Still to come are a 2.0T FSI quattro, tuned for 185kW and 370Nm (April 2016) and, towards the end of the year, a two-litre TDI good for 140kW at a nominal fuel-consumption of 4.9 litres per 100km.
Redeveloped five-link axles and electromechanical power steering are standard, with dynamic steering and adjustable damping as options.
BIGGER INSIDE AS WELL
The new A4's cabin is roomier than its predecessor in almost every dimension, 17mm longer overall with 11mm more shoulder and head space and 23mm more rear legroom. The trim line of the low, wide dashboard flows smoothly into the door trims, broken only by the instrument binnacle and a line of aircon outlets across the top.
The MMI control on the centre console for the 8.3 inch infotainment display has been made more 'smartphone-like' than ever, and its voice control interface more natural, while available high-tech kit includes Audi's virtual cockpit - a customisable 12.3 colour display - a head-up display, a 19 speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system and a 'phone box' (available from mid-year) that will charge compatible phones inductively, as well as Audi connect via a data SIM card, turning the car into a WiFi hotspot.
Pre-sense city, secondary collision brake assist and an adjustable restraint system are standard, with active lane assist, side assist and parking assistance optionable, as is a city assistance package including parking system plus, reverse camera, side assist, rear-cross traffic assist and exit warning systems.
CHOOSE FROM STANDARD, SPORT OR DESIGN TRIM
Standard kit includes 16 inch alloys, xenon plus headlights, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, partial leather upholstery, cruise control, rain sensor, auto aircon, auxiliary and USB ports and a space-saver spare wheel.
Sport spec adds 17 inch alloys, dark grey and chrome grille, aluminium trim elements, dark grey rear diffuser, three-spoked leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, sports suspension and front sports seats.
Or you can specify the Design trim with 10-spoked 17 inch rims and a dark chrome grille and diffuser.
PRICES (including five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan)
Petrol:
1.4T FSI manual (110kW/250Nm) - R441 000
1.4T FSI S Tronic (110kW/250Nm) - R459 000
1.4T TSI Design S Tronic (110kW/250Nm) - R488 000
1.4T FSI Sport S Tronic (110kW/250Nm) - R492 000
2.0T FSI S Tronic (140kW/320Nm) - R496 000
2.0T FSI Design S Tronic (140kW/320Nm) - R513 000
2.0T FSI Sport S Tronic (140kW/320Nm) - R517 000
2.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic (185kW/370Nm) - R616 000
Diesel:
2.0 TDI S Tronic (140kW/400Nm) - R517 000
2.0 TDI Sport S Tronic (140kW/400Nm) - R538 000
2.0 TDI Design S Tronic (140kW/400Nm) - R534 000
Jesse Adams of our print sister publication Star Motoring was at the launch in the southern Cape; look out for his driving impressions of the new A4 next week.