Audi A4 facelift Launched

Published May 3, 2012
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Audi has launched an updated variant of its most affordable car in the Indian line-up, the A4, starting at Rs. 27.33 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra) for the base 1.8 TFSI petrol trim

The first thing you’d notice about the new A4 is the redesigned LED headlamps, front air dam and fog lamps that combine to give the A4 a sharp, toned look. Changes to the rear are less obvious with restyled taillamps and closely set twin exhausts. The new A4 is slightly bigger than the outgoing model (and, in fact, its competitors – Mercedes C-Class and the BMW 3-Series as well) with a longer 2.81m wheelbase.

Audi has left the new A4’s cabin virtually untouched. Still, there are subtle changes such as three-spoke electromechanical steering wheel (that replaces the four-spoked hydraulic unit on the earlier one) and a redesigned ignition key. Air-conditioning, infotainment controls and power window buttons get fine chrome clasps. Of course, Audi offers tons of optional extras to liven up and personalise the A4's interiors.

In terms of equipment, the A4 gets concert radio with eight speakers as standard while MMI navigation system with voice dialogue, colour monitor and DVD player is available only in the top-end model. There’s also a new Drive Select System that lets you opt from driving modes like Comfort, Dynamic, Individual and Efficiency – a feature meant to extract optimum fuel efficiency.

The A4 will be available in three engine options – a 1.8 TFSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI (priced at Rs 29.38 lakh) and 3.0 TDI quattro variant (priced at Rs 38 lakh). All engines are turbocharged direct-injection units with the start stop system as standard. Power output has been bumped up on the 1.8TFSI petrol engine, which now puts out 172PS and 320Nm of torque – up 10PS and a remarkable 70Nm from the earlier variant.

Use of lightweight construction methods has enabled Audi to shave off a considerable amount of flab from the A4, and it now has a kerb weight of 1,430kg. The results are immediately felt on the new A4’s reduced appetite. According to Audi, the new model’s fuel consumption has been cut down by 10 percent on average. The 1.8 TFSI benefits the most with a claimed fuel efficiency of 15.64kmpl – up 25 percent compared to its predecessor. The 2.0TDI does even better returning 16.55kmpl, according to ARAI test figures.

Speaking at the launch, Audi India Head Michael Perschke said, “I’m confident that our impressive sales performance where we achieved the No.2 position in the first quarter coupled with the launch of the new Audi A4, Audi TT and the imminent arrival of the Audi Q3, plus our fast expanding dealer network will ensure that Audi maintains its position as the fastest growing luxury car brand in India.”

The new Audi A4 will lock horns against the updated Mercedes C-Class’ and the new BMW 3-Series that is expected to roll out around August 2012. While the new A4 is not a radical departure from the earlier model, the jaw-dropping pricing will surely put some more worry lines on the foreheads of its German rivals.