Audi has released pricing details and on-sale dates for its new A4 model that promises higher efficiency and improvements inside and out.
The A4 model ranges will carry a premium of just £200 over their outgoing equivalents, so prices will start at under £24,000 and orders can be taken from today (Tuesday, November 8) for a March 2012 delivery.
Efficiency was a huge part of the redevelopment of this eighth-generation A4. Start/stop and brake energy recuperation have been included on all nine direct-injection engines. Audi says fuel economy has improved by an average of 11% across the whole range and as much as 21% on individual models. The most fuel efficient model is the 135bhp TDIe version that emits 112g/km of CO2 and returns an average of 65.7mpg, while the more powerful 2.0 TDIe 162bhp runs close at 115g/km with fuel economy at 64.2mpg.
Visually, the latest refinement of the A4 range begins with a reworked bumper with new look angled air inlets and flat fog lights which leads into a revised single frame grille with tapered upper edges and redesigned cross ribs. Flanked by restyled headlights, the grille flows into a re-sculpted bonnet. Where xenon headlamps are fitted, these are fringed by updated LED daytime running lights that form a narrow, continuous band. The A4 allroad quattro is distinguished by its horizontal chrome grille applications and by its round fog lights.
The tail-lights reflect the shape of the headlights, and where xenon headlamps are fitted the tail-lights are formed from strips of LEDs. The bumper with its diffuser insert has also been redesigned.
Inside the new A4 features new steering wheels, including a flat bottomed design for the sports wheel, and additional high-gloss applications and chrome trim for many of the surfaces and controls.
The MMI navigation now features fewer buttons and a new multi-functional volume control with joystick cap for even greater simplicity. There have also been improvements to the automatic transmission selector lever and the controls for the air conditioning unit, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, the seat heating function and the multifunction steering wheel.
The specification levels for this latest-generation model begin with the more comfort-oriented SE designation, which includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, a ten-speaker, 180-watt Concert CD audio system with auxiliary input and 6.5-inch monitor, cruise control, rear parking sensors, light and rain sensors, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and a colour Driver’s Information System.
On all 2.0-litre TDI engine versions you can opt for SE Technik trim, which for a premium of £1,100 over SE adds Milano leather upholstery, DVD-based satellite navigation, Audi music interface iPod connection and the Audi parking system Plus with front and rear sensors and visual and acoustic guidance.
S line specification includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, S line exterior and interior styling enhancements and xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps and rear LED lights.
A Black Edition specification which takes S line as its basis costs an additional £1,250 and adds 19-inch alloy wheels with a titanium finish, and a black styling package which frames the grille, fog lights, windows and number plate in high gloss black, and for Avant models adds black roof rails and dark tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar rearwards. Inside, enhancements include Audi music interface iPod connection, DAB digital radio, a high performance 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system, piano black inlays and, for Saloon versions, the Audi parking system plus.
A new option available across the board is a high specification mobile phone interface offering online services, which not only brings a Google-powered Points of Interest search and navigation using Google Earth images, but also creates a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) hotspot within the A4 enabling occupants to connect phones and computers to the internet wirelessly.
Also new to this latest generation model are an updated adaptive cruise control system and the Audi active lane assist lane departure warning system. The evolution of adaptive cruise control can now bring the A4 to a complete halt automatically at speeds of less than 18mph if its sensors detect the possibility of a collision. Using optical sensors to monitor road markings, the Audi active lane assist system detects unintentional lane deviations and alerts straying drivers by initiating active steering intervention to gently guide the car back into lane.
To minimise the risk of unintentional manoeuvres caused by fatigue, all A4 models are also equipped with a Break Recommendation function built into their Driver’s Information System. It uses a steering angle sensor to monitor steering movements, and also assesses use of the pedals and gear lever. If the sensors detect irregular or overly sudden driver inputs the driver is alerted to the possible need to take a break by audible and visual cues in the cockpit.
The new generation Audi A4 and S4 range – UK OTR pricing
A4 Saloon SE
1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual £sub-24K (from early 2012)
1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual £25,240
1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic £26,720
2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic £29,170
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual £29,170
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic £30,650
2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual £26,555
2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual £26,555
2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic £28,035
2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual £27,575
2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual £27,575
2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic £29,055
2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual £29,120
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic £30,490
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual £TBC
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic £34,600
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual £38,665
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic £39,915
Premium for SE Technik specification – £1,100
Premium for S line specification – £2,555
Premium for Black Edition specification – £1,250
A4 Avant SE
1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual £TBC (available early 2012)
1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual £26,455
1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic £27,920
2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic £30,385
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual £30,370
2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic £31,850
2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual £27,755
2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual £27,755
2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic £29,235
2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual £28,775
2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual £28,775
2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic £30,255
2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual £30,320
3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic £31,805
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual £TBC
3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic £35,825
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual £39,865
S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic £41,115
Premium for SE Technik specification – £1,100
Premium for S line specification – £2,555
Premium for Black Edition specification – £1,250
