| New Model Preview | Frankfurt Motor Show | Audi A4 |
Forget for a moment the blink-and-you'll-miss-them styling changes to Audi's new A4 and instead concentrate on the technical details. Audi has proved it's got what it takes to produce enjoyable drivers' cars even when saddled with less than optimum weight distribution, so the 154mm increase in the new A4's wheelbase is hugely significant. Audi has pushed the front axle forward, benefiting balance and also improving interior space. A wider track, completely redesigned suspension (built largely from aluminium) and a bag of electronic driver aids should all help deliver a sharper, more enjoyable A4.
Audi certainly thinks so, boasting the A4 to be the most dynamic and sporty model in its class. That's fighting talk, particularly from a car that faces BMW's all-conquering
3 Series and Mercedes-Benz's vastly improved C-Class. Unlike them, the A4 in standard guise will be front-wheel drive, though as usual quattro four-wheel drive is also offered. The engine line-up from launch is familiar to the outgoing range, with improvements to power, emissions and consumption all round. The transmission choice is also the same, being either a six-speed manual or Tiptronic, or Audi's Multitronic CVT; all again featuring detailed revisions for improved performance - both on the road and environmental.
Five engines are initially offered with the new car. These consist of three turbodiesels, two V6s of 2.7 and 3.0-litres offering 190bhp/295lb.ft and 240bhp/369lb.ft respectively, and a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder with 143bhp and 236lb.ft. The petrol range at launch consists of a 1.8-litre turbocharged FSI four-cylinder with 160bhp/184lb.ft and a 3.2-litre V6 with 265bhp/236lb.ft. Further engines almost certain to join the line up at some point in the future include an entry-level naturally aspirated petrol unit as well as V8s to power AMG and M division rivalling S4 and RS4 models.
Along with the repositioned front axle Audi has added a number of electronic driver aids to the A4, these working in conjunction with the usual ABS and ESP functions. Most obvious is the introduction of 'Audi dynamic steering', a system that adjusts the steering gear ratio and assistance depending on speed and input. Slower and less direct at speed to improve stability, the system lightens and quickens when performing low-speed manoeuvres, it also working with the ESP to add slight steering input to help correct understeer and oversteer.
With the promise of greater dynamic prowess, the new A4 is offered with a choice of two sports suspension settings or what Audi calls 'drive select'. This system is available in various stages and influences things like accelerator response, Tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance and ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers. If optioned, drive select allows the driver to choose from three different suspension modes, those cars additionally equipped with Audi's MMI interface gaining full individualisation of the settings with 24 different options able to be configured.
Like the exterior the interior remains obviously A4, but that's no complaint. Elements of the
new A5 feature, the centre console being less cluttered with the addition of an electronic parking brake, the A4 certain to maintain its reputation for interior quality, solidity and easy functionality. Equipment levels grow, all cars featuring automatic air conditioning, while new options include full iPod integration and air-conditioned seats.
Space improves thanks to the increased wheelbase and Audi claims the A4 to have one of the largest boot areas in the class. Even so, an Avant will obviously follow the saloon fairly soon. The latter goes sale in Germany shortly after its
Frankfurt debut, arriving in showrooms in November. Right-hand drive deliveries here should commence early next year. Full details on trim levels, standard equipment and prices will be released nearer the on-sale date.
Kyle Fortune - 29 Aug 2007
