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Audi

2016 Audi A4 revealed

2016 Audi A4

Audi has released images and early details of its all-new A4 saloon and estate. The new B9 model range goes on sale in Europe in a few months and will launch in Australia in 2016.

At initial launch the A4 will be available with three petrol engines and four diesel options. Audi claims fuel consumption has been reduced by 21% across the board.

For the first time you’ll be able to choose an S tronic transmission in a front-wheel drive A4 (S tronics were previously only available with a quattro drivetrain). Manual transmissions will be available for overseas markets, but with final specs for Australia yet to be confirmed we won’t be holding our breath waiting for word that a manual A4 will be easy to come by down under.

Audi has redesigned the suspension with a five-link setup front and rear (see pictures below), claiming an increase in ride comfort and “accentuated sportiness”.

Of course, the new model is bigger and lighter than the outgoing B8 range. Audi says the interior of the new A4 is longest in its class and that it offers the most shoulder room for front seat occupants as well. Weight reduction is modest with a maximum of 15kg saved compared with the old model.

There’s a bunch of photos waiting for you below, including some cool cutaways, plus a comprehensive press kit available for download.

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Audi

Imagine if the next Audi A4 looked this good

Audi A4 rendering

Master pixel manipulator Theophilus Chin has turned his attention to the Audi Sport Quattro and reimagined into a volume selling A4 saloon.

Wouldn’t it be cool if Audi said, “Hey Theo, that looks great! And we’re going to build it. Here’s a cheque for many thousands of Euros to say thanks. Good job!”

[Source: Theophilus Chin]

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Audi

2012 Audi A4 facelift photo gallery

2012 Audi A4 facelift

Audi has just released images and info on the facelift of its volume selling A4 range. Here you’ll see images of the A4 saloon and Avant, with separate galleries of the new A4 allroad quattro and S4 range to follow.

The headlight treatment introduced in the A5 range has been adapted for the A4; it’s the same, but different. For a mid-cycle facelift Audi hasn’t been afraid to make changes to body panels, with the bonnet, rear bootlid and bumpers all given a bit of a spruce up. New alloy wheels also complement the changes. Overall, we reckon the facelifted A4 is a nice improvement on the current model.

Inside the first thing you’ll notice is the new, and much better looking, three spoke steering wheel. We’re not so keen on the brown interior colouring available as an option, though. But are interested to see how good (or not) the Beaufort oak inlays look. This is reminiscent of the Sportback Concept from 2009.

Mechanically, Audi has reduced fuel consumption by an average of 11% for the 10 engines offered in the A4 (six TDI and four petrol). An often constant criticism of Audi models relates to poor steering feel. In a bid to rectify that the electromechanical power steering has been revised.

Adaptive cruise control is now available on the A4 for the first time. Infotainment and driver information systems have also been upgraded.

We would expect to see the facelifted A4 range in Australia by the middle of next year, hopefully sooner. If we hear anything more concrete we’ll let you know. For now, enjoy the detail and photos available after the break.

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Audi

Audi A4 allroad quattro

2009 Audi A4 allroad quattro

Soccer mums rejoice! Audi’s newest allroad model is set for its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the lads from Ingolstadt have been kind enough to show us a few pics before it goes on display.

Based on the A4 Avant the allroad has plenty of visual clues that hint at its alleged off road capabilities. The cosmetic clues include flared guards and a revised grille treatment, giving the car a more rugged look. I think it looks great, and, if anything, looks better than the regular tarmac-locked A4 Avant.

Of course, there is the 37mm increased ride height, as well, giving the car a total ground clearance of 180mm. Not so immediately obvious is the wider track, which has been increased by 20mm.

The metal bash plates at either end of the car are said to be stainless steel, so, depending on how far under the car they go, they could actually provide some bona fide protection should the A4 allroad ever see dirt road duties. Of course, the allroad is never going to displace the role of the Land Cruiser, but having previously owned a 2001 Subaru Outback it is surprising how far these types of cars can be pushed, if you remain sensible.

Being an Audi there is enough electronic trickery on board to assist the driver as well, including Offroad Detection (ORD). Okay, it sounds a bit daft and obvious, but the system will modulate the ESP capabilities to suit the road conditions. For example, in off road conditions the system allows more slip than usual which therefore enables the torque to be sent more quickly to the wheels with grip. In regular road situations the quattro system sends 60% of the car’s torque to the rear wheels.  When required, a maximum of 85% can be sent to the rear wheels, or a maximum of 65% to the front wheels.

Buyers can choose from three engines, all meeting EU5 emissions targets, and include a new 155kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI four cylinder (which will also power the next Golf GTI), a 125kW/350Nm 2.0 TDI four cylinder and a 176kW/500Nm 3.0 V6 TDI. Six speed manual or S tronic transmissions will be available. Although, with the news that the new Q5 will come to the Australian market in S tronic guise only, it will be interesting to see if Australian buyers will be offered a manual option in the A4 allroad.

UPDATE: No need to wonder what transmissions will be available for the Australian market, I’ve just had it confirmed that the A4 allroad is not on Audi Australia’s radar.

More pics and press releases from Audi UK and Audi AG can be viewed after the jump.

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Audi

Audi gives A4 engine range more puff

Audi adds three new engines to A4 range

Audi have just added three new engines to its Australian A4 model range. A 3.0 TDI is now available with 176kW and, crucially, a 6.9l/100km fuel consumption figure, enabling the car to qualify for a lighter hit of Luxury Car Tax. Also joining the A4 range are two versions of the ever versatile 2.0 TFSI, one with 132kW, the other tweaked to produce 155kW. These engines supplement the existing 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines already in the line up.

For AUSmotive’s first impressions of the new A4, read our Drive Thru report. Full pricing and Audi’s press statement are listed below.

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Audi

Audi supercharges all new S4

All new Audi S4

If you’re looking for a new mid-size saloon, or estate for that matter, that can take you from rest to the legal speed limit in a shade over five seconds, while using less than 10 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres—and let’s face it, who isn’t—then Audi have the car for you. The all new Audi S4. Powered by a brand new 3-litre V6 engine, it puts out bona fide performance all of its own, while whetting the appetite for the next gen RS4. Just don’t bother trying to work out what TFSI stands for. Back in the day it meant Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection, but now, in this world of “mehcanical turbo charging”—yes that’s it, what you and I call super charging—it is probably best just to leave it to Audi to define. The addition of the blower helps the new V6 produce the very respectable numbers of 245kW/440Nm.

You may have guessed that AUSmotive is generally a fan of all things Audi, and the new S4 is no exception. Due for its first public reveal at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks I can’t wait until I can get my own eyes on one when they arrive down under in the latter half of 2009.

More pics and details below. As always, click on each image for larger versions.

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Audi

Audi A4 Avant arrives in Australia

Audi A4 Avant

Regular AUSmotive readers will know of my love for Euro wagons, a love nurtured by Audi’s über RS2 estate from the mid 90s. Having the keys to an RS4 Avant for 24 hours last year only strengthened these feelings of mine. To say I’m keen to check out the new A4 Avant would be an understatement. I know many don’t necessarily share my views about wagons, and if that’s you, well, you’re just wrong! One thing is certain, a Euro estate is a damn sight more cool than a new SUV-SAV-POS-whatever you want to call it. So, this new A4 number then, according to the press blurb, “it marries elegance with intelligent functionality”. Of course, I reckon Audi is bang on the money there.

At launch there will be two engine options on offer, the very sweet 118kW/250Nm 1.8-litre TFSI and the familiar 2-litre oil burner with 105kW/320Nm. Axle positioning has been shifted around a bit from the sedan to ensure the Avant keeps weight distribution under control. All the expected improvements in cabin and cargo space, along with increases saftey features, have been introduced over the previous model. You’re looking at an entry price of $56,400 for the 1.8 TFSI multitronic with no manual transmissions available at this stage.

If you’re looking for a stylish and convenient saloon that’s a bit more practical, then change your thinking and get on down to your local Audi dealer to check out their new A4 Avant. All the cool kids want one.

More pics and Audi’s press release below.

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Audi Drive Thru Reviews

Drive Thru: 2008 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI

2008 Audi A4 1.8 TFSI

Last month Audi Australia officially launched an all new A4 model. Audi claims to be the fastest growing prestige brand in the Australian market. If that growth is to continue the new A4 needs to deliver bums on seats. At launch there were four engine choices available. Two petrol powerplants—118kW 1.8 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder, 195kW 3.2 FSI narrow angle V6—and two turbocharged diesel engines—105kW 2.0 TDI four-cylinder, 140kW 2.7 TDI six-cylinder. In AUSmotive’s second Drive Thru instalment, we bring you a brief report on the entry level 1.8 TFSI model.