Audi A4 New Generation Unleashed for 2012
The Audi A4 Range's new generation is available for order, with UK customers expected to receive their vehicles in March of 2012. New generation Allroad, Avant and Saloon models are all equipped with revised or new engines and a number of new features.
Efficiency and Economy
A price increase of only £200 on proves cost effective considering all the benefits this small amount brings to the existing package. All nine of the directly injected and turbo charged engines in the A4 range have now been linked to recuperation and start/stop systems. This improvement brings about an average 11 percent increase in economy along the whole range, although in some cases this can be as high as 21 percent.
The 1.8 Litre TFSI
This petrol engine has been redesigned with stunning new features including the integration of the exhaust manifold, turbocharging, thermal management, control of valves and their lift and fuel injection. This engine delivers significantly more bang for less buck with increased power and a reduced CO2 output - 21% less.
The TDI Engines
Audi have expanded the options for this range substantially, with options including six or four cylinder engines. The uplgrades ensure smoother running at low revolutions, reduced CO2 emissions and greater fuel ecomomy: 65.7mpg for the 1.8 litre, 64.2mpg for the 2.0 litre, and 57.6mpg for the 3.0 litre model that replaces the outgoing 2.7 Litre TDI.
Both the Avant and Saloon front wheel drive models include a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and the bulk of the models in this class will include optional continously variable multitronic automatic transmission. Quattro versions will feature either a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic or manual transmission. S Tronic or manual transmission is is included in all engine versions in the A4 allroad quattro.
Thermal Management
Audi have developed an outstanding new thermal management system which reduces the warm-up time for manual transmissions thus minimising friction losses. All new Audi transmissions are designed with a wide spread of gear ratios - with short ratios in the lower gears resulting in improved engine response time and higher ratios in the higher gears to maximise fuel economy.
The Quattro All Wheel Drive System
All new generation A4 Allroad quattros and 245PS A4 TDI quattro models include the quattro permanent All Wheel Drive system as standard. The feature can be fitted for the 211PS 2.0 Litre TFSI petrol and 177PS 2.0 LItre models at extra cost.
Handling and road holding is further increased within the A4 family via a self-locking differential designed to transmit torque from the front to rear wheels at a ratio of 40 to 60 in normal conditions. However, if the circumstances demand it, this ration can be altered to suit the needs of the driver in challenging environments. On top of this, torque vectoring acts in combination with the centre differential, supplying occasional brake applications which improve vehicle control.
State of the Art Suspension
The Quattro system's excellent performance is in part delivered by a five link front suspension built into a well crafted chassis, and a trapezoidal link towards the back. Both these features consist of largely aluminium content, giving them strength without speed sapping weight. In addition to these features, the characteristcs of shock absorbers and the rear suspension control arm mounts have been even more finely tuned.
The sports differential can be fitted to all V6 quattro versions which improves control when taking corners at speeds. The Sports differential shares the power between each rear wheel as the conditions demand.
Electromechanical Power Steering
Included on all models in the new A4 generation is Electromechanical Power Steering. This system's direct gear ratios improve turn response but draws no power from the engine when the vehicle is travelling straight ahead. This clever design helps drivers reduce their carbon output by as much as 7g/km and maintain an efficient fuel economy.
Audi Drive Select Modes
All the features covered so far (thermal management, quattro all wheel drive, suspension and electromechenical power steering) can be controlled by Audi's optional Drive Select adaptive dynamics system, which has four set modes: 'Auto', 'Comfort', 'Efficiency' and 'Dynamic'. Audi Drive Select also features an 'Individual' mode (if the optional navigation system is included) which enables personal adjustments.
The Electronic Stability Programme
The electronic stablity programme has been fitted to all front wheel models of the new generation A4s. This system aids road safety with it's electronic limited slip differential. It also applies minimum brake interventions to the front wheel subject to reduced load when on the inside of a bend.
Aesethetic Improvements
Several aesethetic adjustments have been made to the new generation A4s including many varied types of headlights, fittings and reworked bumpers. Changes have also been made to the interiors across the range, with a mind to style and practicality. Subtle adjustments to component placements are complemented by stylish interiors.
Winning Features
Boot space remains similar to the previous generation and many features Audi customers will have come to expect remain available across the range, including: Colour Coded Driver’s Information System, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, rear parking sensors, a ten-speaker 180-watt Concert CD audio system with auxiliary input and 6.5-inch monitor, cruise control light, rain sensors, and many more options - depending on which A4 you choose.
Continued Quality
When all is considered, the new generation of Audi's A4 range has been lifted by the improved engines both in terms of performance and economy, this and the impressive array of features available to complement these improvements make any new A4 a great choice for the driver.