Epic new Audi A4 and S4 range

As of this week, Audi is taking orders for the new generation A4 and S4 ranges for March 2012 deliveries. Pricing is pretty much confirmed although the starting price is currently given as “circa £24,000”. The base model is the 1.8-litre, 118bhp TFSI six-speed manual A4 Saloon SE. The 32-variant range also includes versions of the A4 Avant SE and four range-topping S4 cars.

All manual gearboxes across the range are six-speed while the automatics have either seven or eight speeds, making them amongst the most efficient automatic boxes around. Other additions such as a stop-start function and energy recuperation as standard have resulted in efficiency improvements of up to 21%. The most economical variant is the 134bhp A4 2.0-litre TDIe manual which has an astounding 65.7mpg fuel economy and emissions at just 112g/km. It is priced at £26,555.

The 2.0-litre A4 Saloons are priced from £27,575 through to £30,650 and the 3.0-litre Saloons (now the biggest engines across the line-up with the departure of the 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6) are priced from £30,490 to £36,400. For Saloon lovers with deeper pockets, the S4 3.0-litre TFSI quattro 328bhp is £38,665 for the manual and £39,915 for the seven-speed S tronic gearbox.

In the Avant line-up, the 2.0-litre models are priced from £27,755 to £31,850 and the 3.0-litre models from £31,805 to £35,825. The quattro S4 versions are £39,865 for the manual and £41,115 for the seven-speed S tronic. The price for the entry-level Avant (estate), the 118bhp 1.8-litre TFSI manual is yet to be confirmed.

As well as seven quattro variants each for the Saloon and Avant and six TDI engines, there are plenty of new features on this line-up. Suspension has been upgraded for better handling, electromechanical power steering has been added to all new models and a new “efficiency” mode for frugal motoring. This mode sets all elements, including the climate control, to operate at the most fuel-saving level.

All front-wheel drive variants will get traction control and electronic limited slip differential and ventilated front and rear brakes are on offer on some models.

Looks-wise, the front bumper has been reworked with new angled air inlets, flat fog lights, restyled headlights, reworked bonnet and a revised single frame grille. At the back, the tail lights reflect the shape of the headlights and where xenon headlights are fitted, they are formed from a strip of LEDs.

A funky new option is online services - a phone interface that lets you use Google Earth to navigate and a Google-powered Points of Interest search so you know what to do when you get there.

www.audi.co.uk











By Georgia Lewis 

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