By Khulekani Dumisa

The Audi A4 has been updated with fresh new looks and new engines. The brand’s popular sedan is also the first model to usher in fully integrated connectivity functions with Audi connect.

Looks

The refreshed Audi A4 adopts the brand’s latest design language. The Singleframe grille is now broader and flatter; horizontal lines emphasize the width at the front and rear. The side profile benefits from strong lines for a sportier look whilst the wheel arches appear wider.

LED headlights now come standard in the updated Audi A4 and are available in different variations. The 35 TFSI features low beam, high beam and daytime running lights in LED technology. The 40 TFSI and S4 will feature a higher version of LED including a different daytime running light design and dynamic indicators for the rear; also available optionally is the top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights with fully automatic high beam.

The updated A4 rides on 17” wheels as standard whilst 18” standard wheel sizes are available on the Advanced and S line trims. Customers can upgrade to 19” wheels which are standard on the S4 model.

Audi has taken the opportunity to introduce a new equipment line concept for the exterior with the updated Audi A4. These are: Standard, Advanced and S line. The S model gets its independent look with the standard high gloss styling package. Additionally, drivers can specify their cars with the following packages: Comfort, Technology, Sport, Lights (35 TFSI only) and Assistance / City Assistance / Lane Assistance. The packages group options together and aim to simplify the complexity in selection options for Audi cars.

Customers can choose from 12 paint colours, including a new Terra Grey colour option.

Interior

Inside, a new MMI touch display running on the third-generation modular infotainment platform MIB 3 is adopted. Standard seating options are available in a variety of leather/leatherette colour combinations. The S line interior package can be combined freely with the exterior lines and comes with Fine Nappa leather with S embossing. Ambient LED interior lighting is standard whilst contour/ambient lighting package is available as an option.

Two instrument cluster variants are available: standard is the analog driver information system with colour display, or the all-digital Audi virtual cockpit plus. The driver can operate the 12.3-inch display with full HD resolution using the multifunction steering wheel with a choice of three views. The optional hardware modules include the Audi phone box and the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System in the front.

New infotainment and Audi Connect

The refreshed A4 also catches up with the latest Audi models in the infotainment front. A new MMI system is said to offer a user experience similar to a contemporary smartphone. An MMI touch display with acoustic feedback replaces the functions of the previous rotary/pushbutton control on the centre tunnel console. The high-resolution TFT display in the car measures 10.1 inches.

The MMI search is based on free text input. The natural-language voice control, another function of the new system, understands many of the phrases used in everyday speech but in our experience is not as up-to-date as the systems found in German arch-rivals. Audi smartphone interface (which enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is also standard on all models within the range.

Navigation improves with the optional Audi Technology Package which now includes MMI navigation plus, MMI touch and the full functionality of Audi connect.

As Audi’s first model range to usher in fully integrated connectivity, the Audi connect portfolio includes a host of online services which offer advanced infotainment, navigation and Car-to-X services which take advantage of the swarm intelligence to service, safety and convenience built into the new A4.

Car-to-X services include, safety and services such as placing calls for emergency services from the car and security and convenience which entails regulating unauthorised access, car finder, remote lock/unlock, geo-fencing/speed alert and theft/alarm notification. A vehicle status report for information like the oil or fuel levels, mileage or service intervals are viewable on a smartphone as well.

Audi connect relies on an embedded sim (installed directly into the vehicle) and used through the myAudi app to deliver real-time information and multiple digital functions.

Engine and electrification

Audi SA will be offering the A4 model line with three turbocharged engines. Their power outputs range from 110 kW to 260 kW in the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TFSI.

At market launch, in October 2020, two engine variants (A4 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI) will feature a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts, which reduces fuel consumption while improving comfort. In everyday use, the MHEV system is said to reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.3 litres per 100 kilometres according to individual Audi measurements.  All A4 models are paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission as standard except for the S4 which gets an 8-speed automatic transmission. The model range is detailed below:

The range is expected to include a diesel engine in quarter one of 2021.

Pricing

The model range is priced as follows:

Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic:                                                R644,000

Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced S tronic:                           R663,000

Audi A4 40 TFSI S tronic:                                                R681,500

Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced S tronic:                           R700,500

Audi A4 40 TFSI S line S tronic:                                    R726,500

Audi S4 TFSI 260kW quattro tiptronic:                     R944,500

All models come standard with the 5 year / 100,000km Audi Freeway plan.

The Audi A4 range is currently available for sale at all Audi Dealerships in South Africa.