New Audi A4

The A4 takes Audi into a new dimension in the mid-size segment. The saloon's engines - three TDI units and two petrols that also have direct fuel injection - provide improved performance with fuel consumption that is an average of nine per cent lower than the previous model. The highly efficient powertrains are clear evidence of Audi's outstanding technical expertise, and the dynamic suspension and many other technologies have been adopted directly from the large luxury class.

Compared with the previous model, the designers have altered the proportions to create a new, sporty impression. The front overhang is shorter, the bonnet and wheelbase distinctly longer. At an overall length of 4.7 metres, the new A4 is a large saloon. It boasts a substantial, powerful road presence. Its body illustrates the technical progress that has been made: it is significantly more rigid and safer than the previous model, but also distinctly lighter, thanks to intelligent weight-saving.

The new A4 is being launched with a choice of five refined, powerful engines, covering a power-output range from 105 kW (143 bhp) to 195 kW (265 bhp), all using the direct fuel injection principle: FSI technology for the two petrol engines and the common-rail system for the three TDI units. The four-cylinder engines are turbocharged.

In the transmission area, Audi offers customers a wide range of high-tech solutions. Easily operated manual gearboxes or tiptronic automatic transmissions, and also the multitronic continuously variable transmission, deliver engine torque to either the front wheels or the quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system. For the new saloon model, torque is split biased more strongly to the rear wheels.

The driver will experience the new A4 as the sportiest of the midsize saloons - a car that is agile, precise and effortless to control. The differential has been moved further forward in the driveline by interchanging its position with the clutch or torque converter. This has enabled the front axle to be repositioned 154 millimetres further forward - a solution that permits the axle loads to be ideally balanced. For the new Audi A4, the dynamic suspension is a totally new development. Thanks to the use of numerous aluminium components, the suspension, steering, wheels and brakes are exceptionally lightweight.

The innovative assistance systems on the new A4 make driving even more relaxed and enhance the driver's control of the situation. Audi equips its new saloon model on request with various high-tech systems that have so far been available only on luxury cars. These systems control the distance from the car in front, help the driver to keep within the chosen lane or to move safely from one lane to the next, and provide support when parking the car.

The Audi A4 also sets new standards for a midsize car in multimedia. The new saloon enters production with a series of communication and entertainment technologies at the customer's disposal, including various audio systems, a TV receiver, two navigation systems, an iPod interface and a Bluetooth telephone. Audi is supplying the new A4 in three equipment lines: Attraction, Ambition and Ambiente. Prices start from €52,530.

For more information call at the Audi showroom in Mosta Road, Lija, or call 2142 4570 or e-mail rcalafato@ccl.mizzi.com.mt.