New Audi A4 takes on BMW 3 Series

Audi gives compact exec new style, technology and better quality to take on the new BMW 3 Series

AUDI‘S A4 IS getting a new look and a range of more efficient, cleaner engines as it bids to take on BMW‘s newly launched 3 Series.

The revised A4 gets a new bonnet, grille and headlights, and a different rear bumper and tail-lights. Inside, there are new steering wheel designs, and a revised version of Audi‘s MMI control system; it is designed to be more intuitive.

Audi A4 TDI

Chassis tweaks include altered rear suspension, to improve the A4′s ride and handling, and electro-mechanical power steering that cuts C02 emissions by up to 7g/km. Audi claims an average fuel economy gain of 11% across the range.

The revised engine line-up includes a cleaner version of the TDIe variant. Its 134bhp engine now emits H2g/km of C02 (down from 120g/km) – although the A4 will fall short of the new 320d ED’s 109g/km. Audi claims most 2.0 TDIs will be smoother at low revs.

audi scaled

Other new diesel options include a 161bhp unit, equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, that emits H5g/km of C02, and a detuned 3.0-litre TDI with 201bhp.

There’s also a much cleaner entry-level petrol model; the 1.8 TFSI petrol produces 118bhp and emits 19% less C02 than its predecessor, at 134g/km.

Audi A4

The most significant trim level change is the removal of the base spec altogether; the range now start at SE. New options include a driver fatigue-monitoring system, and a Bluetooth set-up that uses the driver’s phone to access Google on the infotainment system.

The list prices increase by an average of L200 across the revised A4, A4 Avant and A4 Allroad ranges. Audi claims that the gains in C02 emissions will negate almost all of the rise by the time road tax is taken into account.