New
Audi A4 Launched in Australia
The new generation
Audi A4 has been launched in Australia, bristling with the latest technology
available from the Ingolstadt-based German luxury carmaker.
In addition driving
pleasure, superior levels of luxury and exciting styling, including
Audi’s hallmark ‘single frame grille’, support the
company’s theme of ‘Pushing the limits’, the tagline
for this best-selling model at launch.
The technology of
the new A4 is second-to-none with powerful yet economical petrol and
TDI engines available, providing the basis for excellent performance.
All engines comply with the strict limits of the EU4 standard, a standard
that will become required by law in Australia in the near future (TDI
engines: 2006. Petrol engines: 2008)
The use of FSI (direct
petrol injection) and turbo technology is a clear demonstration of Audi’s
‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ brand essence and the A4 theme
of ‘Pushing the Limits’. It clearly highlights the company’s
abilities to produce the most advanced state-of-the-art combinations
for petrol engines.
The launch of the
new A4 in Australia sees two engines with FSI petrol direct injection,
including a 188 kW 3.2-litre V6 (available in Australia from May) and
the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 T FSI, delivering 147 kW.
These engines combine
high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the
accelerator pedal and a high-level peak- torque range. The sporty Audi
Dynamic Chassis converts the power delivered by these units into high-performance
pleasure on every bend and every kilometre of the journey.
The range for Australia
also includes the best-selling two-litre inline four-cylinder unit,
which develops 96 kW, and the 120 kW 1.8 T four-cylinder version. The
2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine with pump-injector fuel injection
and a power output of 103 kW, will be available from the third quarter
of 2005, completing the engine line-up.
Working hand-in-hand
with these powerful engines is the new generation of Audi’s ingenious
7-speed multitronic transmission for front wheel drive (2.0, 1.8 T,
2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI) models, a six speed manual for quattro ( 1.8 T quattro,
2.0 TFSI quattro) models and a new six-speed tiptronic with paddle shift
for quattro ( 2.0 TFSI quattro, 3.2 FSI quattro ) models.
The set-up of the
Audi Dynamic Chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking
trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been completely modified and numerous
new components added to create an exceptional driving experience. The
rear trapezoidal links and wheel carriers, as well as the front track
rods, originate from the sporty S4.
The new Audi A4
also incorporates the latest generation of steering technology which
further enhances the sportiness of the car. Thanks to a new Servotronic
speed sensitive steering as standard across the saloon and Avant range,
combined with the Audi dynamic chassis, offers a new driving experience.
The new Audi A4
uses latest generation of Electronic Stabilisation Program, ESP 8.0.
This system comprises ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
EBD and hydraulic brake assist which automatically increases brake power
when the driver applies the brakes in an emergency. The traction control
system ASR interacts with the electronic differential lock EDL to provide
efficient yaw control as the foundation for enhanced ESP safety.
Yet another new
feature is the brake disc wiping function integrated into ESP which
helps to keep the brake discs dry and clean at all times for maximum
braking pressure.
This new generation
A4 is also slightly larger than its predecessor with an additional 38mm
for the sedan model and 41mm for the Avant.
The new generation
of steering wheels incorporating the single-frame grille design first
used in the new Audi A6 offer either multifunction, multifunction with
paddle shift, multifunction sports or multifunction sports with paddle
shift.
Door sill trims
with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard
feature of all new A4 versions.
The well-formed
ergonomics of the previous generation is also to be found in the new
Audi A4. The cockpit and interior surround the driver with generously
sweeping horizontal lines that flow from the dashboard into the door
area. There is also more room than average for luggage. With a capacity
of 460 litres, the smooth-floored luggage compartment is well-equipped
for tackling challenging transport tasks. Depending on version, the
Avant offers up to 1,184 litres of space (with the rear seat folded
down).
The high standard
of comfort and quality is evident from the high-grade materials and
excellent finish of the interior.
Comprehensive occupant
protection systems – including two-stage front airbags and active
head restraints – together with the highly complex, latest-generation
electronic stabilisation system (ESP) provide high reserves of safety.
The A4 interior
design concept also makes use of the latest generation of head restraints
now incorporating active head restraint technology for front seats.
OPTIONS
Sport package
(available for 2.0, 1.8T, 2.0 TFSI)
- 17-inch 5-spoke
star-design alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 tyres
- Aluminium interior
trim finish
- Sports seats plus lumbar support
- Sports suspension
- Multifunction sports wheel and paddle shift
- RRP $2,500 (2.0, 1.8T models), $1,800 (2.0 TFSI models)
S Line package
(available for 2.0 TFSI quattro and 3.2 FSI models)
- 17-inch 5 ‘parallel-spoke’
alloy wheels with 235/45 R17 tyres
- Aluminium interior trim finish
- Sports seats plus lumbar support
- S Line exterior enhancement kit (front and rear bumpers, S Line emblem
on grille and side rubbing strip, S Line grid-pattern radiator grille
and rear spoiler)
- RRP $3,600
ENGINE SPECIFICATION
"BEST
CARS"
