Audi Squares Up Next Generation A4

By Feann Torr

In response to the all-new BMW 3 Series that was leaked to the press recently (click here for the article), Audi has come clean with details for its next generation A4.

To be launched at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, the new mid-sized Audi will benefit from a host of new high-tech engines, revised suspension and dynamic headlights, yet the most obvious change to the new A4 is the exterior styling.

While some of its sheet metal looks similar to the outgoing model, the new A4 shares no panels with its precursor, and has been brought in line with the new A6 and A8, the 'single frame' grille being the major design cue that links new Audi models.

In addition to getting the family suit and tie, the clear lens headlights have been given a bit of a prod with the styling wand, and according to fellow Motoring Channel road tester Peter Maniatis, the look is "very nice".

From where I stand however, the headlights are far from appealing. I'm sure they will grow on me over time, but there's something about the pinched outer edges that screams 'BMW wannabe', and Audi has no need to emulate its countryman, as its cars are some of the most visually appealing in the prestige market.

The headlight's more angular positioning does give the car a somewhat sleeker look, and they lend the S4 in particular a hard edge that bodes well for the high performance sports sedan when its spiritual rival, the V8-powered E90 BMW M3, launches later in 2005.

At the rear, things haven't changed as dramatically as at the front in overall body styling, though the new brake lights do mirror the look of the headlights, and the jury's out on whether this is a good thing or not.

Both the saloon (sedan) and Avant (wagon) models have an impressive stance thanks to their flared wheel arches, and their overall proportions will be a benchmark for mid-sized prestige cars in the years to come.

Talking about proportions, the new A4 measures up well with it predecessor, measuring 11mm longer at 4586mm, compared to the older model's 4575mm.

This will create a little more rear passenger legroom, and boot space has also benefited, rising from 445 litres of cargo space to 460 litres.

Interestingly however, the new A4 is a little thinner than before, dropping from 1781mm wide to 1766mm, but while the volume-selling Audi tones up, it's also been working on its physical strength, and no less than 10 engines will be offered.

Unlike Mercedes and BMW who prefer a rear-wheel drive layout, 2WD variants of the A4 will be front-wheel drive, while AWD versions will also be offered.

A couple of the new engines include a 147kW 2.0-litre turbo mill (also used on the 2005 VW Golf GTI) and a stonking new turbo diesel motor, which has only been seen before in the A6 and A8 models.

While the 147kW, 280Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 188kW V6 engine give the petrol A4 range a solid boost, it's the range-topping diesel engine that intrigues most.

While there is a chance the 6-cylinder oil- burner may not be offered in Australia, the 3.0-litre V6 gifts the A4 with impressive performance, able to reach 100km/h from standstill in 7.2 seconds. That's pretty zippy for a diesel engine.

With a top speed of 235km/h, the 3.0-litre TDI V6 develops 150kW (204hp) and a whopping 450Nm @ just 1400rpm (and sustained to 3200rpm). This low-range glut of torque comes about thanks to the turbocharger's aids - a pair of intercoolers.

They operate in parallel and help reduce the temperature of the intake air, and it's fascinating to note that the turbocharger itself is located inside the engine's "vee" in order to make optimum use of the available space. That's German engineering for you.

Furthermore, the 4-valve per cylinder powerplant drinks just 7.5 litres of diesel fuel (combined city/highway) for every 100km covered, which amounts to an almost 840 kilometre range on one tank of fuel. Do I hear a hybrid car weeping?

The diesel engine also makes use of piezo injectors. These puppies work by using piezo crystals that ensure the injection process makes use of the piezo effect. Simply put, a voltage is applied to their crystal structures that changes their makeup, and the result is a minimal geometric change which – supported by a hydraulic element – mechanically triggers the opening of the injector needle.

The benefits of these 'piezo injectors' is that they are smaller in size and enable considerably smaller and more precisely metered injection quantities, which improves combustion and therefore increases fuel efficiency.

All up there are nine engines on offer, and following is the full list of petrol engines for the new 2005 Audi A4 range, including the powerful 188kW V6 FSI motor that can be optioned with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for optimum fuel efficiency:

Next up is the diesel range, including the 'piezo' enhanced 3.0-litre V6:

Audi has also mentioned that the current iteration of the 253kW (344hp) 5-valve V8 will again be offered in the new generation S4, but will that be enough to combat the upcoming BMW M3 or 270kW Mercedes C 55 AMG?

Could it be that an even more powerful version of the 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine is in the works? Rumours hint at a 350+ kilowatt twin turbo version of this V8 being built for the next generation RS6, so perhaps a single or low pressure twin turbo variant will be offered in the S4 in a couple of years?

Moving from speculation to fact, and Audi has given the new A4 slightly sportier handling, due to changes in the suspension setup.

Together with new componentry (the majority of which is constructed of light-alloy, helping to keep unsprung weight to a minimum), the completely modified four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been tuned to deliver a smooth ride and still offer agile handling characteristics.

Audi's chassis engineers were instructed to make extensive changes to the spring and shock absorber settings to improve the car's road manners, and to that end, several mountings of the front and rear shock absorbers have also been adopted from the A6.

Optional 'xenon plus' headlights with dynamic adaptive light technology enable drivers to see around corners slightly better at night, and other technological features such as the continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be available as options on most models.

Comprehensive occupant protection systems - including two-stage front airbags, front/side (thorax) airbags, the head airbag system (or sideguard) and active head restraints - together with the highly complex, latest-generation electronic stabilisation system (ESP) provide high reserves of safety as well.

All five seats are equipped with three-point seat belts and head restraints, and the active head restraints are integrated into the A4's front seats, which reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision.

Inside the fresh-faced Audi, new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch in the interior and door sill trims (with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays) are a standard feature of all new A4 models. Electric front windows are also part of the standard specification, though rear passengers must make with manually wound windows except on 2.0-litre Turbo FSI and V6 versions.

Ancillary features including DVD radio and navigation system contribute in setting new standards in terms of user guidance and ergonomics, while key geometry and menu options will be based on the MMI standard (think BMW iDrive) which will be familiar to Audi A8 and A6 drivers.

Five new exterior colour schemes (for a total of 15) will be offered by the German marque, and the wheel range comprises eight summer and three winter wheels of up to 17-inches in diametre, with tyres up to 235/45 R17. The S4 gets the 18-inch alloy wheels of its precursor.

There you have it - Audi's updated and upgraded A4 in all its glory. It's a nice looking car through and through, and isn't so radically different that it will scare off more conservative buyers.

The revised suspension will be a boon to many owners who thought the 2004 model car was dull and handled like a piece of cheese, and the new range of engines complete with 4- and 6-cylinder powerplants cover just about every price range and lifestyle sub-genre you can think of.

The new 2005 model Audi A4 range will make its debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, and stay tuned to the Motoring Channel for all the late-breaking French Motor Show news.