One of the biggest concerns, when you set about trying to come up with a worthy successor to a car like the Audi A4, is about how to make something which is already so good, even better.
For those who came in late, the A4 is the iconic German carmakers longest running brand – it hit the markets 39 years ago. Now in its eighth generation, the A4 has sold more than 10 million units since 1972. And it’s not like the last edition wasn’t doing well: the A4 topped the sales charts ( in India) for cars in its segment in the first quarter of 2012. But Audi has upped the ante by launching a (according to the company) much improved version this week.
And it does look different: the horizontal lines at the front end have been accentuated, the engine hood is more arched, the upper corners of the single frame grille are tapered, and the cross-ribs and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally. The redesigned bumpers are striking with their angular air inlets, their revised grilles and the flat front fog lights. It almost looks like Audi has taken a well-mannered car with refined tastes (which would fit into the parking lot of a gentleman’s club) into a ride for a maverick who’s out to paint the town red.
The company is obviously out to woo a younger clientele with the new A4 – and going by first glances, the car definitely makes a direct and suave appeal to that target audience.
It’s not all superficial though: features which were previously seen only on the more upmarket Audi A8 and Audi A6 are now available in the Audi A4. These include LED Daytime Running Lights, Driver Information System, Xenon Plus Headlights, Audi Music Interface and Efficiency increase (Energy Recovery). All engines are turbocharged direct-injection systems; the recuperation system is standard throughout and the start- stop system is standard in petrol variants. Audi is also offering a whole kit of state-of-the-art infotainment system for the new A4. A concert radio with eight speakers is standard, while the MMI system with voice dialogue, color monitor and DVD player forms the top of the line. Audi also claims to have improved fuel efficiency by 10 percent on the new Audi A4.
“The new Audi A4 with its progressive design, efficient driving dynamics and class defining interiors will take the driving experience to a new paradigm for all our customers. The young and sleek looks will appeal to the younger generation who have arrived in life and are looking to affirm their status and positions among their peers. The engines with their superior technology will give better fuel efficiencies while the new and improved lines and interiors will certainly turn heads and add to the comfort and luxury that one expects from Audi,” said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India at the launch. The new A4 series is now available at Audi dealerships across the country from Rs.2,785,000 onwards (ex-showroom Delhi).