Audi’s new A4 gains a smidgen in the size department but rather more than that in terms of technology with the introduction of Car2x and other Audi connected features.

The A4 remains the core of the Audi brand and the latest iteration sees the overall length grow by 36 mm from 4 726 with the wideth up a mere 5 mm, although the wheelbase remains unchanged.

The midsize model gets sportier design highlights and the Singleframe grille is now broader and flatte, while the side view is defined by the ‘muscles’ above the fenders and the lower set shoulder line in between.

LED headlights now come standard in the Audi A4 and are available in different variations. The 35 TFSI features low beam, high beam and daytime running lights in LED technology. The 40 TFSI and S4 will feature a higher version of LED including a different daytime running light design and dynamic indicators for the rear. Also available optionally is the top-of-the-line Matrix LED headlights with fully automatic high beam.

The equipment line concept is equally new: standard, Advanced and S line are now available for the exterior, and customers can choose from 12 paint colours, including a new Terra Grey colour option.

When it comes to the wheel options, 17-inch size is configured as standard on the entry trimline and an 18-inch standard wheel size on the Advanced and S line trims. There is an option to upgrade to 19-inch with  three designs on offer.

In the centre of the instrument panel, slightly tilted toward the driver, is the large and new MMI touch display, the control centre for the new operating system. Interior customisation to standard seating is available in a variety of leather/leatherette colour combinations.  

The S line interior package can be combined freely with the exterior lines and comes with Fine Nappa leather with S embossing. While ambient LED interior lighting is standard, the contour/ambient lighting package adds highlights to the interior in the dark for a very premium finish and is included as part of the Technology Package.

An MMI touch display with acoustic feedback replaces the functions of the previous rotary/pushbutton control on the centre tunnel console. The high-resolution TFT display measures 10,1 inches. Its graphics are deliberately clean and cut-down; the menu structure is tailored to ease of use.

The MMI search is based on free text input and returns hits rapidly. The natural-language voice control understands many of the phrases used in everyday speech. Audi smartphone interface (which enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is also standard on all models within the range.

The navigation in the Audi A4 is now even more versatile and more user-friendly with the optional Audi Technology Package which now includes MMI navigation plus, MMI touch and the full functionality of Audi connect.

As Audi’s first model range to usher in fully integrated connectivity, the Audi connect portfolio includes a host of online services which offer advanced infotainment, navigation and Car-to-X services which take advantage of the swarm intelligence to service, safety and convenience built into the connected A4.

Audi connect focuses on integrating the structures that use online connectivity with the vehicle, to provide real-time information and multiple digital functions. This includes delivering internet services to the car via an embedded sim (installed directly into the vehicle) and used through the myAudi app.

When inside the vehicle, the Audi MMI (multimedia interface) and Audi virtual cockpit becomes the mechanic of use.

myAudi app is the central nervous system for Audi connect and allows digital access to the vehicle, anywhere and at any time. It is through this point that the driver can access important vehicle information, manage data and configure and set up certain services. The driver will be able to call up real-time information about the vehicle and keep an eye on the fuel level, range, service appointments, warning messages and other functions.

The Car2X services of Audi connect include:

• Safety and service features (licenced for 10 years and standard on the Audi A4) will support the driver in the event of damage, breakdown or minor accidents. This enables an emergency call or roadside assistance directly from the vehicle in order to access emergency towing, ambulance, police or fire brigade support. Notification of when a service is due is also integrated into the functionality and will trigger an automatic prompt to the registered Audi Dealer.
• Security & convenience services (part of the optional Technology Package) will include remote functions (model-dependent) that network the vehicle with the smartphone.  This will allow the vehicle to be protected against unauthorised access, giving the driver control of selected vehicle functions by conveniently using the myAudi app. Features include car finder, remote lock/unlock, geo-fencing/speed alert and theft/alarm notification. A vehicle status report for information like the oil or fuel levels, mileage or service intervals are easily viewed on the smartphone as well.

On the other hand, the following infotainment services as part of Audi connect (requires MMI navigation plus as part of the optional Technology Package) will offer real-time information for navigation and infotainment. This includes:

• Live and integrated Google Earth navigation and traffic information allow the driver to easily plan trips through the myAudi app and send destinations and routes directly to the vehicle.
• Live information around points of interests (trading hours, parking availability), traffic information and weather updates are also included.

These features are available through an embedded e-SIM and data is freely available for a period of three years.

Two instrument cluster variants are available: standard is the analog driver information system with colour display, or the all-digital Audi virtual cockpit plus. The driver can operate the 12,3-inch display with full HD resolution using the multifunction steering wheel with a choice of three views.

Audi will be offering the A4 model line with three turb-ocharged engines in South Africa. Their power outputs range from 110 kW to 260 kW – from the Audi A4 35 TFSI up to the Audi S4 TFSI.

For the market launch in October 2020, two engine variants (A4 35 TFSI and 40 TFSI) will feature a mild-hybrid system (MHEV) based on 12 volts, which reduces fuel consumption while improving comfort. This broad-based electrification makes an important contribution to achieving positive fuel consumption.

In everyday use, the MHEV system reduces fuel consumption by up to 0,3 l/100 kilometres according to individual Audi measurements.  

Model	Engine (l)	Power (kW)	Torque (Nm)
Audi A4 35 TFSI Standard	2.0 TFSI	110	270
Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced	2.0 TFSI	110	270
Audi A4 40 TFSI Standard	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi A4 40 TFSI S line	2.0 TFSI	140	320
Audi S4	3.0 TFSI	260	500

The range is expected to include a diesel engine in quarter one of 2021.

The 3.0 TFSI offering follows from the previous generation Audi S4 and the direct petrol injection engine with turbo-charger has an output of 260 kW and produces 500 Nm from 1 370 r/min to 4 500 r/min. The turbo V6 engine accelerates the Audi S4 from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds, and up to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h.

In the new S4, a fast and smoothly shifting eight-speed tiptronic handles the power transfer. Its lower gears have short, sporty ratios, while the upper gears are long to reduce revs and fuel consumption. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive makes a large contribution to the sporty handling of the S4. In normal driving, it distributes engine forces with a slight emphasis of the rear wheels – if necessary the majority of forces can be directed to the axle with better traction.

The new Audi A4 range will offer the package concept as introduced on other new models launched in South Africa. The concept aims to reduce complexity when ordering a new vehicle, considering a customer is generally faced with a long list of options to choose from.

It classifies key options according to a specific customer need and offers a straight-forward value proposition that is easy for a customer to understand. These packages have been defined by a combination of customer preferences as well as strategic options which aim to highlight Audi’s uniqueness or technology enhancements.

The packages include:

• Comfort
• Technology
• Sport
• Lights (35 TFSI only)
• Assistance / City Assistance / Lane Assistance

Pricing

• Audi A4 35 TFSI S tronic:   R 644,000
• Audi A4 35 TFSI Advanced S tronic:   R 663,000
• Audi A4 40 TFSI S tronic:   R 681,500
• Audi A4 40 TFSI Advanced S tronic:   R 700,500
• Audi A4 40 TFSI S line S tronic:   R 726,500
• Audi S4 TFSI 260kW quattro tiptronic:   R 944,500

All models come standard with the 5 year / 100 000 km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes.