Audi India, today launched its bread and butter model and proved that it’s got the nerve to beat the likes of Mercs and BMW and luxury. With a refreshing new look, and a competitive price tag that would make luxury carmakers have a run for their money, Audi India presents the 2012 Audi A4.
Following the design cues featured on the new A5, the new Audi A4 also gets the prominent six-point grille, sleek and aggressive headlamps with LED daytime running lights and Xenon Plus headlights. Other key features on the front fascia include the redesigned front air dam and fog lamps. Moving on to the rear, the A4 features subtle upgrades with restyled tail lamps and twin exhaust.
Overall, the new A4 features as a more beefed up version of its predecessor. Sitting on a 2.81 m wheelbase, the car is longest in its segment.
Taking a step inside the car, there is no significant upgrade to the interior and there is still the calm and splendid feel of the top shelf German quality. Driver gets aid from the restyled three-spoke electromagnetic steering wheel and redesigned ignition system. In addition, the 2012 A4 is packed with features that will keep the driver busy on the go. This includes radio with eight speakers coming as standard. The MMI navigation with voice dialogue, DVD player with color monitor comes as an option in the top-of-the-range models.
While there are tons of features inside the new A4, Audi is still the ultimate driving machine with options from petrol and two diesel power plants. There is the 1.8-litre TFSI petrol that gives out 170 bhp peak power and 320 Nm peak torque. On the diesel options, there is a 2.0-litre TDI that pumps out 143 bhp power with 320 Nm torque, and the 3.0-litre TDI with an output of 245 bhp power and 500 Nm torque. Mated to the A4’s engine is a 7-speed S Tronic transmission that sends power to all wheels, via Audi Quattro All-wheel-drive system.
Audi also claims 10 percent improvement in the fuel-efficiency figures with the Quattro technology. The ARAI rated fuel-efficiency figure of the 1.8-litre TFSI is 15.64 kmpl, a rise of 25 percent over the forerunner, while the 2.0-litre TDI does better at 16.55 kmpl.
The new Audi A4 is the first to offer the Audi Car Life product, which provides financing, service plan, insurance and extended warranty support to elite customers.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India, said “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. The outstanding sales performance in the first quarter of 2012 of its predecessor encouraged us to pre-pone the launch of the new Audi A4.”
After the Audi TT that launched recently and the new A4, the German automaker has 3 more cars lined up in the 2012 calendar, which includes the Q3. As a part of the 2012 venture, Audi plans to sell 8,000 units in India, and the new A4 will account for about 2,500 units. In the five-year journey in Indian market, Audi has managed to reach 18 dealership networks, and the number is expected to reach 25 by end of the year.
Price [Ex-showroom Maharashtra]:
- 1.8L TFSI Petrol: Rs 27.33 Lacs
- 2.0L TDI Diesel: Rs 29.38 Lacs
- 3.0L TDI Diesel: Rs 38 Lacs