New-gen Audi A4 launched in India at Rs 38.10 lakh
Audi India has launched the new-generation version of one its most successful sedans, the A4, in India. The prices for 2016 Audi A4 start at Rs 38.10 lakh, ex-Delhi and Maharashtra. Audi revealed the new-gen A4 at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The German car manufacturer also previewed the car in front of the Indian audience at the 2016 Auto Expo.
Apart from the new-design language and enhanced features list, the new Audi A4 is based on the MLB platform which has made it lighter by 120kg than the previous offering. The new Audi A4 is available in two petrol variants. The Premium Plus is priced at Rs 38.10 lakh while the Technology variant is priced at Rs 41.20 lakh.
The updated design has made the 2016 Audi A4 look sharper than before. It gets a sleeker headlight design similar to that of the Audi TT. The LED detailing inside the headlight has also been revised to make the overall design look crisper than before. It doesn't sport a more pronounced hexagonal radiator grille that is also seen on the company's flagship SUV, the Q7. The side profile does look similar to the previous version which is seen with the strong crease line that runs along the length of the sedan. The rear too gets new light design with updated LED elements. Audi states that the new A4 is the most aerodynamic A4 to be built ever.
Dimensionally, the new Audi A4 is 25mm longer and 16mm wider than the previous-generation model, while the height has been retained. The new MLB platform has also contributed to an additional 12mm in the wheelbase which now measures 2,820mm.
Inside the new Audi A4, the overall arrangement is similar to the company's portfolio, but it feels more modern and upmarket. It gets a new infotainment screen or the Audi MMI (multimedia interface) which sits on the central console. The AC vent design has been changed and now run across the width of the dashboard, splitting the dash in two parts. The leather-draped multi-function steering wheel gets nice aluminium bits. Most importantly, the new Audi A4 sports virtual cockpit which is a fully digital instrument cluster, also seen on the new Audi R8 and the Audi TT. In addition to displaying the regular vehicle information, it shows navigation as well read-outs for speed and engine revs.
Presently, Audi has launched the new-gen A4 with the 30 TFSI 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. This motor puts out 150PS of power from 5,000-6,000rpm and 250Nm between 1,500-3,500rpm. The new Audi A4 makes 20PS less power and 70Nm less torque compared to the previous model. The 1.4-litre motor is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. The company claims that the new A4 delivers a fuel efficiency of 17.84kmpl, which is 2.2kmpl more than the outgoing version. We have already driven the new Audi A4 in India, read our first drive review here. We expect the 2.0-litre diesel to arrive in the next few months.
The new Audi A4 competes with the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Jaguar XE.