Share

Audi's A4 - updated for 2012

Audi’s stalwart A4 range is being given a neat update for 2012 that promises all things bigger, better and more efficient. South Africans will also be treated to a new derivative...

The A4 sedan, Avant, Allroad Quattro and S4 will each have a new look. The horizontal lines at the front will be emphasised by the new bumper with a revised grille that is more tapered, a bonnet section that is more arched, and Audi rings shown in 3D.

Fog and headlight housings have also been changed and xenon plus headlights made an option. Diode daytime running lights form a narrow band around the headlights and the tail clusters mimic the shape of the headlights and also have diode strips.

The rear bumper has been redesigned, too, and twin tailpipes will be standard on all models.

SLIGHTLY BIGGER, DEFINITELY SMARTER

Depending on the body style, the sedan and Avant have grown longer by a few millimetres. Four paint colours have been added.

The next A4 interiors are said to be more refined, too, with a selection of new steering wheels with various inserts and a revised upholstery range. Other improvements will include simplified operation of the MMI navigation system and auto transmission, and more-efficient aircon.

Audi A4 Wheels24

TIDY REAR: Audi's mid-lifecycle update is not too dramatic.

The upgrade also sees changes to the infotainment system, including the Bluetooth online car phone that works via Audi connect to provide special services within the car, such as voice-controlled Google searches, online traffic information and a WLAN hotspot to allow passengers to browse and e-mail using a cellphone.

It’s unlikely the engine range offered in South Africa will be changed dramatically, although Audi claims fuel consumption levels across the line-up are, on average, 11% lower than before, despite increased outputs on certain models.

NEW FOUR-CYLINDER


A new, lighter, four-cylinder 1.8 TFSI engine, available for the sedan and Avant, produces 125kW/320Nm. Audi quotes an average fuel consumption for this engine of 5.6 litres/100km and 134g/km of CO2.

Front-wheel drive models are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission is standard with the option of multitronic. Quattro versions have an option of manual or seven-speed S tronic transmissions.  

The chassis has apparently been tuned for a sportier ride and most suspension components are made from aluminium. The electromechanical power steering, with its fuel-saving properties (it requires no energy when directed straight ahead, saving up to 0.3 litres/100km) is new, too.

The Audi S4, powered by the 3.0 TFSI engine with 245kW and 440Nm on tap, forms part of the update as well.

The revised A4 range, which will apparently see the reintroduction of the Allroad quattro model in South Africa, goes on sale here during the second quarter of 2012.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE