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Cape Town - Audi has already launched its new A4 in South Africa, in fact three new SA-bound models were spotted undergoing testing in the Western Cape in February 2016.
New A4 in South Africa
Wheels24 editor Sergio Davids experienced the new A4 at its local launch in George, Western Cape.
He said: "Good handling, enhanced performance and seriously great tech... the ninth-generation A4 has lifted its game remarkably in SA. It's possibly the best A4 yet and a serious contender in the premium sedan market.
"The next-gen A4 is the embodiment of Audi's longtime marketing slogan 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Advancement through Technology), filled to brim with the automaker's latest innovations in driving systems and assistance.
"It's a vast improvement over its predecessor and should, given its sales history, bring smiles to many local owners."
Click here to read his driving impression
New Audi models headed for SA
The A4 forms part of a new local model assault lined-up for 2016 and 2017. Here are 5 new models headed for Mzansi:
R8 Coupe - The much-anticipated R8 coupe will be launched in South Africa later in July 2016. The next-gen R8 has subtle design changes, a new V10, all-wheel drive and the latest in Audi technology.
The previous 4.2 V8-litre has been replaced by a non-turbo, 5.2-litre V10 available in two variants. In standard guise, it’s capable of 397kW/540Nm, 100km/h in 3.5sec and 323km/h. The V10 Plus delivers 449kW/560Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.2sec and 330km/h.
Click here for more information on Audi models in SA
Each version sports a seven-speed S tronic transmission; fuel consumption for the standard variant is rated at 11.8 litres/100km with emissions of 275g/km, the Plus at 12.4/100km and 289g/km. The S Tronic comes with manual mode, launch control and coasting mode.
The R8 V10 Plus has a dry weight of 1454kg, 50kg less than its predecessor.
R8 Spyder - Ingolstadt's hardtop supercar is due in South Africa later in 2016, and Audi used the New York Motor Show to unveil the new Spyder version.
The Spyder uses the same 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 found in the R8 hardtop. Power is a huge 397kW/540Nm. As per normal, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard and the Spyder rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, while 0 to 200 km/h is dealt with in 11.8 seconds. Top speed is 318km/h.
The V10 is also mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the hardtop.
Aside from the normal driving modes (comfort, auto and dynamic) it adds three more driving programs - dry, wet and snow. The Spyder should arrive locally in 2017.
A3 - Audi has upgraded its A3 "luxohatch" with what its calls "significant benefits to technology, new engines and styling refinement".
The popular range receives re-styled front and rear bumpers. Audi's cool Matrix LED lights are now available, with new LEDs at the rear.
Audi's virtual cockpit can now be specified as an alternative to the standard analogue unit. The display is presented on a high-resolution 31cm screen. The virtual cockpit was first seen in the TT, R8 and is used in the new A4.
On the engine front, Audi offers a six engine line-up in the A3: with power outputs ranging from 81kW to 140kW. Finally, the S3 S-tronic, in Europe, benefits from an extra 7kW and 20Nm to its 2.0-litre TFSI; pushing the power outputs to 228kW and 400Nm.
The new A3 will arrive in November in 2016.
Coming in 2017
Q2 - Audi South Africa will introduce its Q2, its smallest SUV yet, locally in the first quarter of 2017.
The automaker says the compact SUV is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, uniting a progressive design with a high level of functionality. Connectivity, infotainment and assistance systems are on par with its SUV siblings.
Internationally, the Q2 is available with a selection of six different engines. Along with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder TFSI, two four-cylinder petrol engines are being offered with 1.4 and 2.0-litres of displacement. In addition, three four-cylinder diesel engines are available with 1.6 and 2.0-litres of displacement. Their power output ranges from 85kW to 140kW.
All engine details, specification and pricing will be available closer to its market introduction.
A5 - The next-generation A5, codenamed B9, will share the same underpinnings as the new A4.
The architecture, made up of high-strength steel, lightweight aluminium and a host of advanced composites has reportedly shaved off a 100kg compared to the outgoing model.
In terms of engines, expect 1.8-litre and 2.0 litre petrol turbos from the A4, while a 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 3.0-litre V6 turbo (S5) round off the range. An RS5 should make its way later in the life-cycle. No engine or specifications have been confirmed for SA.
Q5 - Audi's latest mid-size SUV will go head-to-head with BMW's X3 and Volvo's XC60. The new Q5, like the A5 and A4, is based on the latest evolution of the Volkswagen group's MLB platform.
The test units spotted in SA, show a slightly bigger vehicle, with dimensions of 4.7m long, 1.9m wide and 1.6m tall.
Click here for more information on Audi models in SA
Expect four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Autocar says the Q5's V6 petrol engines form part of a new generation of engines being developed in a joint engineering project between Audi and Porsche."
The new Q5 will be built at Audi's new factory in San José Chiapa in Mexico. Further assembly will take place in Changchun, China and Aurangabad, India.
