EXTERIOR
Since its introduction, the Audi A4 has won numerous awards for its progressive product design. It received, for instance, the coveted Federal Prize for Product Design and the Design Award of the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture.
The innovative Audi A4 set the styling trend for the sporty, elegant mid-size saloons (saloons) of the 1990s. By its success on the market, the premium A4 Avant, which has received numerous awards for its design, documents the high-level of acceptance for this typical Audi interpretation of the estate car.
A series of stylistic changes give the A4's individualistic, powerful design an even sportier note. The character of the car has been systematically developed to emphasise its premium traits, lend it greater clarity, and enable it to satisfy even higher demands.
The first things that strike the observer are the single-piece ellipsoidal-principle headlights with a new clear-glass look. The new location of the fog lights in the front apron not only adds to the sporty appearance but also improves after-dark vision, since the effective light surface has been enlarged. As with the A8 and A6, high-powered xenon headlights are now available as an option. They offer the driver a greater visibility range and particularly uniform illumination of the road surface. Xenon light, which is similar to daylight, does not cause the driver's eyes to tire - even when driving long distances after dark. The headlight cleaning system and automatic beam angle control are included with these headlights.
The Audi A4's new "face" has gained in clarity, identity, and dynamism. The radiator grill now has only four ribs, with the vertical webs given greater emphasis. The chrome trim that surrounds the radiator grill is also bolder in outline.
The new proportions of the front bumper with a pronounced step accentuate the A4's wide track and underline its sporting character. The headlight cleaning system is now integrated flush into the bumper. The heated windscreen washer jets are concealed beneath the bonnet edge.
Two new colours, Jaipur Red Pearl Effect and Melange Metallic, add freshness to the line of body colours. Light Silver Metallic body colour replaces Aluminium Silver, and the new colour Laurel Green Metallic replaces Paradise Green.
The new shape of the exterior mirror housings is in keeping with the dynamic body line. From the side, the white side turn indicator repeaters (with a new, elongated shape) and the wider moulding strips, painted in the same colour as the body, accentuate the styling in a new way. The B-pillar and the triangular panel on the saloon version's rear doors have a high-gloss finish. From the distance, they visually become one with the glass surfaces and stretch the car's appearance. Aluminium trim for the window frames is still standard equipment for the six-cylinder models and is available as an option for all four-cylinder models.
The new door handles feature improved ergonomics and now share the pronounced curved shape already familiar from the Audi A8 and Audi A6. They provide the person opening the door more with a better grip and blend neatly into the Audi A4's overall appearance.
The tail end has also gained significantly in sporty elegance: the newly styled luggage-compartment lid (with the strip handle integrated flush with the surface) and the new-look tail lights dominate the new appearance. The "soft-touch" electrical system helps when unlocking the trunk.
When entering the car, high-quality sill trims add to the car's premium flair.
INTERIOR
The goal of conveying the A4's high level of quality by sight and feel has also been realised consistently in the interior.
The Audi A4 offers buyers unusual scope for designing the interior in exact accordance with their personal tastes.
The three interior decor lines Advance, Ambition, and Ambiente offer a total of 36 different combinations of colours, types of fabric (or leather), and wood or aluminium trim. Each of these three lines has a character all its own. The price is identical for all three lines. Not the figures in the price list but the customer's individual desires and personal tastes are the decisive factors.
Advance, the natural style, exudes an air of cool confidence. With the basic trim featuring Jacquard Relief fabric, there is a choice between the Tango, Lago, and Slate colours, with the aluminium inserts in the doors and dashboard in Stripes décor, colour Quartz.
The design options for the Ambition decor represent a modern interpretation of dynamism and sporting elegance. In the basic version, it has Nautilus fabric in the colours Onyx or Shell grey and aluminium inserts in Stars décor, colour Graphite.
With bright, lively colours and supple materials, the Ambiente interior decor line demonstrates elegance and personality. The Siena fabric or Monet velour (available as an optional extra) offers a choice of colour between Royal Blue and Shell grey. This is accompanied by aluminium inserts in Points decor, colour Basalt.
Individual leather (available in seven different colours) and specific wood applications matched to the interior trim are also available as optional extras.
Within each decor line, the colours of the dash panel, roof lining, seat belts, carpets, door trim, and floor mats have been carefully matched to the seat fabric or leather. This harmony in colour is now being refined to include additional interior elements: the air outlet vents, loudspeaker trims, and even the gear-shift lever knob and handbrake lever are now matched to the colour used for the interior. The steering wheel is also included and harmonised with the upper surface of the dash panel.
The interior of the Audi A4 has always conveyed an impression of high value and functionality. Numerous improvements have now given it an even greater air of quality. Here as always we followed the principle "every detail is crucial."
The completely redesigned centre console, for instance, is an important feature of this latest version of the Audi A4.
The controls for the rear-window wiper and heated seats have been integrated into the air conditioning control unit. The system retains its ability to respond to the angle of the sun. The output curve varies according to the sun's position. The cooling output in winter differs from that in summer, even when set to the same temperature. The climate memory function, however, is new: the last setting can be assigned to a maximum of four vehicle keys, and the corresponding air-conditioning settings selected automatically. Automatic air-conditioning can also be ordered now at no extra charge.
In the upper part of the centre console, the previous switches have been replaced by a new type, as already introduced with the A6. All buttons are illuminated; the user clearly feels a pressure point, and thus always receives confirmatory feedback without having to check an indicator light. The air vents on the dash panel have illuminated markings to simplify operation at night.
An exterior temperature display within the driver's field of vision is now standard equipment as well.
Quality is the impression conveyed by each detail: the trim panels have an even more pleasant surface and higher-grade appearance, and the gleaming polished aluminium frame of the gearshift lever provides a distinctive accent.
The new "soft-touch" ashtray cover opens with hydraulic damping when tapped gently. The cigarette lighter is now at an easy-to-reach location on the centre console.
Silicone-damped grab handles in the roof, which return slowly and quietly to their out-of-use position after being released, are now also part of the Audi A4's standard equipment. The loop handle (which is now even easier to operate than the previous handle) for manual forward-back adjustment of the seat is also a detail improvement in comfort and convenience.
New roof light units are part of the Audi A4's comprehensive interior lighting concept. The reading lamps at the front and rear, which are combined with an interior lamp in each case, and two diode lights for the indirect illumination of the centre console, ensure that the interior can be illuminated as flexibly as needed. The footwell lighting at the front makes it easier to get in and out, and active reflectors on all doors warn traffic coming up from behind.
As well as the driver's seat with optional power adjustment, this option is now also available for the front-seat passenger's seat. A lumbar support with power adjustment is included, and can also be ordered separately as an optional extra.
Back-seat passengers benefit from a change in rear seat design: the outer rear seats have more pronounced contours and consequently offer more side support. It is, of course, still possible for three people to sit in the rear. Thanks to the new location of the two cup holders on the centre console, the back-seat passengers can also reach them.
The Recaro sport seat with raised side supports, power adjustment of the seat back, adjustable thigh support, power height and angle adjustment, and two-way power lumbar support is also available as an optional extra. This offer includes an asymmetrically split folding rear seat back and provision for through-loading.
The saloon's luggage compartment has a capacity of 440 litres, which can be enlarged to 720 litres by folding down the rear seat back. For the Audi A4 Avant, these volumes are 390 and 1,250 litres respectively. Here again, attention to detail can be seen in an abundance of new features.
For the saloon and the Avant, the loop for the luggage compartment lock is automatically covered when the rear hatch is opened - a well thought-through detail that is a good example of the philosophy of systematic further development and the A4's enhanced premium character.
Among other things, the Audi A4 saloon's luggage compartment is now lined with a high-quality decor material in Flannel Gray. For the A4 Avant, the securing points for the dividing net (which is now standard equipment) have been recessed into the roof lining, which makes the interior look even better ²organised.² Besides this, the Avant's luggage area also features a 12-volt electric power socket, which can be used for a cold-store box or a vacuum cleaner. The third button on the optional radio remote control for the central locking system enables the boot lid or rear hatch for the saloon and Avant to be unlocked separately.
ICE
Two different navigation systems are available for the Audi A4. The first is the Audi Navigation System. It works primarily on a speech-output basis and uses additional visual symbols on the display within the driver's main field of vision to guide him or her to the chosen destination.
Then there is the Audi Navigation System Plus. It features a five-inch, pivoting colour screen that is integrated into the centre console. As well as displaying the map and special travel guide functions, this system is equipped with a TV tuner - though of course watching television is only possible when the car is at a standstill. The system includes a CD-ROM drive and radio at the same level of quality as for the Audi "concert" sound system.
New to this model is the "symphony" radio, which is equipped with a cassette and single-CD player. This piece of equipment can also be combined with a CD changer for six CDs and with a BOSE sound system.
The driver can also obtain information about what is going on behind the vehicle: the Acoustic Parking System (APS), which simplifies reversing, is available as an optional extra for the saloon and the Avant. Ultrasonic sensors integrated inconspicuously into the rear bumper collect data from behind the vehicle. Beginning at a distance of 1.6 meters from the obstacle, an acoustic signal is heard. It turns into a steady tone at 0.2 meters.
SAFETY
SIDEGUARD represents crucial progress in the occupant safety area. As already for the A8, the Audi head-level airbag system can now also be ordered for the A4 and A4 Avant as an optional extra. It covers the head area for front-seat and outside rear-seat occupants. In addition to the standard side airbags integrated into the backs of the front seats, SIDEGUARD covers most of the window surfaces and even part of the side windscreen frame. Thus, not only the pelvis and chest areas, but also the shoulders and head are provided with the best possible protection in a side impact when the airbags are actuated.
SIDEGUARD is integrated invisibly into the roof lining. Within a fraction of a second, triggering of the airbag produces a "cushion" that is approximately 15 centimetres thick. Its chambers remain filled for about five seconds, to enable SIDEGUARD to offer protection for a longer period in the event of the vehicle subsequently rolling over. The harmless propellant gas then disappears automatically, so that occupants are not obstructed when trying to escape from a crashed vehicle and helpers are not hindered in their rescue efforts.
The A4's bodyshell has also been reinforced in the area of the B-pillar to provide more protection in a side impact. This reduces the depth of penetration, dissipates impact energy more evenly, and measurably reduces the loads on the car's occupants.
Of course, front airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and pyrotechnic belt tensioners for all three-point belts are part of the standard protection equipment.
Another new feature in the occupant protection area is provision for deactivating the front-seat passenger's airbag. This is necessary if a child's seat is to be installed facing backwards on the front seat. The front-seat passenger's airbag can be turned off and on using the car's ignition key at a switch in the glove box. Deactivation is displayed by an additional indicator light.
Yet another point worth mentioning: The bodyshells of all A4s have been prepared to accept child's seats using the ISOFIX mounting system. The Audi dealer has various suitable ISOFIX seats.
CHASSIS
Its advanced chassis and driveline technology with excellent dynamic driving characteristics make the Audi A4 a logical choice for the enthusiastic driver. Regardless of road or weather conditions, the driver benefits from the advantages of Audi's perfected front-wheel drive or - even better - the permanent "quattro" four-wheel driveline.
Straight-line stability, neutral cornering, and agile handling with high safety reserves are characteristics of the A4 chassis. The four-link front suspension's precision wheel location ensures that the car remains true to the chosen course as the power is transferred to the road surface. Even in critical situations, the Audi A4 remains good-natured and easy to control.
With this suspension method developed by Audi, each front wheel is guided by four control arms. To save weight, these are of forged aluminium.
All the elastokinematics (i.e., the defined elastic and kinematic movements) of the front suspension have been revised, and the control arms and transmission and sub-frame mounts modified. The sub-frame now has a cross strut for additional strength. Shock absorbers that have been optimised to reduce friction are employed for the front and rear suspension. In conjunction with spring locations optimised to withstand lateral loads, they significantly improve initial response and spring movement on the compression and rebound strokes.
The rear suspension has also been extensively revised. The third generation torsion-crank rear axle has a stiffened axle beam and a new type of guide bearing that allows selective tuning in all directions. With this reconfigured guide bearing and separate shock absorber and damper mountings to the bodyshell, it is possible to achieve a significantly more effective isolation from unwanted road-surface excitation and improved performance. Together with additional local bodyshell reinforcements (particularly in the front and rear tunnel areas), these measures lead to a significant gain in driving and roll refinement, improved responsiveness, and pleasant acoustics.
The steering characteristics and elasticity have been revised in detail in order to achieve a further increase in steering "feel" (the sense of contact with the road) and precision.
The introduction of a tandem brake booster servo, enlargement of the main tandem brake cylinder, and clearance-optimised brake calipers have made brake pedal response significantly more intensive by shortening free travel of the pedal and improving control sensitivity.
The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) assists the driver, particularly in critical situations when the vehicle reaches its dynamic limits. As well as ABS and electronic braking-force distribution (EBD), it includes the electronic differential lock (EDL) and traction control (ASR), which have been used effectively for some years to improve traction even when road conditions are poor. In the future, ESP will be available as standard or optional equipment with all engine-transmission combinations - both for front-wheel drive and for quattro. The combination of ESP and quattro in particular offers optimum driving dynamics.
Two new types of 7J x 16-inch aluminium wheel with 9-spoke or 10-hole design and 205/55 R 16W tyres are interesting new items in the list of optional extras. Altogether, the customer can now choose between four types of 16-inch and four types of 15-inch aluminium wheels.
ENGINES
The increasing proportion of six-cylinder engines confirms the sporty, commanding image of the Audi A4. Today, almost every fifth A4 is ordered with a six-cylinder engine. The chart leader is the new 2.5-litre TDI engine.
The world's first six-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection, four valves per cylinder, charge-air intercooling, and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry has a rated output of 110 kW (150 bhp) and a maximum torque of 310 newton-meters in the engine-speed range from 1,500 to 3,200 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, but it can also be ordered with 5-speed tiptronic. Both transmission versions are also available with quattro drive.
The tried-and-true four-cylinder TDI power plants developing 66 kW (90 bhp) and 81 kW (110 bhp) remain in the line without change.
The spark-ignition engines for the A4 includes three four-cylinder units rated at 74 kW (101 bhp), 92 kW (125 bhp), and 110 kW (150 bhp), as well as two six-cylinder engines with outputs of 121 kW (165 bhp) and 142 kW (193 bhp).
To achieve greater uniformity in the torque curve and a further reduction in unwanted emissions, the 1.6 and 1.8-litre spark-ignition engines are supplied with air via a variable intake manifold. The 1.8-litre engine with five valves per cylinder also has variable camshaft control for the inlet valves. The high-performance 1.8-litre turbo engine with five valves per cylinder and an output of 110 kW (150 bhp) rounds off the line of four-cylinder spark-ignition engines.
With swept volumes of 2.4 or 2.8 litres, the six-cylinder spark-ignition engines top the Audi A4 model line. Both provide impressive refinement and top performance. They are available with both front-wheel drive and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.
The five-speed tiptronic transmission is available with the Audi A4 2.4 combined with front-wheel drive; the Audi A4 2.8 quattro can also be ordered with tiptronic.
Features shared by all spark-ignition engines with at least 92 kW (125 bhp) on tap are the digital engine management system with electronic "drive-by-wire" accelerator and five valves per cylinder.
Three intake and two exhaust valves ensure optimum gas flow - the engine breathes particularly well. This makes it possible to achieve high power and torque combined with lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Audi was the first company to offer engines with five valves per cylinder in volume-produced cars.
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