Recently we reported that Audi will launch the next-gen A4 sedan in India in the last week of August 2016. We also said that the Ingolstadt-based carmaker will initially launch the new A4 in petrol variant only, powered by the new 1.4-litre TFSI motor. And now, we can confirm our reports because Audi India recently imported a few models of the new A4 30 TFSI variant into the country just weeks before its launch.
Now we have already driven the new Audi A4 with the 1.4-litre TFSI engine and it is the same entry-level petrol motor that does duty in the new Volkswagen Jetta and the new Beetle. The engine churns out a maximum of 148bhp and develops a peak torque of 250Nm, while mated to an 8-speed S tronic automatic gearbox. Audi will also offer drive select as standard equipment.
But that's not all, because Audi will also launch the new A4 with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, which we earlier caught testing in India. This particular oil burner is capable of churning out 174bhp and 380Nm of peak torque and comes mated to the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the petrol variant. Sadly you'll have to wait a bit more for this version as Audi will launch the diesel version of the car towards the end of 2016.
(New Audi A4)
In terms of design, the new-gen Audi A4 has grown a bit in size and is now 25mm longer at 4730mm and come with a 12mm longer wheelbase that gives it better cabin space. The exterior profile of the car has gone through a major makeover and not a single part has been carried over from its predecessor, which we also noticed when it was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. The car gets a new front end with a large hexagonal grill, in-line with Audi's latest design language, flanked by the carmakers signature matrix LED headlamps and very distinctive LED daytime running lights, which add a whole new character to the car. The car also comes with new sleeker ORVMs and new alloy wheels that go well with the car's longer side profile. On the other hand, the rear section also looks new and comes with sharper looking LED tail lamps along with a restyled boot lid and a new rear bumper.
(New Audi A4)
The next-gen Audi A4 also comes with a new cabin that comes with an edgier design and modern styling. The car comes with an all-new dashboard with horizontal, angular lines and metal décor along with more premium and comfortable upholstery. The centre stage is taken by the new instrument cluster, which is a full TFT touchscreen module that is now comes fixed at the centre of the dashboard that is likely to come with Apple CarPlay among other gizmos. Audi's virtual cockpit will be also come as a standard fitment in the India-spec model.
Audi is likely to launch the car in the range of Rs. 30 lakh to Rs. 42 lakh, and upon its arrival it will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the new BMW 3-Series, and the newly launched Jaguar XE sedan.
