 New Audi A4 Launched in Australia |
New Audi A4 Launched in Australia |
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25th February, 2005 The new generation Audi A4 has been launched in Australia, bristling with the latest technology available from the Ingolstadt-based German luxury carmaker. In addition to driving pleasure, Audi offers superior levels of luxury and exciting styling, including Audi’s hallmark ‘single frame grille’, support the company’s theme of ‘Pushing the limits’, the tagline for this best-selling model at launch. Representing around 45 to 50 percent of the company’s volume in Australia, the new A4 is undoubtedly the most significant new model to be launched this year. Worldwide, the new A4 will account for around 40 percent of the company’s annual sales. Since the vehicle was launched in Europe in September 2004, around 30,000 units have been sold. Priced from $47,200, first deliveries to customers of the new Audi A4 sedan and Avant models will commence in March 2005. The introduction of this key model in Australia will see the brand strengthen and increase sales of the A4 model range, according to Audi’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann. “We anticipate that the new A4 will not only increase vehicle sales but will also achieve a higher premium brand positioning in the market. It will attract young, high income buyers thanks to the extensive use of clever, forward-thinking technology that is essentially documentation of our ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ philosophy,” Mr Hofmann said. “The A4 Avant already leads the premium estate segment in Europe and we feel this new Avant model, with its competitive engine range, will capture a greater audience in Australia, as we work toward our goal of securing the lead in the local premium-estate segment,” Mr Hofmann added. The technology of the new A4 is second-to-none with powerful yet economical petrol and TDI engines available, providing the basis for excellent performance. All engines comply with the strict limits of the EU4 standard, a standard that will become required by law in Australia in the near future (TDI engines: 2006. Petrol engines: 2008) The use of FSI (direct petrol injection) and turbo technology is a clear demonstration of Audi’s ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ brand essence and the A4 theme of ‘Pushing the Limits’. It clearly highlights the company’s abilities to produce the most advanced state-of-the-art combinations for petrol engines. The launch of the new A4 in Australia sees two engines with FSI petrol direct injection, including a 188 kW 3.2-litre V6 (available in Australia from May) and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 T FSI, delivering 147 kW. These engines combine high performance with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a high-level peak-torque range. The sporty Audi Dynamic Chassis converts the power delivered by these units into high-performance pleasure on every bend and every kilometre of the journey. The range for Australia also includes the best-selling two-litre inline four-cylinder unit, which develops 96 kW, and the 120 kW 1.8 T four-cylinder version. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engine with pump-injector fuel injection and a power output of 103 kW, will be available from the third quarter of 2005, completing the engine line-up. Working hand-in-hand with these powerful engines is the new generation of Audi’s ingenious 7-speed multitronic transmission for front wheel drive (2.0, 1.8 T, 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI) models, a six speed manual for quattro ( 1.8 T quattro, 2.0 TFSI quattro) models and a new six-speed tiptronic with paddle shift for quattro ( 2.0 TFSI quattro, 3.2 FSI quattro ) models. The set-up of the Audi Dynamic Chassis with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension has been completely modified and numerous new components added to create an exceptional driving experience. The rear trapezoidal links and wheel carriers, as well as the front track rods, originate from the sporty S4. The new Audi A4 also incorporates the latest generation of steering technology which further enhances the sportiness of the car. Thanks to a new Servotronic speed sensitive steering as standard across the saloon and Avant range, combined with the Audi dynamic chassis, offers a new driving experience. The new Audi A4 uses latest generation of Electronic Stabilisation Programme, ESP 8.0. This system comprises ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution EBD and hydraulic brake assist which automatically increases brake power when the driver applies the brakes in an emergency. The traction control system ASR interacts with the electronic differential lock EDL to provide efficient yaw control as the foundation for enhanced ESP safety. Yet another new feature is the brake disc wiping function integrated into ESP which helps to keep the brake discs dry and clean at all times for maximum braking pressure. These numerous and sophisticated technologies are integral to virtually every part of this new model and benefit both sedan and Avant buyers equally. With its completely new and self-assured design, the striking single frame grille and the newly styled clear-glass headlights with their sweeping bottom edge and inward taper give the new Audi A4 a very different face. The trapezoidal shape of the single frame grille is continued in the more prominent contours of the engine hood. This new generation A4 is also slightly larger than its predecessor with an additional 38mm for the sedan model and 41mm for the Avant. Another clear demonstration of the new A4 ‘Pushing the Limits’ is the front-end styling that deliberately echoes design elements of the Nuvolari quattro coupé study. This feature is another clear signal that this model also belongs to the same family as the other new Audi models – the A8 6.0 quattro, A6 and A3 Sportback, all of which are from a distinctly new Audi generation. The formal idiom of the Nuvolari quattro can also be found at the rear end where the low-positioned two-piece light units, which also arch a long way inwards, emphasise the horizontal design of the vehicle body. The saloon and Avant both sit squarely on the road, the muscular-looking bottom section and very flat window area combining to produce sports car proportions. The new generation of steering wheels incorporating the single-frame grille design first used in the new Audi A6 offer either multifunction, multifunction with paddle shift, multifunction sports or multifunction sports with paddle shift. Door sill trims with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 versions. The well-formed ergonomics of the previous generation is also to be found in the new Audi A4. The cockpit and interior surround the driver with generously sweeping horizontal lines that flow from the dashboard into the door area. There is also more room than average for luggage. With a capacity of 460 litres, the smooth-floored luggage compartment is well-equipped for tackling challenging transport tasks. Depending on version, the Avant offers up to 1,184 litres of space (with the rear seat folded down). The high standard of comfort and quality is evident from the high-grade materials and excellent finish of the interior. Comprehensive occupant protection systems – including two-stage front airbags and active head restraints – together with the highly complex, latest-generation electronic stabilisation system (ESP) provide high reserves of safety. The A4 interior design concept also makes use of the latest generation of head restraints now incorporating active head restraint technology for front seats. Two options packages are also available for the new A4, including the ‘Sport’ programme and ‘S Line’ programme, which enhance the sporty styling of the new A4, giving it an even more dynamic road presence. Sport package (available for 2.0, 1.8T, 2.0 TFSI)
- Aluminium interior trim finish - Sports seats plus lumbar support - Sports suspension - Multifunction sports wheel and paddle shift - RRP $2,500 (2.0, 1.8T models), $1,800 (2.0 TFSI models) S Line package (available for 2.0 TFSI quattro and 3.2 FSI models)
- Aluminium interior trim finish - Sports seats plus lumbar support - S Line exterior enhancement kit (front and rear bumpers, S Line emblem on grille and side rubbing strip, S Line grid-pattern radiator grille and rear spoiler) - RRP $3,600 The new Audi A4 range & pricing Audi A4 sedan
Audi A4 Avant
At a glance: The new Audi A4
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