2016 Audi A4 first official pics

THE 2016 Audi A4 has had its first official outing, setting its sights firmly on fresh-faced rivals including the 2014 Wheels Car of the Year finalist, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the BMW 3 series and the Lexus IS.

Images revealed today of the small luxury sedan and wagon due in Australia in 2016 show the fifth generation is more of a facelift than a ground-up redesign. Little has changed on the exterior despite the A4’s styling being brought in line with other Audi models, including the mid-engined Audi R8 and two-door TT coupe. Up front there is a wider single frame grille, restyled headlamps, and LED day time running lights. The rear end has received similar treatment, gaining new tail lamps and a higher boot lid.

Under its skin, the Audi A4 has had a more serious makeover with engineers reducing CO2 emissions as a priority. In order to do so, the A4 uses improved aerodynamics such as a flat underbody tray, and more sculpturing around the rear resulting in a class-leading drag co-efficient of 0.23.

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The Audi A4 has grown in size. It is now 4726mm long (stretching 25mm over the model it will replace), the width is 1842mm (+16mm), while the height remains unchanged at 1427mm. Despite its growth spurt, the A4 is said to be up to 120kg lighter than the outgoing model.

Aluminium has been used for many of the body panels, including the roof, to help with weight reduction.

The interior has been given a major overhaul, with the dashboard mimicking the Audi TT’s visual cockpit. The option list is also endless, meaning buyers can opt for a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel replacing the analogue version, and swap the standard seven-inch monitor with a larger 8.3-inch one.

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Engines are yet to be confirmed for Australia, but in Europe the options range from petrol four cylinders to a diesel V6. A 1.4-litre turbo four-cylinder will produce 125kW and have a combined fuel use of 4.9/100km.

A 2.0-litre TFSI comes in either 140kW or 185kW depending on tune, with fuel use ranging between 4.8L/100km and 5.7L/100km. The diesel V6 carries over from the current generation and still produces 160kW and 200kW, while fuel use will be around the 4.2L/100km mark.

All engines will be connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which replaces the old continuously variable transmission. An eight-speed auto will feature on the diesel V6.

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