Audi's new-generation A4 is making its debut at the Frankfurt show. As we predicted, the new A4 shares many styling cues with the recently released A5 Coupé. It features a longer wheelbase than before and Audi says it has the longest wheelbase in its class, which should improve interior space, not an A4 strongpoint up to now.
Rear legroom has been increased by 36mm, and the extra space continues to the luggage compartment, which now boasts 480-litres of space compared to 460-litres in the current model. There is a new suspension and steering layout with reduced front overhangs and better weight distribution. There is a new four-wheel drive system available for the Quattro models with a 40:60 torque split, which should appeal to the enthusiast with a rear bias. New technology that will feature in the new A4 will include the "intelligent key", which replaces the traditional key and communicates with the car electronically.
There will also be optional Audi Drive Select technology, which, with three preset modes - comfort, auto and sport - enables accelerator pedal response, transmission shift points, power steering assistance and shock absorber characteristics to be adjusted by the driver. An electromechanical parking brake, the MMI multimedia interface and the DVD satellite navigation system from the Audi A6 have all been adopted for the new car.
The engine line-up will include the 160bhp 1.8-litre Turbo FSI, the 265bhp 3.2-litre V6 FSI, the 143 bhp 2.0-litre TDI, the 190bhp 2.7-litre TDI and the 240bhp 3.0-litre TDI. There will be the option of a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The notable absence of a 1.6-litre engine is likely to be a loss for many Audi customers in Ireland, as this model accounted for the majority of the car's sales. It also means that the car is likely to have an increased entry-level price point.
The car is expected to arrive in Ireland in early 2008, with no indication as yet on pricing from the distributor. But with a larger engine at entry-level, and because this is a larger car, we can expect to see prices start from about €39,000.