Audi A4 launched in India with starting price INR 38.1 lakh

One of the best-selling Audi cars, A4 was also the most affordable Audi sedan in India for quite a few years. That changed in 2014 when Audi launched the new A3 sedan in India. Not only the A3 was affordable, it was also more feature-rich than the A4, almost on par with the A6 where features are concerned.

This left the A4 in a vulnerable position, but not for long as the new generation Audi A4 is now on sale in India. Priced from INR 38.1 lakh, the 9th generation Audi A4 sedan is a lighter, sportier, and much more feature-rich than any of the A4’s ever launched. We take a test drive of the new Audi A4 on the scenic Bhubaneshwar – Konark – Puri route, and here is our 2016 Audi A4 review.

Exteriors

One would pass off the new generation A4 as a mere facelift to the old A4. That is because as far as exterior design is concerned, there is not much of a change. But look closely, and you will start noticing the changes.

For example, the new Audi A4 looks a lot more sporty and dynamic – thanks to those new sharp striking lines on the bonnet, new sharper LED headlights, lower and wider 3D single frame grille, and sharper bumpers. The side and rear too look much more dynamic, even when the car is stationary.

Interiors, Comfort, & Space

Interiors of the new A4 have been completely revised, from the dashboard to the seats, everything on the inside has been changed. Available in a choice of two colours (Black and Pashmina Beige), 2016 Audi A4 interiors are more premium, spacious, and loaded with new age tech.

To start with, to aid the driver in controlling the car’s features easily, new A4 gets Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. This means that the instrument cluster is now fully digital via a hi-res 12.3-inch colour display. This allows the driver to set the color / display info etc, as per his or her preference.

In addition to this, there is a larger colour screen in the center of the dashboard which is your Audi smarphone interface. Be it Android or Apple, you can easily sync your smartphone with the car and use the desired apps. In addition to this, the hi-res display can also be used to control car settings from the control board near the arm rest.

Another interesting change worth noticing is the removal of those mundane looking air vents. It is now replaced by a sleek vent which runs throughout the length of the dashboard. This new vent cools the cabin much faster and effectively than before. In addition to that, rear seat passengers also have personalized vents with temperature controls.

Front seats are much more comfortable and plush. They are electronically adjustable, the driver seat also comes with memory functions. It offers extended thigh and shoulder support. Rear seats offer comparatively better legroom than before, but there is a fifth passenger, the one sitting in the center will not be able to enjoy the ride as comfortable as others.

Speaking about storage spaces, there are enough pockets in the new A4 to meet the requirements of all passengers. Each door gets bottle holder as well as pocket to keep other small items. Glove box compartment is also a useful storage space. The boot space stands at 480 liters, which is good enough to store your luggage.

Engine, Transmission & Mileage

As of now, the new Audi A4 is only offered with a single engine option. This is in the form of 1.4 liter TFSI petrol engine which generates 150 PS power and 250 Nm torque via newly developed seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic transmission which replaces the old multitronic CVT of the older A4. Mileage claimed by the new A4 with the above mentioned engine and setup is 17.84 kmpl. What we managed to squeeze out from the engine during our drive was about 12 kmpl.

Tech Specs

Engine	1395cc, Inline 4, DOHC
Power	150 HP @ 5000-6000 RPM
Torque	250 Nm @ 1500-3500 RPM
Transmission	7-speed automatic
Length	4726 mm
Width	1842 mm
Height	1427 mm
Wheelbase	2820 mm
Ground Clearance	128 mm
Turning Radius	5.8-metres
Fuel Tank Capacity	54-litres
Kerb Wt	1945 kgs
Acceleration 0-100 kmph	8.5 seconds
Mileage	17.84 km/l
Suspension	Multi-link suspension (Front & Rear)
Tyres	225/50 R17
Brakes	Discs (front and rear), ABS
Safety	6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Hill Hold

Driving Dynamics

A lighter body (by 95 kgs as compared to old A4), which is also more aerodynamic than before, allows the new A4 to be much more fun to drive than ever before. Even though the car is powered by the smallest capacity engine on offer by Audi in India, the new gen 1.4-liter petrol engine is no way a downer. In fact, the lightweight engine plays an important role in making the new A4 fun to drive.

The Audi Drive Select feature lets you operate the engine, transmission and suspension setup in four different ways. The modes are – Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. In the Comfort mode, the car tunes itself to offer a comfortable ride where the engine offers a smoother acceleration while suspension setup is softer. In the Dynamic mode, the engine becomes very responsive while the suspension become a bit less softer. Auto mode is something in between the Comfort and Dynamic mode while Individual mode allows you to give a personal touch to the car’s setup.

Be it city driving or highway, the car is perfectly equipped for either of the road conditions. The slick gearbox and soft suspension setup allows you to have a relaxed drive in the city, and when on the highway, you can let the engine redline in Dynamic mode. It can do a 0-100 kmph in 8.5 seconds before maxing out at 210 kmph.

Some of the points that impressed us during our drive – the new transmission allows smoother and faster gearshifts, steering system is precise and delivers good feedback, the 17 inch 225/50 section Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 2 tyres offer good grip on the road, suspension setup is quite brilliant – as good as the new A6, and braking comes with a good bite.

Verdict

The B9 A4 is a huge step forward from Audi. It offers a sporty design, comfortable and spacious interiors, powerful yet fuel efficient engine, smooth gearbox, good storage space and is loaded with technology and safety. Overall, the new A4 is a fantastic package. Not only it raises the bar, its aggressive price tag of just INR 38.10 lakh, makes it a good value for money proposition.

This article first appeared on Rushlane.com