The new Audi A4 saloon, a model regarded by Audi as being the most sporting car in its segment, has arrived in Ireland. The new model has a distinctive Audi front grille and a more dynamic appearance, thanks to the introduction of styling features heavily influenced by the new A5.

The new Audi A4 is now available in Ireland; the 1.8 litre petrol powered entry model comes with a price tag of €36,300, which is only marginally more expensive than the previous 1.6 litre version.

Improved proportions in the form of a shorter front overhang and a longer bonnet and wheelbase combine to give the car a new feel. And Audi have kept prices competitive with only marginal increases across the range.

Sharing a platform with the A5 Coupe, the new A4 has a longer wheelbase within an overall length of 4.7m. The effect of this has been to give it an added sense of interior roominess.

Inside, space has increased by 20mm with rear passenger knee room increasing by 36mm to an impressive 908mm. The cabin is full of light, creating the feeling of a much larger vehicle. Helping to make this possible was a repositioning of the differential, clutch and torque converter to allow the front axle to move forward.

Axle loads are also better balanced. Its 480-litres capacity boot, whose space doubles when rear seats are folded, is larger than any of its direct competitors.

Build wise, the new A4 is some 10 per cent lighter than before, thanks to the greater use of aluminium and other weight-saving materials. High-quality workmanship is reflected in the all-round quality of fixtures and fittings, including a new dashboard and centre console oriented some eight degrees towards the driver.

In the safety area, airbags and seat belt force limiters work together to give better protection. Using aluminium components, a totally new suspension system has been created which, along with steering, wheels and brakes, is light in weight. Five engines will power the new model - two petrol units of 1.8-litre TFSI, 120bhp and 160bhp and 3.2-litre FSI, 265bhp capacity plus three common rail TDI diesel units. Diesel models include a high-volume 2.0-litre TDI, 143bhp unit plus two V6 units of 2.7-litre TDI, 190bhp and 3.0-litre TDI, 240bhp capacity. High-spec SE and Sport models also form part of the new A4 programme.

Audi claims that a feature of the new range is its improved economy and reduced use of fuel - down by an average 13 per cent in petrol versions and six per cent in TDI versions. This is helped by improved aerodynamics delivering a 0.27 drag coefficient, some five per cent lower than its predecessor, despite its slightly wider frontal area.

The following models will be offered here initially - the 1.8-litre TFSI,120bhp, 169g/km version at €36,300 (ex works), the 1.8-litre, 160bhp, 169g/km version at €40,300 and the 2.0-litre TDI 144g/km version at €44,200. Other derivatives will follow including a 2.0-litre TDI 'e' model with emissions of 134g/km. In summer, an A4 Avant version will be added. Price increases are not significant for the new models.

Six-speed manual, Multitronic, and six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive forms part of the product offering, as does Audi's MMI operating system and automatic air conditioning with three-zone control.

Other new technologies include Audi Drive Select by which the operating characteristics of the engine can be adjusted, and Audi dynamic steering that can be used to vary steering ratios according to road speed. These are available as optional extras.

John Hayes, Audi sales manager said "we expect the new A4 to add further impetus to Audi sales in the current year. Last year, Audi achieved all time record registrations of 5,270 units - up 22 per cent on 2006 and 15 per cent higher than their previous best ever year".

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