Audi India has launched the latest generation of its bestselling luxury sedan, the A4, with prices starting at Rs 38.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and topping off at Rs 41.20 lakh. The new Audi A4 has been priced between its German rivals, the Mercedes C 200 petrol (Rs 41.40 lakh) and the BMW 320i (Rs 36.90 – 42.70 lakh). 

The A4 has been launched only with a petrol engine option; a diesel engine version will join the line-up in the coming months. Crucially, the new A4’s petrol powertrain is a big departure from what was used in the earlier model. While the old A4 came with a 170hp 1.8-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a CVT gearbox, the new A4 features a smaller, less powerful 150hp 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit that transfers power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Audi claims the new A4, in spite of a smaller engine, offers a performance similar to the old model's and also delivers the best-in-class fuel economy of 17.84kpl. Also, despite the new A4's engine capacity disadvantage to all its petrol-powered rivals, Audi is confident buyers will readily take to the downsized engine. However, how buyers will perceive the value proposition remains to be seen.

In terms of styling, the new A4 look like an evolution of the old car while the cabin features the latest Audi styling cues that was first seen in the new Q7.

The A4 is available in two trims with the top-spec Technology version loaded with Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster, touchpad for the infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless charging pad for Qi-enabled smartphones and three-zone climate control. The new A4 also gets a key memory function that adjusts the seat, door mirrors, drive mode, infotainment and air-con settings to the preset preferences of the driver.

Now with the A4 brought into the market, Audi's next launch will be that of the updated A3, which is expected soon.

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