Audi launched the A4 in its 5th generation in the second half of 2015 in Europe. The car is bigger yet lighter than its predecessor and we have already reviewed it in our global drive. Audi is offering the new A4 with a wide array of engine options globally - starting from the conservative 1.4 litre TSI petrol and going all the way up to a 3-litre V6.
We now have confirmed news that the new A4 will get to India this month, and will kick off its innings with just the 1.4 TSI petrol as the sole engine option being launched at the start. Great move by Audi - and one that echoes what I feel Audi must do with the A4 brand.
Audi A4 Front
The last car had gained the reputation for having tremendous value, and there is no reason why a new A4 can't do the same. So I say give us that economical small petrol TSI motor, but at subsequent stage also throw us the 6-speed manual. The strategy worked brilliantly for the Q3 - and really the market is ready for a manual premium sedan too. Not just for sticker price reasons, but to simply give consumers the choice.
Also Read: 2017 Audi A4 First Drive
This is especially true because of the way the car looks. It is not a apparent as being a new generation now is it? Well start driving it and all those doubts vanish in mere seconds, because it is so much more ample and bigger in its feel. It also has a lot more precision in handling and the surety you get while cornering. I drove the 2.0 TDI with the manual gearbox in Germany a few days ago. And here's my immediate take for you. It rocks.
I have to say the 2 litre keeps getting better with age because Audi keeps honing it a little more. It's married to the 6-speed manual so beautifully too. So it would be a huge regret if Audi doesn't consider the manual gearbox for India. I think it should because the move could actually play bit of a game-changing role, like it did on the
Q3 as well. And it doesn't even have to happen at word goes. It could be something that Audi India considers in late 2017 too.The 2 litre diesel engine has almost has a nice throaty growl to it and encourages you to push it a little bit.
Luckily I was in the right country to do that, because out on the autobahn I got up to 3 digits so quickly! I was consistently driving along at about 180-190 kmph and very comfortably heading up to 205-210 kmph. The car performed consistently and there was not one shudder, one complaint, not even a flinch from it. Handling and ride feel are terrific on the new A4. The 2-litre diesel is extremely smooth too - adding to the very refined feel the car gives you. The manual gearbox is quick and has a definite and solid feel to it. The ratios are well worked out and mated perfectly to the optimal performance parameter of this motor.
The car's on board gadgets and connectivity are good too. I especially enjoyed using the virtual cluster and the sheer convenience of Apple CarPlay - which will be coming to India too. So it's a well rounded, mature and well-engineered car that offers greater levels of ride and cabin comfort.
And so there was enough there to get me quite excited about it. So I am indeed hoping that we get the right variants on the new A4 that break the mould and revolutionise what the premium sedan could be - in the context of the Indian premium car market.
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