The new Audi A4 is devilishly quick

The Audi A4 scores high on speed and luxury

The new Audi A4 sedan, to be launched in India soon, comes with a 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine, unlike the previous one that came with a 1.8-litre petrol motor. It's devilishly quick and ferocious. The engine is in an in-line 4-cylinder format and puts out 150 horses from 5,000-6,000 rpm and 250 Newton metres of torque from 1,500-3,500 rpm. To put things into perspective, the new Audi A4 can go from 0 to 100 kmph in just 8.5 seconds and accelerates all the way up to 210 kmph.

The meat of the power lies high up in the rpm band and one does need to put the A4 through its paces to achieve top performance. However, the motor also delivers a decent torque of 250 Nm at a low range, offering a thrilling and extremely energetic drive experience. The A4 is also faster than the outgoing model and is more economical with a fuel average of 17 km per litre. The engine comes mated to a 7-speed S-Tronic transmission.

The A4 comes with four different driving modes: Auto, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. Once you throw the car in Dynamic mode, all the mechanicals become more sporty and enjoyable. The transmission also comes with a 'coasting mode' that caters for free-wheel rolling, hence improving efficiency. While Audi has reduced the size of the engine, it has also managed to shred 95 kg off this car. But that does not alter the looks at all.

The A4 gets a striking new design for the head lamps and tail lamps. On the inside, the car boasts of luxury, comfort and functionality with a blend of leather and leatherette as well as wooden inlays on the dash and centre floor console. It comes with Audi's virtual cockpit setup, which features a fully digital 31.24cm LCD screen right in front of the driver. The sedan also comes with Audi's MMI control setup with a central touch control rotary knob that I found quite easy of operate and efficient in its functionality. Another unique feature is the convenience key that records driver preferences of air conditioning temperature, seat position, music and phone book and sets them when the driver approaches the vehicle.

The car has a dual zone climate control as well as a separate climate control for the rear AC vents. The sedan also comes with pull-up blinds for the rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats with a memory function for the driver seat and Audi's phone box that is capable of charging and integrating QI-enabled mobile devices. There are ample storage spaces and a roomy back seat that can easily accommodate two adults.

The sedan comes with an independent wheel suspension with an anti-roll bar. The A4 has great road holding capability owing to the 225/ 50 R17 Hankook tyres. The A4 comes with dual circuit disc brakes as well as an anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution. You also get traction control, eight airbags, reverse camera and sensors, electronic differential locking and electronic stabilisation control.

AUDI A4 SEDAN
Engine: 1,395cc, in-line 4 cylinder, turbocharged, petrol
Transmission: 7-speed, dual clutch, automatic
Power: 150bhp@5,000-6,000rpm
Torque: 250Nm@1,500-3,500rpm
Price: Rs 36 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi)