All-new Audi A4 lands from $55,500

Audi's first all-new A4 in eight years has arrived in Australia with a starting price of $55,500 (plus on-road costs).

The fifth-generation B9-series A4 sedan [and the ninth B-segment model for the brand, including precursor Audi 80/Fox models] arrives with a downsized engine in the entry-grade 1.4 TFSI (turbo-petrol) and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard – the configuration replacing the 1.8-litre turbo-petrol and continuously variable transmission offered in the same-priced predecessor.

It's the first A4 to make use of Audi's MLB Evo modular chassis architecture, the same found beneath the new Q7 SUV.

Lighter, safer and greener than the outgoing range, the new A4 also introduces a suite of electronic infotainment and driver safety technologies, the choice of four, four-cylinder engines, new suspension and brakes and a quieter, more spacious cabin.

The A4 grows marginally over the outgoing model, but retains a familiar, if edgier look. But don't be fooled, the B9-series is a giant leap forward for the German manufacturer, which has taken many of the technologies offered in its flagship A8 model and Q7 SUV and offered them here in its mid-size sedan.

Among the inventory is Audi's (optional) virtual cockpit instrument panel, 'floating' tablet-style 8.3-inch MMI infotainment interface screen with 10GB SSD navigation, wireless phone charging dock (for compatible phones only), voice control, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity and (optional) full colour head-up display.

Other options include a choice of synthetic or natural leather upholstery, matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go functionality, gesture-controlled tri-zone climate control, variable dampers [Sport and Comfort options are available, lowering the ride height 23mm and 10mm respectively], self-parking assistance with 360-degree camera, and a 755-watt / 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System.

There's also a (very) long list of safety technologies on offer, many the same as those premiered in the Q7 last year. Couple these to a significantly stronger body structure and it's easy to see why the new A4 scores top marks in both EuroNCAP testing and local ANCAP testing.

Initially the A4 sedan will be sold with a choice of three petrol and a solitary diesel engine, as well as the choice of front and all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine, the local A4 range is offered exclusively with an improved seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission.

Wheel sizes vary, depending on model grade, with 17 to 19-inch alloys available. The A4 is fitted with a space saver spare wheel on all Australian model grades.

The local A4 range also includes larger diameter (338mm front on higher grades) and lighter disc brakes with an electromechanical park brake on all variants. Lighter, five-link aluminium suspension is found all-round, and new, lighter (-3.5kg) speed-sensitive electrically-assisted steering system replaces the outgoing unit.

Aerodynamic improvements – including grille shutters and under-body panels – the aforementioned reduction in weight (up to 65kg on local variants) and the inclusion of revised idle-stop technology across the range have helped trimmed the A4's fuel consumption by as much as 21 per cent. All engines are Euro6 emissions standard compliant and therefore not subject to the Dieselgate issues of related model variants.

The entry-grade front-wheel drive turbo-petrol 1.4 TFSI outputs 110kW/250Nm and is priced from $55,500 (plus ORCs). It is said to consume as little as 5.5L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle and emit as little as 126g/km of CO2.

The base-level offering is complemented by a 2.0 TFSI front-wheel drive turbo-petrol developing 140kW/320Nm, which is priced from $60,900 (plus ORCs), an increase of $4000 over the outgoing model. Audi quotes an ADR Combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.3L/100km and a CO2 emissions figure of 119g/km.

Above the higher output 2.0-litre turbo-petrol sits the only turbo-diesel-powered model currently offered, the 2.0 TDI quattro (from $66,900 plus ORCs). The first of two all-wheel drive models to be offered in the current A4 line-up, the 2.0 TDI quattro develops 140kW/400Nm and consumes a frugal 4.6L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle. CO2 emissions for the lone diesel variant are listed at 121g/km.

Finally is the top-spec A4 2.0 TFSI quattro model which is priced from $69,990 (plus ORCs). Powered by a hard-charging 185kW/370Nm turbo-petrol engine, the model sips 6.3L/100km on the ADR Combined cycle and emits 144g/km of CO2.

It's expected this model will remain the performance flagship of the new A4 range until the S4 sedan arrives later this year. Expect more news on this model from our coverage of the Geneva motor show next week.

All new A4 sedan models grow in length to 4726mm (+25mm), measure 1842mm wide (+16mm) and 1427mm high (unchanged). The new A4's wheelbase extends 12mm to 2820mm, increasing rear-seat legroom by 23mm. Front seat headroom grows 24mm and shoulder-room 11mm.

Cargo capacity remains unchanged at 480 litres [two-wheel drive models score an additional 15 litres]. The Avant (wagon) variant will offer more flexibility – and 505 litres of usable cargo space – when it joins the A4 range in April.

Speaking to media gathered for the local launch of the new A4 via pre-recorded video, Audi Australia managing director, Andrew Doyle, said the latest mid-size sedan should bridge the technology gap set previously by its German peers.

"The ninth-generation A4 demonstrates Audi’s commitment to advanced technology. It’s so sophisticated that it will write a new chapter for the highly successful A4 model line-up. It’s loaded with infotainment, connectivity and safety assistance systems; and is larger, lighter yet more efficient," he said.

"It’s sharper design is matched by its exceptional performance and handling, and we believe it is unparalleled in its class… and as good as the previous model was, this is an absolute step-change for Audi.

"We closed 2015 with an all-time record of over 23,000 units, up by 20 per cent. Competition is tough, but we’re closing the gap, and expect to do so again in 2016. The premium share has increased to almost 10 per cent of the overall market, and we’re just about to kick-off a great couple of years with important new product launches.

"Audi will have the youngest product line-up in the premium segment, and in a market as competitive as ours, that’s a strong position to be in," he concluded.

Let’s hope that position improves the A4’s fortunes locally. Last year, the aging model fell well behind its direct rivals, falling to less than a third the total volume of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Sales of the Audi A4 accounted for only 6.4 per cent of its segment (Medium >$60K) in 2015. In total, Audi sold just 2478 examples of its aging A4 in 2015, ahead of the Lexus IS (2036) and behind the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (3659). The BMW 3 Series sold 4146 units while Mercedes-Benz sold 9373 C-Class variants over the same period.

Visiting motoring.com.au again soon for our local launch review of the new Audi A4 range.