Audi bolsters A4

Audi Australia has reshuffled its volume-selling A4 range just two months before Mercedes-Benz's all-new (and likely cheaper) C-Class arrives, including the addition of three new quattro models priced under $60,000.

A4 pricing remains unchanged at base level, meaning the front-wheel drive A4 1.8 TFSI (from $55,500) and A4 2.0 TDI (from $57,900) continue to open the range.

However, four cheaper new Ambition variants and four more expensive new S line models has substantially bolstered the A4 range, sales of which are up almost four per cent so far this year.

At the same time, Audi has discontinued the A4 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI due to slow demand, meaning the only six-cylinder models in the range are now S4 sedan and wagon.

Now opening the all-wheel drive A4 quattro range is the 2.0 TFSI Ambition manual at $57,100 plus on-road costs -- $8700 less than the cheapest previous quattro model, the 2.0 TFSI quattro ($65,800), which made up the overwhelming majority of sales.

Fitted with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the new 2.0 TFSI and TDI quattro S tronic models both cost a further $2800, at $59,900.

Meantime, the new A4 S line quattro range opens at $65,000 for the 2.0 TFSI manual, with an S tronic version priced at $67,800 – the same price as the A4 2.0 TDI S line quattro S tronic.

Similarly, A4 Avant pricing continues to open at $58,500 for the 1.8 TFSI manual wagon (and $60,900 for the 2.0 TDI diesel), but joining them are the new A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI Ambition quattro S tronic ($62,900) and 2.0 TFSI S line quattro S tronic ($70,800).

Standard equipment for the new A4 Ambition quattro models includes MMI Navigation plus with live traffic updates, 20GB hard-drive and two SD card slots, 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, a sports steering wheel with shift paddles, three-zone climate-control and leather-appointed trim.

In addition, the new S line quattro models come with an S line exterior package, 18-inch Audi exclusive alloys in five/twin-spoke design, sports front seats, parking system plus with rear-view camera, convenience key and a 10-speaker, 180-Watt sound system.

There are no mechanical changes, with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol TFSI engine continuing to produce 165kW/350Nm and consume 6.7L/100km in the A4 quattro sedan, which accelerates to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Likewise, the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel still makes 130kW/380Nm, sips just 5.3L/100km and hits 100km/h in 7.9 seconds in the A4 2.0 TDI quattro sedan.

Audi Australia General Manager Marketing Kevin Goult said the new models are designed to build on the success of the German brand's existing A4 quattro range, sales of which are up almost 57 per cent this year.

“Our Audi A4 quattro models are popular with Australian customers for their outstanding driveability, and for the confidence they inspire in inclement weather,” he said.

"We want to deliver the right model for our customers at an attainable price, but with all of the standard features that they expect in an Audi A4. With the new Ambition quattro models, we have delivered a compelling proposition for luxury sedan buyers.

“The new A4 Ambition quattro entry price is also well positioned for customers considering an A3 sedan, but who prefer a slightly larger vehicle. Many customers have already shown interest in this idea, and so we have recognised this and are now delighted to offer this very attractive model,” said Goult.

Audi A4 quattro pricing (plus ORCs):
A4 2.0 TFSI Ambition quattro -- $57,100
A4 2.0 TFSI Ambition quattro S tronic -- $59,900
A4 2.0 TDI Ambition quattro S tronic -- $59,900
A4 2.0 TFSI S line quattro -- $65,000
A4 2.0 TFSI S line quattro S tronic -- $67,800
A4 2.0 TDI S line quattro S tronic -- $67,800
A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI Ambition quattro S tronic -- $62,900
A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI S line quattro S tronic -- $70,800