It's
not stretch to say the Audi A4 is the four-ring brand's most important
car, it is its best-selling model, after all. And with its main bogies
-- the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class -- undergoing significant
revisions lately, Audi has seen fit to counter with an update for its
2013 Audi A4 and S4 in order to keep up with the German Joneses.
The
modifications to the updated A4 begin with a new front fascia that's
not surprisingly highlighted by an updated version of Audi's signature
light banks. The restyled headlamps feature a curved lower line that
lend them a skinnier and more angular look, and redesigned LED running
lights have also been added to the mix. The upper corners of the A4's
now familiar single-frame front grille are now angled inward slightly,
lending the grille more of a hexagonal appearance. The lower air inlets
which house the foglights have been reshaped to sharp-edged
parallelograms.
Interior
The interior of the Audi A4 models has also been refined. Audi offers a wide selection of new steering wheels with chrome and high-gloss inlays, with the leather sport steering wheel also featuring a flattened lower rim. The steering arm and the ignition key have been modified. High-gloss applications and the slender chrome trim at the controls add elegance to the interior.
The elaborate finish makes operation even simpler and more intuitive. The MMI navigation plus system now features four instead of eight buttons, with a script function integrated in the volume control dial. Other improvements concern operation of the automatic transmission, the efficient air conditioning systems, Audi drive select and the multifunction steering wheel. The seat heating and air conditioning are now directly operated at the respective buttons.
The high level of workmanship is as much a matter of course for Audi as a sure touch in the range of colors. All interior colors - except black - have been re-coordinated. The upholstery range has also been revised, with Fine Nappa leather replacing Valcona leather. The new, single-part cluster trim has been adapted in color to the interior, while the inlays are available in Aluminum Trigon, walnut dark brown and fine grain ash natural. Especially eye-catching is the Beaufort oak plywood inlay.
The interior of the S line sport package comes in black, refined with high-quality applications. 18-inch wheels or the optional 19-inch wheels and an S line sport suspension that lowers the body by 30 millimeters (1.18 in) complete the package. Audi exclusive and Audi exclusive line offer further individualized options.
The Audi A4 Sedan's luggage compartment still has its 480-liter capacity - 962 liters with the rear seats folded down (16.95 and 33.97 cubic ft). The A4 Avant and the A4 allroad quattro have 490 and 1,430 liters, respectively (17.30 and 50.50 cubic ft), with Audi offering an optional electrically operated tailgate for both models.
The A4 is outfitted with a 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Available transmissions include a six-speed manual, an eight-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shift mode, and a Multitronic CVT. Every A4 is equipped with a power sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, automatic climate control and satellite radio. Available features include 18-inch aluminum wheels, Xenon headlights, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, garage door opener, Bluetooth, passive entry/start, Bang & Olufsen premium sound, and MMI navigation system. Standard safety features include electronic stability and traction control systems, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, front side-impact airbags, overhead curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, and a tire pressure monitor; rear parking sensors, a blind spot monitor and rear side-impact airbags are also available.
The Audi A4 receives refreshed styling inside and out for 2013. New standard equipment includes driver and passenger knee airbags. source:netcarshow.com,motortrend.com,autos.aol.com
