The Audi A4 is the last in its class to arrive. It’s about time too, because while still the best built amongst all, the lack of dynamism and equipment meant that BMW and Mercedes-Benz have managed to catch up. 11 May 2008 Text and photos by Amery Reuben. Viewed 4,342 times
Audi claims to change all that with the 2008 A4, and while our pictures of the new car do it little justice, it is anything but a hand-me-down from the model it replaces.
Those taut, wrap-around lines of the older model still remain, albeit much tighter in execution. Certain, squared-off sections in the detailing are instrumental to the car’s revitalized design. It also looks expensive, especially with those LED daytime running lights inspired by the Audi R8
Locally, the S-Line styling package on our 3.2-litre Quattro test pad adds 18-inch alloys, a sporty 3-spoke steering wheel, different bumpers, and grille, Xenon lights, highly impressive interior trim with rear sunshade, and of course, Audi’s multimedia and music interface with a stunningly precise Bang & Olufsen sound system that channels 505-watts of sound through 10 channels and 14 speakers!
That’ll set you back by $188,000.
The important stuff
But we digress. The real highlight of the new A4 is, as with most Germans, under the skin. Specifically speaking; MLP, or modular longitudinal platform. Like the A5, the MLP shifts the engine 150mm back by placing the differential in front of the gearbox, allowing the turning axis to be moved closer to the nose, by moving the rack forward and underneath of the engine.
MLP means new measurements too - 4703mm in length and 1826mm in width. That’s 53mm wider and a whole 116mm longer, while the old and new model’s height figures remain the same. The wheelbase increases by an astounding 168mm. The A6’s wheelbase in comparison, is only 38mm longer.
The rigid 2008, all-steel body alone weighs a good 10-percent less, translating to a scant 40-kg penalty for this 3.2-litre, four-wheel driven V6. The entry-level, 1.8-litre TFSI will only chock up 20kg or so, depending on equipment levels.
The Ingolstadt crew also introduces Audi Drive Select, toggling the car’s suspension control, response and smoothness between comfort and sport modes, with an automatic select being the computerized compromise. This works with new differentials that do a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split, and we’ll tell you what all of that’s done for the Audi.
Improved body control
From the minute we set off onto the test track, there was an undeniably different feeling to this new A4. A delightfully taut initial turn-in, responsive throttle, steering and a low-mounted brake pedal meant a night-and-day difference between old and new.
