Audi has completely redesigned its big car family in the past year, so it’s now time to facelift the A4 range. As obvious, the A4 won’t copy the headlight design of the A6. It’s stuck with those controversial units, which look like geometric apostrophes. Naturally, the graphics could receive some changes. But this early prototype doesn’t reveal too many secrets.
The front bumper is, however, getting redesigned. The grille, spoiler and the elements right below the headlights have evolved. While those look like a couple of speakers, they are actually the scanners for the ACC adaptive cruise control and active safety systems. There will be some changes at the back, too, though this prototype doesn’t reveal the modifications yet.
The mild hybrid technology from the bigger A6, A7 and A8 should migrate to this executive compact. The technology saves up to 5% more fuel through a coasting function. That’s on top of the ultra de-coupling AWD technology and whatever else Audi has planned.
The new EA288 Evo TDI engine has already been confirmed for the A4. This 2-litre unit offers between 136 and 204 horsepower. By using a 48V mild-hybrid setup, this lowers CO2-emissions by up to 10 g/km compared with the predecessor generation. Meanwhile, the power and torque numbers are increased by up to 9 per cent. For example, the best A4 2.0 TDI currently makes 190 hp.
As diesel refuses to die in Europe, the A4 facelift is likely to receive the 286-hp version of the 3.0 TDI. Expect all these changes to also affect the A5 range about a year after the sedan and wagon.
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