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Introduction, styling

The compact executive class is a hugely competitive one. Mercedes-Benz and BMW sell more C-Class models and 3 Series variants respectively than any other models in each of their line-ups. It is the same with Audi - the A4 is the best-selling model in its range and together with its 80 predecessor is Audi's best-selling model ever.

So it's no big surprise when Audi sprang into action and announced an updated A4 range just months after Mercedes introduced the refreshed C-Class and more crucially, as soon as BMW's recent unveiling of the new generation F30 3 Series. The latter will arrive on our shores in the first half of 2012 and incidentally, the refreshed A4 range will also be in Singapore by June.

Outwardly, the new A4 and its S4 performance brethren can be easily identified by the revised nose that makes the A4 look more in line with recent Audi models like the A6 and A1 - the new snout features the latest iteration of Audi's single-frame grille with bevelled edges at the top corners, new headlamps with a distinctive wave pattern for its LED daytime running lights, deeper air intakes on the front bumper and so on. The rear features new LED tail lamps that are more similar to the A4's bigger saloon brothers' and a new bumper while new alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes on the new model. The top dog S4 variant gets the same exterior changes as well but sticks to the same alloy wheel design as previously.

With its new, refreshed looks, the A4 certainly looks more contemporary and smarter than the outgoing model. The new nose's more chiselled look also adds some aggression to the A4's overall stance.

Performance, ride and handling

The A4 sees its biggest changes under the bonnet. The current 2.0 TFSI variant with its 211bhp 2'litre lump is carried forward but the 3.2 FSI will make way for a new 290bhp supercharged 3.0 TFSI which is basically a detuned version of the S4's 333bhp V6 while the popular entry'level 1.8 TFSI gets an enhanced 1.8'litre lump with not only more power and torque but is also up to 18 per cent more fuel efficient than the outgoing model's lump.

We had the opportunity to drive several variants of the new A4 range at its International Driving Presentation in the coastal Portuguese town of Cascais. First up was the all'important and possibly the big seller here, the 1.8 TFSI. The new motor makes 170bhp, 10bhp more than before but more impressively, its peak torque output of 320Nm is 70Nm more than the old unit can muster. The 1.8'litre turbocharged lump's increased performance is thanks to the newly incorporated Audi valvelift system. On the smooth and twisty tarmac that connects Cascais to Sintra, the A4 1.8 TFSI displayed surprisingly strong performance. According to Audi, the 1.8 TFSI with a six'speed manual transmission can accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 8.1 seconds, which is half a second quicker than the old 1.8 TFSI with a multitronic gearbox. Singapore bound cars will obviously come with the multitronic CVT gearbox once again.

The 1.8 TFSI lump not only offers more performance but also better fuel efficiency according to Audi. Features like the start/stop system (a standard feature across the range) have improved the 1.8'litre unit's fuel consumption figures by as much as 18 per cent to an impressive 5.7 litres per 100km, quite possibly making the A4 1.8 TFSI one of the most fuel economical cars in its class.

The second biggest tweak under the A4's skin is its new electromechanical steering system, a set up that is similar to the A6's. I've never been a fan of the current generation A4's steering as I found the helm to be rather lifeless and a tad unnatural in its responses. The A4's new steering system though is worlds apart from the outgoing car's helm. The helm feels far more accurate and precise in its responses while feel and weighting have also noticeably improved. On the twisty roads where we drove the A4 1.8 TFSI, the helm inspires confidence on turn'in thanks to its almost pin sharp accuracy.

In addition to the steering, Audi also claims that it has optimized the A4's chassis and suspension for better ride and handling. These improvements include more finely tuned dampers and rear suspension bushings. On a twisty stretch of tarmac, the new model does feel more poised and surefooted than the outgoing model ever did while out on the open highway, the ride felt controlled and very composed indeed.

In addition to the base model, front wheel drive 1.8 TFSI, we also drove the brilliant 3.0 TDI quattro variant in Avant body style. With 245bhp and a whopping 500Nm from the 3-litre turbodiesel lump mated to a seven-speed S-Tronic box, the 3.0 TDI was almost ballistic in the way it accelerates off the line. The oil burner was so incredibly refined that it took me a while before realizing that it was the diesel model rather than a petrol powered one.

Another updated A4 variant that we sampled at the launch was the hot S4 saloon model. Like the rest of the new A4 range, the S4 has benefitted from the new steering system and the suspension tweaks. The new, more confidence-inspiring helm makes for a good tool, offering sufficient feedback and is very linear in its responses, descriptions that can't be made of the outgoing model's helm.

Interior and conclusion

There's a timeless appeal to the A4's cabin and it's no bad thing that Audi has changed little of it for the update. These minor changes include new steering wheels, column stalks from the A6, chrome-trimmed switches for a classier look while the ergonomics for the new MMI Plus infotainment system have been significantly improved.

The A4 is the definite class leader when it comes to build quality and perceived quality inside. Everything looks and feels expensive and luxurious - we can't remember any surface that is brittle or hard. The 1.8 TFSI model that we drove had Walnut Dark Brown dash inserts but Audi Singapore is contemplating offering the A7's superb Beaufort Oak layered wood.

With the update, Audi has also taken the liberty to introduce new driver assistance systems that were previously available only on bigger saloon models like the A6 to the A4 range. These include optional kit like the Adaptive Cruise Control with full auto brake, Audi active lane assist as well as Driver Information System with Break Recommendation.

The new A4 is certainly not a mere facelift or minor update just to make it more showroom fresh - the improvements in several key areas are rather considerable to say the least. Audi is aware of the A4's importance in the wake of the its impending fierce rival, next year's F30 3 Series and on its own, it seems that the new A4 is enough of a step forward to remain competitive in its class.

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