2017 AUDI A4
Few cars epitomize the sports executive sedan like Audi's A4. Even fewer offer as much value for the level of luxury. This sporty and elegant sedan launched in 1994 is credited with saving Audi from declining car sales and a utilitarian brand image. This car has become a best-seller and a symbol of style. Its sleek design, impressive performance, and affordability across all versions have consistently pleased consumers. The exterior boasts a sporty yet refined aesthetic, while the interior is spacious and comfortable. The powerful engine and smooth handling create a thrilling driving experience, while the advanced safety features provide peace of mind. Discover how it could meet all of your needs, too.
Origin
The A4 was introduced in 1994 as the successor to the Audi 80 by the German car manufacturer. It was crucial in Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" philosophy, which means "Progress through Technology." The aim was to create an exclusive mid-sized sedan that boasted modern efficiency and high technical sophistication. It completely lived up to this description, surpassing the Audi 80 in terms of standard features. The A4's elegant design struck a balance between rounded and angled areas, giving it a sleek and sophisticated look. Inside, the A4 boasted a spacious, comfortable cabin with high-quality materials and top-notch features. With new engines and a reasonable price point, the A4 was an instant hit and has remained a popular choice among car enthusiasts ever since.
1st Generation (1994 - 2001)
The first generation of the A4, designated as the B5, was originally a four-door sedan, although other versions, like the five-door Avant estate wagon, were subsequently released. On top of other safety features, the A4 has as standard equipment ABS, two airbags, and four full headrests.
This generation of the Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8L inline four-cylinder 20v engine specifically, based on the unit developed for Audi Sport's Supertouring race car. Other engines were 1.6 and 1.8L inline four-cylinder petrol, 2.4 - 2.8L V6 six-cylinder petrol, 1.9L inline four-cylinder diesel, and a 2.5L V6 six-cylinder diesel. Engine specifications for all generations will vary based on region and model year.
2nd Generation (2001 - 2006)
Bauhaus's design language inspired the stylings of the second generation, known as the B6. Several of the engines in the lineup received displacement increases and power upgrades, such as the 1.9L, which, in addition to a rise in displacement, came with Pumpe Düse (Unit Injector) (PD) technology and Audi's quattro permanent four-wheel drive. A high-end 2.5L TDI model with a standard quattro was also introduced. In 2003, Audi introduced a cabriolet variant.
Petrol engines were 1.6 to 2.0L inline four-cylinders, 2.4 and 3.0L V6 six-cylinders, and a 4.2 V8 eight-cylinder. In contrast, diesel engines were a 1.9L inline four-cylinder and a 2.5 V6 six-cylinder.
3rd Generation (2004 - 2009)
The A4 received a substantial facelift with the B7. On its exterior, the A4 has its front grille assembly shaped into a tall trapezoid, while internally, it has new steering settings, suspension geometry, internal combustion engines, navigation systems, and more.
The RS4 high-performance variant, previously available only in the 5-door Avant body, reappeared, finally becoming available in sedan and cabriolet versions and with a 4.2L V8 eight-cylinder FSI engine. Besides this 4.2L, other machines like a 2.0L inline four-cylinder and 3.2L V6 six-cylinder engine received the FSI Fuel Stratified Injection technology.
4th Generation (2008 - 2016)
Built on Audi's Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP), the fourth generation B8 A4 had improved handling by redistributing its center of gravity to the rear. Other changes included new LED headlights, taillights, and an increased wheelbase and car length for more rear seating legroom.
The petrol engine lineups are 1.8L and 2.0L inline four-cylinders, 3.0L and 3.2L V6 six-cylinders, and a 4.2L V8 eight-cylinder. Diesel engines are 2.0L inline four-cylinder and 2.7L and 3.0L V6 six-cylinders.
5th Generation (2016 to present)
Though slightly larger, the fifth generation B9 A4 weighs more than 110 kg lighter than the B8 for better fuel efficiency and handling. Petrol engines are a 1.4L and 2.0L TFSI inline four-cylinder and a 2.9L and 3.0L TFSI V6 six-cylinder, while diesel engines are 2.0L TDI inline four-cylinder and 3.0L TDI V6 six-cylinder.
Engine Performance & Technology
All A4's gasoline engines from the third generation onward use Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) or its turbo version, TFSI. Audi's TFSI engines combine turbocharging and direct fuel injection, directly injecting fuel into the combustion chambers, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Audi employs the Common Rail Direct Injection or the Turbocharged Direct Injection for its diesel engines.
Safety & Reliability
The A4 has consistently performed well on crash tests across all its generations. Furthermore, it boasts a wide range of safety features, including many that would typically be optional on other vehicles. The third generation, which received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) "2007 Top Safety Pick", came with Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with anti-lock braking system, side airbags, and "sideguard" curtain airbags. The 2022 A4, part of the fifth generation, was also awarded IIHS's "2022 Top Safety Pick". It comes with safety systems like Audi's Pre Sense hazard detection, Audi active lane assist, rear cross traffic assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Trim Configurations
Trims for the A4 differ by region and generation. They are the Attraction, Ambition, and Ambiente for Europe, and SE, SE Technik, Technik, S line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung for the UK. Most trims are also available with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive, but this depends on the market.
Conclusion
The A4 is a home run for Audi that might be everything you want in a sports sedan, even in the base trims. If you're looking for luxury bordering on extravagance, you can fork out more for the higher Black Edition and Vorsprung trims. If you're ready to make the A4 your performance machine, you'll find them at affordable prices and in excellent condition here at BE FORWARD.
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