Revised A4 Breaks 3?

You weren't supposed to see this new model until next year - but Audi has taken the wraps off early in a bid to get one over its main rivals.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Mat Watson

08th September 2004

In a bid to steal a march on BMW's forthcoming new 3-Series, the Ingolstadt company has facelifted the A4 ahead of schedule. And as these official pictures reveal, the model now features Audi's extended grille, bringing it in line with the A8, A6 and A3 Sportback.

The front end also includes more prominent bonnet creases, sculptured clear-lens headlamps and a deeper front bumper. Combined with new side panels, these changes give the car a more muscular stance. Around the back, two-piece tail-lights - which resemble those of the Nuvolari sports car concept revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2003 - complete the A4's revamp.

Audi's design team has boosted the cabin with updated seat trims and additional aluminium touches, while the new steering wheel echoes the grille.

Available as a saloon or Avant estate, the revised A4 will take centre stage at the Paris Motor Show later this month. When it goes on sale here in January, it will come with a choice of 10 engines.

New to the range will be the 255bhp 3.2-litre FSI V6 and 200bhp 2.0-litre T FSI direct-injection petrol units. There are also 140bhp 2.0-litre TDI and 204bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel powerplants. As before, flagship S4 variants are to get a 344bhp 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine under the bonnet.

These range-toppers will be distinguishable from lesser versions by their unique 18-inch alloy wheels, quad exhaust pipes and different front grille. In an attempt to make the A4 as good to drive as the 3-Series, Audi has uprated the suspension and brakes, while safety is improved across the line-up, too.

All A4s now get Audi's latest stability system, ESP8, and come with a clever brake disc wipe function that's designed to aid stopping power in wet conditions. Other standard safety kit includes six airbags and active head restraints.