Audi A4

Audi hatches bold look for A4

It's a show-stopper... and you have to give it A4 effort! The wraps were taken off Audi's next A4 at the Detroit expo this week - and the car not only reveals the startling look of the latest compact executive, but also a practical new bodystyle.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Roadjet's striking front end shows look of next A4, and hatch bodystyle is all-new

By Sam Hardy

10th January 2006

Called the Roadjet concept, it follows the debut of the TT Shooting Brake show model at the Tokyo event in October. The Roadjet is very close to how the production A4 will be, and has been unveiled to test public reaction.

Its look has clearly been inspired by the Shooting Brake - check out the bold front grille, narrow angled LED headlights and deep air intakes. Further shared design cues include strong bonnet lines which run from the top edges of the grille to the A-pillars, along with stepped shoulders.

But as well as showing off the stunning shape, the Roadjet reveals a first for the A4 range - a hatchback-style body, similar to that of the five-door Sportback version of the smaller A3. Set to be offered alongside traditional four-door saloon and load-lugging Avant variants, the newcomer should provide a practical compromise for those buyers who don't want a full estate.

Reflecting a general increase in size across the executive car market, the Roadjet measures 110mm longer, 80mm wider and 120mm taller than the current- generation A4, and with an increased wheelbase, it is much more spacious.

Inside is a four-seater layout with two sliding rear chairs mounted on diag-onal runners. When these are set at their outermost position, there's enough room for a child seat to be fixed behind them. This is mounted on a movable, twin-height electric boot floor, which can extend beyond the bumper to aid loading, and is remote-controlled.

Up front, the cabin is more softly styled than the current A4's, with a curvy centre console and dashboard. It all looks very classy, with blue-backed dials and high-quality leather upholstery. The Roadjet also features a host of electronic gadgets including Drive Select, which changes the sharpness of the throttle, steering and suspension settings according to owners' tastes.

Powering the Roadjet is a 300bhp version of Audi's 3.2-litre FSI V6, with variable valve timing. This is mated to a new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, propelling all four wheels via the quattro drivetrain, with a 40:60 front/rear power split. Giving a hint at how close the model is to production, bosses quote a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds and a 155mph top speed.

While no date has been announced for the new A4's official unveiling, a debut is expected next year, with British sales starting in 2008.