Powertrain
The Canadian A4 will first arrive with a new 3.2L FSI V6 sporting revised camshafts and valve gear. It will generate 265 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed Tiptronic autobox. The quattro AWD system will come standard with this model; sharing many similarities with the performance-oriented system used in the A8 flagship sedan, it proves to be even more responsive and more forgiving than ever. Depending on traction conditions, torque can vary from 40 to 65 percent between the front and rear wheels.
Brakes
Audi made significant improvements to the braking system. Historically, the A4 always disappointed me with longer stopping distances than rivals. Engineers incorporated larger front discs (320 mm) while upgrading the antilock braking system and Brake Assist technology. The A4 now delivers safer stops.
The hand brake gives way to an electromechanical brake controlled by a switch on the console. In addition to preventing the vehicle from moving, it includes a Hill Start Assist feature to make sure the A4 won't back up on a hill. One thing that did not change is the emergency braking system that further helps the A4 decelerate if the regular system fails.
Interior
At last, the new exterior dimensions of the A4 translate into an interior that can comfortably sit four real-size adults. Audi has finally realized that its best-selling model should meet the space requirements of different types of customers.
The dashboard is now angled toward the driver by 8 degrees so as to make the instruments and controls more accessible and easier to read.
The A4 is equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system that includes pollen filters. The ventilating unit is quiet yet powerful. Not to be forgotten, the rear passengers can be warmed or cooled thanks to an optional tri-zone climate control system.
In other news, Audi updated and improved its controversial Multi-Media Interface, a.k.a. MMI.
The Canadian A4 will first arrive with a new 3.2L FSI V6 sporting revised camshafts and valve gear. It will generate 265 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed Tiptronic autobox. The quattro AWD system will come standard with this model; sharing many similarities with the performance-oriented system used in the A8 flagship sedan, it proves to be even more responsive and more forgiving than ever. Depending on traction conditions, torque can vary from 40 to 65 percent between the front and rear wheels.
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Brakes
Audi made significant improvements to the braking system. Historically, the A4 always disappointed me with longer stopping distances than rivals. Engineers incorporated larger front discs (320 mm) while upgrading the antilock braking system and Brake Assist technology. The A4 now delivers safer stops.
The hand brake gives way to an electromechanical brake controlled by a switch on the console. In addition to preventing the vehicle from moving, it includes a Hill Start Assist feature to make sure the A4 won't back up on a hill. One thing that did not change is the emergency braking system that further helps the A4 decelerate if the regular system fails.
Interior
At last, the new exterior dimensions of the A4 translate into an interior that can comfortably sit four real-size adults. Audi has finally realized that its best-selling model should meet the space requirements of different types of customers.
The dashboard is now angled toward the driver by 8 degrees so as to make the instruments and controls more accessible and easier to read.
The A4 is equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system that includes pollen filters. The ventilating unit is quiet yet powerful. Not to be forgotten, the rear passengers can be warmed or cooled thanks to an optional tri-zone climate control system.
In other news, Audi updated and improved its controversial Multi-Media Interface, a.k.a. MMI.
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