Audi has officially unveiled the 2012 A4 and S4 facelift. Among the updates are a subtly reshaped grille that brings the A4 range in-line with the brand’s latest styling, along with the German carmaker’s new uniform headlight styling. There are also reshaped taillights and lightly updated bumpers at both ends. For a sportier appearance, the S-line package has a reduced ride height and 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inchers are optional).
Inside, the cabin gains a new steering wheel, revised trim and additional chrome accents. Other changes include an updated infotainment system and buttons for the heated and cooled seats.
Audi’s best-selling model line has also come in for an engine update, gaining the new 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, TFSI engine that debuted with the updated A5 range earlier this year. Producing 125 kW of power, the new engine delivers a touch more power than its 118 kW predecessor. Fuel consumption is listed at 4.6 L/100km. A 157 kW 2.0-litre TFSI, four-cylinder, petrol engine (up from 132 kW) also features, while the supercharged 245 kW 3.0-litre V6 carries over for the range-topping S4.
On the diesel side, Audi’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, diesel can be had in Europe in five different outputs, depending on specification: 88 kW, 100 kW, 105 kW, 120 kW and 130 kW. In the current South African line-up, we have a slight smaller selection between 100 kW, 105 kW and 125 kW variants. Two 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesels will also be offered in Europe, producing 182 kW and 204 kW respectively. The current range topping 3.0-litre diesel in South Africa produces 176 kW.
On the handling front, the Audi A4 has a revised suspension and a new power steering system which “requires no energy for straight-ahead motion, thereby reducing fuel consumption by up to 0.3 L/100 km.” The 2012 Audi A4 will go on sale in Europe shortly and pricing has, according to Audi, “changed only slightly.”
