The B9-generation Audi A4 has been introduced to the South African market. Here are the key specifications of the new range…

The new A4 is larger than the outgoing model, but has shed as much as 120 kg due to utilisations of new materials.

The aerodynamics have been improved and it now boasts the best drag coefficient in its class at 0.23 cd.

Two turbopetrol engines are available, while a turbodiesel model and a quattro version will arrive soon. The upgrades to the engines have focused on increasing power (up by 21%) and reducing fuel economy (by up to 25%). All models are available with S tronic dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Engine range consists of:

1.4 TFSI turbopetrolwith 110 kW and 250Nm – manual and S tronic – 4.9 L/100km

2.0 TFSI turbopetrol with 140 kW and 320 Nm – S troniconly – 5.4 L/100km

Coming in April:

2.0 TFSI quattro turbopetrol with 185 kW and 370 Nm

2.0 TDi turbodiesel with 140 kW and 400 Nm – 4.9 L/100km

The space inside the cabin has grown by11 mm more head- and shoulder room. The interior length has grown by 17 mm and the rear legroom is up by 23 mm.

Technological highlights of the new A4 include the Audi virtual cockpit, the Audi Matrix LED headlights, the Audi smartphone interface, as well as Audi phone box, which connects certain smartphones to the on-board antenna and charges them inductively (available mid 2016), the Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound, Audi connect services, the head-up displayand new driver assistance systems.

Audi's connect services runs off a data sim that will need to be installed in the car. The system will integrate your smartphone with the car via a Wi-Fi hotspot and result in internet access and functions such as Google navigation andinternet search capability.

Improved safety systems are now available

The systems available in South Africa include Audi active lane assist, Audi pre-sense, Audi side assist, the City Assistance package and the parking assistance package. Standard assistance systems include Audi pre-sense city, secondary collision brake assist and the adjustable restraint system.

The City Assistance package will include the following: Parking system plus, reverse camera, Audi side assist, rear-cross traffic assist, Audi pre sense and exit warning systems.

Standard equipment:

Audi A4 1.4T FSI manual and S tronic:

16-inch alloy wheelsXenon Plus headlightsKeyless start/stopS tronic gear selector with Multi-function three-spoke steering wheelMMI Radio plus with BluetoothDriver information systemTyre pressure monitoringPartial leather upholsteryCruise control systemRain sensorAutomatic air-conditioningFront centre armrestSpace saving spare wheelElectrical interface for external use AUX-IN and USB

Audi A4 2.0T FSI S tronic:

In addition to above standard equipment:

17-inch alloy wheelsAudi Drive Select

Equipment lines: Sport and Design

The Sport line will contain the following, over and above the standard equipment:

17-inch wheels with a 5-spoke Y designRadiator grille in twilight and inlays in chromeInlays in aluminium ellipseRear diffusor in twilightHigh gloss package3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheelSports suspensionFront sports seatsTailpipe trims in chrome

The Design line will contain the following, over and above the standard equipment:

17-inch wheels with a 10-spoke crystal designRadiator grille in dark chrome high gloss and inlays in chromeDiffusor in dark chrome matt with diffusor clip in chromeInlays in aluminium ellipseHigh gloss package3-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunctionTailpipe trims in chrome

Previously:

The prices and specifications for the next generation of Audi's A4 sedan in South Africa have appeared on the manufacturer's website ahead of the range's local launch in the last week of February 2016.

From launch, the Audi A4's engine line-up will compriseturbopetrol and turbodiesel four-cylinder motors, but those who wantmore grunt, the fiery S4 is scheduled to arrivelater this year. The only manual gearbox can be found on the bottom of the range A4 1.4T FSI and the rest of the lineup features the popularS Tronicseven-speed twin-clutch transmission. From experience, we'd lean towardsthe clutchless option every time.

Despite being the entry-level A4, the 1.4T FSI comes with a fair amount of kit as standard, such aseight-speaker MMI Radio Plus system with Bluetooth connectivity,multi-function three-spoke steering wheel, rain sensor, cruise control, automatic climate control as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. Being an Audi, the list of options that you can specify for your car is rather extensive too. The range will only feature sedans, with no plan to bring in the Avant station wagon to the South African market.

There are two trim levels: Sport Line and Design Line.

Sport Line gives you17-inch wheels in a5-spoke Y design, a dark grey radiator grille with inlays in chrome, rear diffuser in dark grey, high-gloss package, 3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel, sports suspension, front sports seats, tailpipe trims in chrome.

Design Line has17-inch wheels in a10-spoke crystal design, a dark chrome high-gloss radiator grilleand inlays in chrome, diffusor in dark chrome matte with diffusor clip in chrome, high-gloss package, 3-spoke leather steering wheel with multifunction and tailpipe trims in chrome.

The top-spec 2.0T FSI quattroalso gets an all-wheel drivetrain as well as 18-inch wheels.

We'll be driving the new Audi A4 on the 25th and 26th of February – look out for the first drive report soon.

Audi A4 Price in South Africa (February 2017)

Click here for the latest pricing of the Audi A4 in South Africa