2019 Audi A4 revealed: Changes hard to recognize

ABU DHABI: When all eyes are set on the unveiling of the next-generation BMW 3 Series, Audi revealed the refreshed version of the 2019 A4. Being one of the best sellers of Audi, the A4 has not received a facelift in the real sense. The major changes in the car are confined to looks, thereby leading only design transformation on the bill. In fact, for users, spotting any significant difference between the old and new version would be a herculean task. Unfortunately, buyers need to continue their wait for a 48-volt mild hybrid system tuned Audi A4.

Nevertheless, Audi is all set to play “spot the difference” game in style. So, what’s new here?

Exterior

Definitely, Audi has tried to give the car a sporty look with the new alloy wheels that now stand tall at 19-inch. The diffuser area has become narrower, and the earlier round exhaust outlets have turned trapezoidal, thus giving the lower section of the bumper a new look.

One more thing that has given the A4 a new touch is the refreshed front apron that now features angular vents. The A4 retains its classic slat-style grille over a honeycomb pattern. The side profile, however, remains almost unchanged with the rear bumper embracing a mild tweak. Apart from these changes, the design hasn’t altered much from the pre-facelift Audi A4 model.

Interior

As far as the interior changes are concerned, the A4 gets new hides, reducing the size of the seats and dashboard. An S-line black interior package is a new addition which adds three things - black partial leather sports seats, RS carbon inlays, and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Engine

Nothing new has been introduced new by Audi in this section. The car is expected to carry the same range of engines, i.e. the A4's powertrain lineup - turbocharged gas and diesel engines. Depending on the engine specified in the model, the transmissions available in the car would remain the same as earlier - six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch, and an eight-speed automatic.

In comparison to the diesel engines, which make 122 PS to 190 PS in the 2.0TDI range and 218 PS for 3.0TDI. The turbocharged gas engines start with 1.4TFSI making 150 PS and move up to 2.0 TFSI making 190 PS or 252 PS. For higher-spec models, the diesel engines can make 272 PS.

Only time will tell, how much of these changes in the Audi A4 will take a toll on its counterparts- the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the market. For now, all eyes are glued to the 2018 Paris Motor Show that is scheduled for October.