Inside, space has increased by 20mm with rear passenger knee room increasing by 36mm to a luxurious 908mm. The cabin is full of light, creating the feeling of a much larger vehicle. Helping to make this possible was a repositioning of the differential, clutch and torque converter to allow the front axle to move forward. Axle loads are also better balanced. Its 480-litres capacity boot, whose space doubles when rear seats are folded, is larger than any of its direct competitors.
Build wise, the new A4 is some 10 per cent lighter than before, thanks to the intelligent use of aluminum and other weight-saving materials. High-quality workmanship is reflected in the all-round quality of fixtures and fittings, including a new dashboard and centre console oriented some eight degrees towards the driver.
In the safety area, airbags and seat belt force limiters work together to give better protection. Using aluminum components, a totally new suspension system has been created which, along with steering, wheels and brakes, is exceptionally light in weight.
Five engines will power the new model - two petrol units of 1.8-litre TFSI, 120bhp and 160bhp and 3.2-litre FSI, 265bhp capacity plus three common rail TDI diesel units.  Diesel models include a high-volume 2.0-litre TDI, 143bhp unit plus two V6 units of 2.7-litre TDI, 190bhp and 3.0-litre TDI, 240bhp capacity. High-spec SE and Sport models also form part of the new A4 programme.
A feature of the new range is its improved economy and reduced use of fuel - down by an average 13 percent in petrol versions and six per cent in TDI versions. This is helped by improved aerodynamics delivering a 0.27 drag coefficient, some 5 per cent lower than its predecessor, despite its slightly wider frontal area.
Here, the following models will be offered initially - the 1.8-litre TFSI,120bhp, 169g/km version at e36,300 (ex works), the 1.8-litre, 160bhp, 169g/km version at e40,300 and the 2.0-litre TDI 144g/km version at e44,200. Other derivatives will follow including a 2.0-litre TDI ‘e’ model with emissions of 134g/km. In Summer, an A4 Avant version will be added.
Six-speed manual, Multitronic, and six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro permanent four-wheel-drive forms part of the product offering, as does Audi's acclaimed MMI operating system and automatic air conditioning with three-zone control.
Other innovative technologies include Audi Drive Select by which the operating characteristics of the engine can be adjusted, and Audi dynamic steering that can be used to vary steering ratios according to road speed. These are available as optional extras.
Audi sales manager John Hayes said: “We expect the new A4 to add further impetus to Audi sales in the current year. Last year, Audi achieved all time record registrations of 5,270 units - up 22 percent on 2006 and 15 percent higher than their previous best ever year.”
The new A4 is available from Belgard Motors with their 1-2-3 Easy Pay Finance Option. Check out www.belgard.ie for more information or call the team directly on 4049999.