The current version of Audi's best-selling car has been on the market since 2008. For next year the entire line-up receives a significant update, with refreshed styling and enhanced efficiency and equipment. It's not likely to be a coincidence that it arrives in time to take on the all-new BMW 3 Series.
Exterior changes are relatively minimal, though the redesigned headlights, bonnet and bumpers bring the A4 into line with other new Audis - such as the recently launched A5 range. The biggest change is to the optional Xenon plus headlights, which now feature a distinctive LED graphic. It's echoed in the rear lights. The back of the car also receives a new bumper and all models feature two exhaust outlets.
The interior has received attention too, though the changes are in the detail rather than wide sweeping. Overall the A4's already excellent cabin promises to be nicer to the touch with new materials, new steering wheel designs and revamped switchgear. The pictures show that the S4 and S4 Avant now feature flat-bottomed steering wheels too.
Stop-start and brake energy recuperation are standard on all models and several of the TDI diesel engines come with a BMW-like centrifugal pendulum-type absorber, which allows smoother running at lower speeds. Direct fuel injection is featured on all cars. The result of all these measures is a claimed 11 percent average improvement in efficiency across the line-up. That's despite increased performance from some of the engines.
Audi has yet to confirm precisely which engine-gearbox combinations will be sold in Ireland, but it's likely that there will be a choice of diesel and petrol engines, though customers will predominantly buy diesel. The most economical model announced is powered by a 136hp version of the venerable 2.0-litre TDI engine. It uses 4.2 litres/100km (67.3mpg) and boasts CO2 emissions of just 112g/km for Band A taxation. Perhaps more impressively, the much faster 164hp version uses 4.4 litres/100km (64.2mpg) and yet is still in Band A with CO2 emissions of 115g/km. Meanwhile, Audi claims that the revised 3.0 TDI with 204hp is the most efficient six-cylinder diesel engine in its class.
As before there's an array of transmission options. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard and automatic buyers are catered for by the Multitronic (continuously variable transmission) or seven-speed S tronic (dual-clutch). Quattro four-wheel drive is optional with all engines from the 177hp 2.0 TDI up, though standard on the revised A4 allroad quattro - and of course on the updated S4 and S4 Avant. There's no sign of a new RS 4 at this stage.
First deliveries of the 2012 Audi A4 range are expected in February and though pricing has yet to be announced it's expected that there will be little change from the current model.