What's the news?
Right, microscopes out everyone - you'll be needing them to spot the changes to the 2018 Audi A4, changes that will be needed to keep the mid-size saloon on top seeing as an updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class hits the market in September and an all-new BMW 3 Series is just around the corner.
Righty, set to maximum magnification and away we go... Actually, the styling at the front has been changed a good bit, with a slightly x-shaped effect thanks to new lights and bumpers, plus a subtly reshaped grille. It actually looks more like the smaller A3 Saloon now, if anything, and you can decide for yourselves whether or not this is a good thing.
Avant estate models get a new rear spoiler and a bigger under-bumper diffuser, while there are new designs of 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, depending upon which spec you go for.
S line and Black Edition models get a new honeycomb effect grille, with a deeper bumper and air intakes that gape a little more than before. These sportier models also come with 19-inch wheels, sporty-looking exhaust pipe caps and the option of a new colour - Turbo Blue - which is only available on Black Edition models (slightly confusing, that; 'I'll have my Black Edition Audi in blue, please...')
There are some interior equipment and tech tweaks too, although Irish specifications are not yet finalised. They will include a new seven-inch digital display screen between the analogue dials (assuming you've forgone the option of Audi's all-digital Virtual Cockpit instruments) while there's an updated SD-card-based navigation system too. There's also a new steering wheel with multi-function controls, and the option of auto-folding door mirrors. S line and Black Edition models also come with auto high beam headlights.
Final prices and specs will be announced later this summer, and you'll be able to buy an updated A4 towards the end of this year.