We’ve waited long enough for the latest generation Audi A4. It's here, on South African soil, in local dealerships and I was among the first to drive it. Here’s what you need to be acquainted with: 

THE LOOKS

The previous generation Audi A4, the B8 is still - in my opinion - a good-looking car. Yes, it’s old, but it has aged rather well. Audi has not completely changed the design of the latest Audi A4 B9; instead, Audi has just modernized it, sharpened up the lines and changed the headlights as well as the taillights. Bi-Xenon headlights are standard, and LED units optional. The taillights come in two versions: one with conventional bulbs and one with LEDs. In my brief exposure to the car in person, I was struck by the attention to detail. The exterior grip-style door handles, for example, swing slightly upward when pulled, to provide a more intuitive and natural motion. 

The optional S-Line kit also adds some styling enhancements to the bumpers-front and rear- and more prominent side skirts are added. The S-Line also features larger wheels and a lowered ride hight due to suspension changes. 

THE INTERIOR

While the exterior is fresh but evolutionary, the interior is a revelation. Audi engineers have a tendency to focus on the finer details - perfectionists really, and it shows. The build quality and materials used are of the highest quality. As for space, well the car does feel somewhat small inside despite the fact there is increased leg room both front and back. I think it's because the dashboard is low and extends out. 

Horizontal lines dominate, right down to the thin air vents that span the entire width of the dash board. Audi has also ditched the idea for a retractable infotainment screen as seen on the A3 and A6; instead we find a neatly designed 8.3-inch fixed centre-mounted screen. 

As for the instrumentation, customers have a choice between conventional, analogue gauges, or you can opt for the brand’s futuristic virtual cockpit, the same used in the Audi TT and Q7. The screen offers a wide array of information and makes use of high quality graphics, which does make it a visually pleasing encounter. The MMI control interface has also been revised with touch input (an optional extra) as part of the MMI Navigation Plus. 

What's more, the car features two USB ports and as I discovered after connecting my iPhone it also has a fully functional CarPlay interface. This means that selected apps on your smart device are mirrored on the screen. Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface (Siri) can send messages and find locations via the maps app. 

 UNDER THE HOOD

At launch Audi introduced us to just two engine derivatives: a 110kW/250Nm 1.4T FSI as well as the 140kW/320Nm 2.0T FSI. Both engines are well refined and when mated to the seven-speed S-Tronic automatic gearbox become great all-rounders. The smaller capacity 1.4T FSI is ideal for those who want an economical alternative. The 2.0T FSI didn't quite outshine its younger brother on pace but there is slightly more pace due to its torque figure.  

Both cars are respectfully economical if driven with restraint. The fact that the new A4 is about 120kgs lighter than the model it replaces also plays a significant part in saving fuel. The 2.0T featured Audi’s Drive Select, which meant I could change between various driving modes, Efficiency, Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. 

THAT DYNAMIC MODE

Both cars felt well accomplished on the road and Audi has done a fantastic job improving the overall ride quality of the B9 A4. It feels light, yet planted, when thrown around some corners. Over uneven road surfaces the suspension remains compliant. Road noise has also been reduced to provide a more secluded cabin feel. The A4 offers a sporty yet refined driving experience, even when fitted with the S-Line package. 

 

We drove the long awaited @audisouthafrica #NewAudiA4 today. @thejustbin is impressed with the #cars compliant suspension and interior build quality. #instagram #instacar #audicar #audilove #audigramm #audigramer #instacar #instaudi #carporn #carshow #audigramm #audifan @audi_official @audiloverr @auditography @audi_fanclub_sa @seanurzz

A video posted by Autodealer South Africa (@autodealersa) on Feb 25, 2016 at 5:36am PST

VERDICT

Although the new A4 might not look all that different to the previous model it is a huge leap forward. Under the skin the A4 offers enhanced technology that is sure to worry the competition. Audi will be introducing a diesel engine as well as a more performance-orientated 185kW 2.0T at a later stage. Unfortunately, the competition has had a rather lengthy head start and the A4 faces a tough and brand-loyal market. So while this new A4 is impressive, Audi is just getting started.

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