AUDI has revealed details of the new A4, available soon in saloon, Avant and high-performance S4 variants, offering two new-to-the-range FSI petrol engines.

There will be a choice of engines, including four completely new units developing an output of up to 255 bhp. The V8 in the S4 delivers 344 bhp. The new car features an extensively revised chassis incorporating elements from new A6 and flagship S4 quattro across the range; all new body shell exterior incorporating the latest Audi single frame grille and styling details; new generation manual transmissions, plus six-speed tiptronic and seven-speed multitronic CVT automatics as well as an upgraded braking system.

Order books will open in mid-October, with first UK deliveries in January 2005.

Audi is offering two newly designed petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the new A4 for the first time: the 188 kW (255 bhp) 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 T FSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp).

The range also includes three existing engines: the two-litre inline four-cylinder unit, which develops 96 kW (130bhp), and the 120 kW (163bhp) 1.8 T four-cylinder version. The 75 kW (102 bhp) 1.6 completes the choice of petrol engines.

The TDI range at launch will include the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with pump-injector fuel injection and a power output of 103 kW (140bhp), and the newly developed six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with common rail injection.

Probably from the beginning of 2005, a coated diesel particulate filter, also known as a catalysed soot filter, will be offered for the 2.0 TDI. Without the need for an additive, it is maintenance-free throughout the vehicle’s service life. This additive-free diesel particulate filter will also be available for the 3.0 TDI from the beginning of 2005. All 3.0 TDI versions will already be fitted with a filter provision from launch so that retrofitting can take place at a later date.

All engines, petrol and TDI versions alike, deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive.

5-speed or 6-speed manual gearboxes are available for the various A4 models, as is the continuously variable automatic transmission, the multitronic. This will be available for the front-wheel-drive versions of the new A4. The now 6-speed tiptronic with sport program is offered for quattro models.

All engines comply with the strict limits of the EU4 standard.

In terms of equipment, every new A4 is fitted with deluxe automatic air conditioning which has separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

All five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts (the front belts have belt-force limiters and belt tensioners plus a seat belt reminder) and head restraints. Active head restraints are integrated into the front seats, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision. The safety equipment also includes front airbags that are activated in two stages, front side airbags and the large-area head airbag system known as sideguard.

Electric front windows (and electric rear windows as well on 2.0 T FSI and V6 versions) are also part of the standard specification, as are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and central locking with radio remote control.

Optional equipment includes adaptive light technology including xenon plus headlights. This also includes the daytime running lights function. An optional light/rain sensor activates the dipped headlights and windscreen wipers automatically if necessary. A DVD, radio and navigation system is also available, including a BOSE sound system.