All-new B9 Audi A4 previewed

The all-new 2016 Audi A4 has been previewed. The fifth generation A4 B9 series looks like a major facelifted B8 model rather than look like something totally new in every aspect. I suppose this is a major way of telling people that if isn't broke, Audi is not going to fix it.

But unsurprisingly, there really is a whole new chassis underneath all that familiarity. The Audi MLB based platform (Audi's latest) B9 A4 now has a length of 4726mm, width of 1842mm and height of 1427mm. It is therefore 25mm longer, 16mm wider than before. Height remains the same. It is larger overall than competitors the BMW 3 series and the Mercedes C-class. Very important cars to beat in the small luxury car category. Even with its extra size, the chassis is actually down by 120kg and the drag co-efficient rating is  a class leading 0.23. The only problem is that it looks so similar to the B8 A4. This should make the B8 hold its price in the used car market yes?

Engine choices. Since we're motoring-malaysia and not motoring-uk, let's talk petrol engines  that will be launched over in Europe and ones that therefore could be sold here in Malaysia. There will be a new TSI based 148bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol unit delives 148bhp. 0-100kmh in 8.9sec and a 211kmh top speed with the S-tronic dual clutch transmission (DSG) or 6 speed manual.

Next would be the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with either 187bhp or 248bhp.  0-100kmh in 7.3sec and 240kmh for the 187bhp version and 0-100kmh in 5.8sec, 250kmh limited top speed in the 248bhp version. Both with DSG and manual transmission options. There are diesels too. But I doubt when the B9 A4 comes to Malaysia, they would be offering a diesel.

One other sad development when it comes to mechanicals is that the surprisingly nice Multitronic CVT that the A4 used to have in the front wheel drive versions is now gone. You get a 7 speed DSG or a 6 speed manual. Only the 3.0TDI gets a standard 8 speed automatic (not a dual clutch) transmission. Not too keen on the DSG, but this is the way with VW-Audi these days. But yes, the gearshifts are lightning quick no doubt about it.

Other tech worth mentioning are the new rear multi link suspension setup which is much lighter than before. There is also an electric-mechanical steering setup which saves 3.5kgs in weight from the one used previously. There will also be torque vectoring on the quattro versions too. A lot of new tech and gizmos. As expected. The interior looks better than before with a bit more luxury in terms of styling. Not the traditional wood (only a bit on the doors) and metal type. More the sleek brushed aluminium and modern look to it.

But why does it have to look so similar?