The Hindu Business Line : Audi launches new generation A4 sedan

THE German luxury car manufacturer Audi AG has launched its much-awaited, new generation A4 sedan. It will be offered with two engine options, including the 1.8-litre turbo petrol, and the two-litre turbo diesel (TDI) engines.

The A4 joins the larger A8 sedan and the TT Coupe as part of Audi's India portfolio. Speaking at the launch of the new A4 here, Mr Micheal Weber, Audi's Country Manager for India, said that the new sedan would compete with cars in the Rs 20-lakh plus price segment. The ex-showroom (Delhi) price for the A4 has been set at Rs 24.74 lakh for the 1.8-litre turbo petrol and Rs 26.6 lakh for the two-litre diesel version.

Other officials from Audi Germany present at the unveiling ceremony were Mr Andre Konsbruck, Executive Director, overseas region and Mr Juergen Klaschka, Head of Central Product Marketing for A4 and S4.

The A4 will be offered with luxury features such as a new generation steering wheel, doorsill trims with aluminium inserts and inlays, wood inlays for the dashboard, deluxe automatic air-conditioning and a DVD radio and navigation system. Safety features in A4 will include four-wheel drive, two stage front airbags, an electronic stability programme, Xenon plus headlamps with dynamic adaptive light technology and a continuously variable multi-tronic transmission.

At present, Audi has three dealer outlets in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. It is planning to increase the number this year in keeping with its plans to market the new A4 here. The company has sold 105 cars last year, including 75 units of the A6, 15 units of the A8 and 15 units of the TT Coupe.

Mr Weber said that the company is targeting sales of 300 units this year, and this would include 150 units of the A4. He added that the A4 has been homologated for Indian driving and climatic conditions.

Audi has also showcased other cars from their stable at the Auto Expo here. The other interesting vehicle from the company is the Q7, a full-sized luxury sports utility vehicle. The Audi Q7, which would be made available in Germany starting next month, could be launched in India by the last quarter of this year, Mr Weber said.

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