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Model
Reviews > A4
> Model Overview
Launched in March 1995, the A4
has proven to be Audi's most popular and significant
model to date with sales of over 1.5 million. Initially
introduced as a 4 door saloon, the A4 replaced the 80
range and competed directly with the BMW '3' series in
the medium sized prestige category. The A4 was an instant
success and massively increased sales of new Audis in the
UK. It has also won a number of motoring accolades as a
new car and as a popular used car choice. Even though the
UK is about to see the second generation of A4 hit the
roads, the original model with it's clean fresh lines is
still hard to beat in this category.
Mar
1995-Dec 1995
Introduced as a 4 door saloon of around 14' 8" long
and 6' 1" wide and available in a number of engine
and drive configurations. Specification on all included, colour-keyed bumpers and side rubbing strips, tinted
glass, and side impact protection. Central locking,
electric front windows, electronically operated /heated
door mirrors. Drivers airbag, electronic immobiliser with
changing code, anti-theft device. Height adjustable
drivers seat and height/depth adjustable steering column.
Height adjustable front seat belts with pretensioners.
Flat weave cloth upholstery. Sony stereo radio/cassette
with removable front panel and 6 speakers.
The entry model consisted of a 1.6 litre 101BHP with
multipoint fuel injection and front wheel drive. The 1.8
version consisted of 5 valve per cylinder unit, brand new
for Audi at that time and developing a respectable
125BHP. The diesel model was powered by a 1.9 litre turbo
charged 90BHP unit. Two more powerful petrol derivatives
were also available, the 1.8 turbo unit, again new for
Audi at this time and a V6 2.6 unit, both developing
150BHP. The latter was available in either front wheel
drive or quattro 4 wheel drive. All models apart from the
1.8 turbo and 2.6 quattro were available with optional 4
speed automatic transmission.
Higher specifications were available on some models. An
electric tilt and slide sunroof was standard on 1.8 litre
models and above. The 2.6 litre model was fitted with
alloy wheels and integrated front fog lamps. SE versions
of each model except the quattro were available. This
consisted of an electric sunroof on the 1.6 and
electronic climate control in lieu of a sunroof on all
other models. Also included in SE spec was leather
steering wheel and gear knob, extra instrumentation and 8
spoke forged alloy wheels. 'Sport' specification was
standard on the quattro and an option on the 1.8T. It
included lowered sports suspension, sports seats with
jacquard upholstery, 3 spoke leather steering wheel,
drivers information system and 16" 5 spoke
'Competition' alloy wheels with 205/55R 16W low profile tyres.
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Dec
1995-Mar 1996
110 BHP 'red i' turbo diesel added to
range. Specification as for 90 BHP version.
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Mar
1996-Jul 1996
Avant (estate) introduced throughout the
range with split folding rear seats, rear 'bee sting'
style roof arial and retractable luggage cover. 'SE' and
'Sport' versions fitted with black roof rails. All A4's
now with colour keyed door handles and mirrors.
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Aug
1996-Sept 1997
2.8 multivalve 193 BHP V6 engine
introduced replacing the 2.6 quattro and now available
with either 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic gearbox.
This model also available in standard and SE form. 97
model year also includes air recirculation for heating
and ventilation system, built in Gamma coded stereo unit
on all models. Aspherical drivers door mirror, new style
door sill trim strips and modified rear light cluster.
interior switch to activate central locking and security
key with 'internal track'. 110 BHP TDI now available in
quattro four wheel drive form.
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Sept
1997-Jan 1998
New 2.4 mulivalve 165 BHP model introduced
which replaces 2.6 engine. Model available in standard or
SE trim and with either 5 speed manual or 5 speed
Tipronic Automatc transmission. Other 98 model year
changes include new upholstery and aluminum facia and
door trims, front passenger airbag, front side airbags,
alloy wheels, built in 'Concert RDS Stereo' and radio
remote control fitted as standard throughout the range.
2.8 model now standard with 5 speed Tiptronic Automatic
transmission. Electronic climate control now standard on
all quattro models. Avant models now fitted with three
point centre seat belt and third rear head restraint. Satellite Navigation offered as an option for the first
time.
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Jan
1998-Aug 1998
New
2.5 V6 150BHP direct injection diesel introduced.
Available in standard, SE and quattro form. A choice of 6
speed manual or 5 speed Tiptronic transmission available.
All A4 models apart from 1.6 now fitted with Electronic
climate control.
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Aug
1998-Mar 1999
New 'S4' series model introduced available
in both Saloon and Avant form. This flag ship model is
powered by a 2.7 litre V6 twin turbo developing 265 BHP.
quattro 4 wheel drive, 6 speed transmission, 17"
Avus alloys with ultra low profile tyres, Xenon gas self
levelling headlamps with power wash, integrated fog lamps
in front bumper, twin chrome exhaust, carbon fibre trim,
anodised trims framing windows and sports seats are all
standard.
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Mar 1999-Dec 1999
A4 facelift model introduced. Revised
Bumpers with central ridge, integrated lower front fog
lamps and revised headlamps with perspex covers. Interior
modifications include revised centre console and
Electronic climate Control giving provision for optional satellite Navigation plus 5" TV
monitor or
Symphony stereo system. SE now
standard with rear electric windows, Auto dipping rear
view mirror and centre armrest.
A4 1.8T quattro launched. Specification as
for front wheel drive version apart from half leather upholstery and light grey instrumentation. Power now
increased to 180 BHP for all 1.8 turbo models.
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Dec
1999-May 2000
A4
model range re-focussed. 1.8, 1.8T, 1.9 TDI 110 BHP and 2.4 models
now only available with SE trim. Electronic climate control now
standard on all models. Further additional extras added at no cost
including Symphony stereo system on top models.
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May
2000-Aug 2000
115
BHP TDI 4cyl engine replaces 110 BHP unit with 80nm extra torque.
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Aug
2000-Present
Ultimate RS4 model introduced, limited to
production of only 400 UK cars. Based on the S4 Avant, it
is powered by a modified 2.7 twin turbo, partially developed by subsidiary company Cosworth. Power 380 BHP
through 6 speed quattro transmission. Widened body panels
and bumpers, 18" multi spoke alloy wheels, Larger
ventilated brakes, Electronic stability programme,
Leather or Hi tech covered Recaro electric seats.
Symphony front load CD/Cassette stereo with a choice of
carbon fibre or piano varnish trim. Sideguard head air
bag system an option.
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