The headlamps and taillights might be new, but the most drastic differences in the 2016 Audi A4 are on the inside. In fact, the revamped interior of the fifth-generation A4 is so significant, the changes could once again put Audi at the forefront of interior technology and design.
The new A4 deploys a “virtual cockpit,” de-cluttering the controls and moving the primary screen from the centre stack to a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster positioned between a digital tachometer and speedometer, allowing the driver to see more information with a simple look down, rather than a look away.
The 2016 Audi A4.
Handout, Audi
High resolution displays allow for sharp and detailed colour graphics, and a “view” button lets the driver switch between two user interfaces. The look is high tech and functional. A new MMI controller is redesigned for simplicity, but the radio control knob is, thankfully, still to the right of the shifter.
Slighty longer, the 2016 Audi A4 sheds about 120 kilograms depending on configuration. Aerodynamic drag is also at a new low — 0.23 for the sedan. Engine options for Canada have not been confirmed, but in Europe a choice of three TFSI and four TDI engines will be on offer. Of those engines, fuel consumption is reduced by up to 21 per cent, while power output has increased by up to 25 per cent.
It’s also still unclear whether or not we’ll see the A4 Avant return to Canada – but we’re not holding our breath. We’ll have a full report on the 2016 A4 when we see the car in Germany later this week.
The 2016 Audi A4.
Handout, Audi
