Overview:
Horch is a popular name for high-performance luxury motor cars manufactured in Germany by the company August Horch & Cie, established by August Horch. Horch later founded Audi, which is named after the Latin translation of his surname (the Latin word 'Horch' means "listen" in German). Audi is a world-famous automobile manufacturer based in Germany, which manufactures quality cars that are appealing and technically sound. The Audi insignia, with its four overlapping rings, identifies one of Germany's oldest automobile manufacturers. It represents the merger of four previously independent motor-vehicle manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer. These companies form the core of what is today AUDI AG.
Audi variants available in the Indian market are Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8 and Audi Q7.The all-new A4 is a head-turner with solid Audi lines that are intact, with a Latin touch and style. With a new nose, new door panels, a new tail and a host of new mechanicals, the A4 is sure to go places. With a host of different colours to choose from and for its amazing performance, Audi is definitely a competitive contender in the luxury car market alongside Mercedes Benz and BMW.
Powertrain and Performance:
The Audi A4 comes with a choice of five engines-three petrol and two diesel engines. It has the 1.8L TFSI petrol engine that churns out 158bhp of power, 2,0L TFSI petrol engine which produces 177bhp and the 3.2L V6 engine that shoots out top-end power of 261 bhp. The diesel engines include the 2.0L TDI that puffs out 140bhp of power and the 3.0L V6 Quattro diesel engine which gives out the maximum of 236 bhp power. The A4 uses FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection), a type of gasoline engine made by Volkswagen. The vehicle also features Audi's well-known permanent four-wheel drive system, Quattro. Audi has a sporty and dynamic McPherson Strut suspension layout at the front and at the rear is the new four-link independent suspension, the second key to its excellent dynamics on the road.
Driving is fun with the 16-inch wheels with size 205/55 R16 tyres and the dynamic suspension is designed for agile handling, taking every bend with ease. Only the 3.2FSI Quattro variant gets 17 inch cash aluminum wheels. Audi magnetic ride, an innovative technology is used for the shock absorbers. Magnetorheological fluid is used, which enables damping characteristics to be influenced electronically at will by applying voltage to the electromagnets. This property delivers the correct damping forces in every driving situation that optimizes ride comfort and good road behaviour.
Build and Styling:
Audi is known for its amazing design technique, with the fascia generating its strong presence. The functional elements are logically placed with the single-frame radiator grille possessing high aesthetic calibre in respect of its finish, material and design. The confidently- placed headlights give a great effect and the well-flared wheel arches lend extra width to the appearance of the front end. The rightly placed air-vents add that sporty look. The rear-end too is given an amazing finish with the roof spoiler standing right at the top and the rear lights that wrap around into the sides.
The well-lit instrument panel is driver-friendly in the typical Audi way. The steering wheel comes with a choice of two interface modes, "Sport" and "Tour". In the "Sport" mode, information is communicated predominantly via the instrument cluster - the clock changes over to digital display. In the "Tour" mode, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) displays information, with the clock simultaneously changing to analog display. The Shooting Brake Concept offers an impressive amount of space, giving ample headroom for the rear passengers and providing ample luggage capacity. There is ample knee-room at the rear, thanks to the length of the wheelbase.
Audi has not only given importance to performance but safety has also been paramount, as is obvious with the provision of dual stage front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags. The new generation electronic stability program with traction control, anti-lock brakes and 'Servotronic' speed-sensitive steering are other features contributing to the safety of this amazing and powerful vehicle.
