Audi A4 Facelift - What’s Different?

October 28, 2011

The new facelifted 2012 Audi A4 has just been revealed. We take a look at what’s new and compare side-by-side photos against the old one. Including the A4, A4 Avant, S4 and A4 Allroad.

On the outside

New Audi A4

Old Audi A4

It’s not easy to spot the exterior differences, it’s certainly a case of evolved styling rather than a complete new look, which is to be expected really. The new styling at the front is more defined and less rounded, with angular air grilles and thinner headlights.

New Audi A4 back

Old Audi A4 back

Round the back the new A4 appears slightly slimmer, the effect created by narrower rear-lights and a more defined rear spoiler.

On the inside

New Audi A4 Interior

Old Audi A4 interior

The interior changes aren’t immediately obvious either. There are two new steering wheels to choose from, a chrome trim has been added around lots of the instruments and Audi have created a new ‘high-gloss’ finish for some parts.

The sat-nav system has been simplified, now featuring four buttons instead of eight. Controls for the air-con, automatic gearbox and heated seats have also changed slightly.

Under the bonnet

Across the engine range, fuel consumption has dropped on average by 11%. Many engines have also increased in power at the same time.

For the saloon and Avant A4s there will be a choice of 5 diesel engines and 4 petrols, all the engines are supercharged direct-injection systems and feature start-stop as standard.

Audi haven’t given all the stats for every engine, but what they’re revealed is listed below.

Diesel engines:

2.0 TDI 136PS - 67.3mpg, 112g/km CO2

2.0 TDI 163PS - 64.2 mpg, 115g/km CO2

2.0 TDI 143PS - Unknown stats

2.0 TDI 177PS - Unknown stats

3.0 TDI V6 204PS - 57.6mpg

3.0 TDI V6 245PS - Unknown stats

Petrol engines:

1.8 TFSI 120PS - Unknown stats

1.8 TFSI 170PS - 50.4mpg, 134g/km CO2 (A 19% improvement)

2.0 TFSI 211PS - Unknown stats

3.0 TFSI 333PS - The engine in the S4. 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, 35.3 mpg. To see a detailed list of S4 changes, check out our Audi S4 facelift post

Update: 8th November. Prices announced:

Check out our full guide the 2012 Audi A4 and A4 Avant. With prices, reviews, photos, videos and stats.

A4 Saloon SE

1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual £sub-24K (from early 2012)

1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual £25,240

1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic £26,720

2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic £29,170

2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual £29,170

2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic £30,650

2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual £26,555

2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual £26,555

2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic £28,035

2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual £27,575

2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual £27,575

2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic £29,055

2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual £29,120

3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic £30,490

3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual £TBC

3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic £34,600

S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual £38,665

S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic £39,915

Premium for SE Technik specification - £1,100

Premium for S line specification - £2,555

Premium for Black Edition specification - £1,250

A4 Avant SE

1.8 TFSI 120PS six-speed manual £TBC (available early 2012)

1.8 TFSI 170PS six-speed manual £26,455

1.8 TFSI 170PS eight-speed multitronic £27,920

2.0 TFSI 211PS eight-speed multitronic £30,385

2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS six-speed manual £30,370

2.0 TFSI quattro 211PS seven-speed S tronic £31,850

2.0 TDIe 136PS six-speed manual £27,755

2.0 TDI 143PS six-speed manual £27,755

2.0 TDI 143PS eight-speed multitronic £29,235

2.0 TDIe 163PS six-speed manual £28,775

2.0 TDI 177PS six-speed manual £28,775

2.0 TDI 177PS eight-speed multitronic £30,255

2.0 TDI quattro 177PS six-speed manual £30,320

3.0 TDI 204PS eight-speed multitronic £31,805

3.0 TDI quattro 245PS six-speed manual £TBC

3.0 TDI quattro 245PS seven-speed S tronic £35,825

S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS six-speed manual £39,865

S4 3.0 TFSI quattro 333PS seven-speed S tronic £41,115

Premium for SE Technik specification - £1,100

Premium for S line specification - £2,555

Premium for Black Edition specification - £1,250

2012 A4 Avant

Mechanical Changes

There doesn’t appear to be any big changes to the gearbox or drive components over the current A4, the six-speed manual and seven-speed S-Tronic gearbox remain the same. The Quattro all-wheel drive system is available from the 2.0 TDI 177PS upwards.

The suspension and shock absorbers have been slightly tuned, but of more importance is the new electromechanical power steering system. The new steering system apparently reduces fuel consumption and reduces CO2 emissions by 7g/km.

2012 Audi A4 Allroad

Verdict

It’s not a major facelift, but the reduction in CO2 and increase in fuel economy across the range mean it’s going to be even more attractive to buyers. The launch of the facelift coincides nicely with the launch of the new 2012 BMW 3-Series, which was announced last week.

The electromechanical steering unit is the only area which could be an issue, we’ll be interested to see what the reviews make of it.

Check out our full guide the 2012 Audi A4 and A4 Avant. With reviews, photos, videos and stats.

Video showing the 2012 A4 Avant