When AUDi first launched the A4 last year, it immediately caught the fancy of anybody who was looking for an alternative to the Merceded-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series. But the problem was, you could only choose from the hyper 3.2 V6 Quattro, and a rather dull 2.0-litre diesel. Since then, however, Audi have introduced three more engines. A 1.8 turbo petrol with about 160 bhp (same as the Skoda Superb), the 2.0 TFSI from the Q5 with 178 bhp and the 3.0 TDI torque monster with 240 bhp. With this, the A4 offers the widest variety of engine choices in its segment, and with a price tag starting from Rs. 26.67 lakh to 36.4 lakh, it straddles several segments. Ride and handling are its forte, while features and space also receive a plus rating. It’s a worthy alternative to even some of the Japanese competition in the D-segment. As a complete all-round package, the a4 is hard to beat.

VARIANTS – 1.8 TFSI/2.0 TFSI/ 3.2 quattro/ 2.0 TDI/ 3.0 TDI quattro

ENGINE – 1798cc, 1-4/1984cc, 1-4/3189cc, V6/ 1969cc, 1-4, TDI/2967cc, V6, TDI

TRANSMISSION – 6-speed auto

POWER (bhp@rpm) – 160@4500/178@4000/262@6500/141.5@1750-2500/233@4000

TORQUE (kgm@rpm)

25.4@1500/32.6@1500/
33.6@3000-5000/32.5@1750-2500/
45.8@1400-3250

DIMENSIONS

LxWxH (mm): 4703×1826x1427
Wheelbase: 2808 mm

WHATS HOT – Wide engine choice, dynamics

WHAT’S NOT – Low ground clearance

ALTERNATIVES – Usual? BMW 3 series and Merceded C-Class. The unusual? Nissan Teana