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Audi A4 2021 first drive review: Audi says happy new year with happy 'new' car

Audi A4, and most of the rivals it competes against, have had the arduous task of balancing two equally important factors for owners - a vehicle that is engaging to drive and yet is plush enough to plonk in the back seats in. Smart looks are a bonus and a cabin loaded with features provide additional bragging rights. The A4, on most counts here, has walked the tightrope with the finesse of a trapeze artist while looking quite a dapper while at it.

As the Audi A4 2021 gets ready for its debut in India, how much have things changed and how many of these changes are for the better? I got a test drive unit in the last few days of last year to find out if Audi's big present for year 2021 is capable of carrying forward A4's popularity in the luxury sedan segment and if it can indeed keep rivals mostly at bay.

(Also see | <a target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/photos/in-pics-audi-launches-2021-a4-luxury-sedan-in-india-41609923350255.html">More pics of 2021 Audi A4 luxury sedan</a>)

And it was quite a revelation indeed. Let's begin with the experience behind the wheel and behind the front seats.

Drive or be driven, A4 checks most boxes in bold font

The 2021 A4 is a facelift and we will come to the face and the lift in just a bit. Under the hood though is the debut of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor in this car and it belts out 190 hp and has a tantalizing 320 Nm of torque. For those who may still be wondering, no, this Audi too has no diesel on offer.

Get inside and get it to the drive mode and it is amply clear - yet again - that here is a sedan with the ambitions of being even more sporty than what the numbers would suggest. There is a nice humdinger aura around the A4 as it makes its way forward on city roads, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox working in tandem with the TFSI engine to deliver a constant stream of momentum.

And once the city skylines begin to fade, the promise of a more sporty drive begins to permeate.

Now the A4 has never really been the sportiest executive sedan around and the latest model isn't too keen on going down this road either. But in the interest of offering something to he or she who may choose to drive it around, it does offer a bit more bang - Audi claims the new A4 can fire to 100 kmph in just a fraction over seven seconds and it is a claim with weight.

That A4 can sprint a bit is quite evident in the right drive mode but what it doesn't lose out on while trying to be an Usain Bolt is its ability to also be Mo Farah. But does it really bolt to be called Bolt? Not quite. The sedan does have a sense of purpose around it but it won't really win many drag races because it continues to prioritize balance over sheer speed thrills. Traction control on or off, it swerves ever so slightly when the pedal is slammed from standstill on a straight line, realizing a micro-millisecond later what it is being asked to do - run and run as hell.

Ideally, I would have liked a bit more feedback from the steering wheel at high speeds because it mostly remains rather muted once one picks up pace. It is well-weighted but lacks a bit of character.

No such complaints on the quality of the drive though as I remained firmly in the seats even when taking a sharp turn or a sudden U, with body roll to a minimum. The suspension is also typically Audi and the A4 gobbles speed breakers while letting in some of the bigger road craters at moderate speeds. And while suspension set ups in cars in this segment usually tend to be on the slightly softer side, the A4 could have ever so slightly gone a bit more towards the middle line.

Jump to the back seats though and it is a fine ride back home.

The rear seats are generous, plush and offer decent amount of space - for two. The space for legs and knees is commendable even if a tall driver is at the front, but the under-thigh support is just about adequate. The head room too is decent and the recline degree is such that even though you won't be sitting uncomfortably upright, you will get breezy view of the surroundings. More on the cabin a bit later though.

A4 gets botox treatment. And it works

The A4 is an executive luxury sedan and it is just great how the car has blended its stately looks with a profile that also appeals to those looking for something appealing. The 2021 A4 gets a number of visual updates but all of the changes appear to continue to enhance its bold-not-brazen exterior character.

The single-frame front grille is absolutely new - it gets a chrome boundary line and chrome horizontal slats - and is now wider than before, underlined by a reworked grille. The LED head light unit is also sleeker than in the preceding model and now integrates the pattern turn lights. There is a bit more chrome on the fog lamp enclosing while the bonnet now gets two stretched out character lines on either side and is more sculpted - almost curvaceous - than before.

My test unit sat on 17-inch alloy wheels but there is an option to get a larger 18-inch set as well. With either option though, the A4 looks smart from the side and, somehow, has a more stretched out appearance. There are body lines on the side doors and the windows are decently large and enclosed in a chrome casing.

Interestingly, the door handles now pull slightly upwards rather than outright straight out. One major grouch here though is that the doors have to be almost slammed with a sense of impunity because a congenial push is going to set the (door ajar) alarms ringing - literally. This is the most annoying when seated inside and pulling the doors in.

Out and over to the rear is where the re-designed tail lights are at and the slight curve up over the boot lid, the chrome exhaust tips and the grey skid plate all add to a very attractive posterior.

Classic cabin chronicles

The cabin of the new A4 is actually where the bulk of the updates are at. Step inside to see how the car has stepped away from its predecessor.

The standalone 10.1-inch main infotainment unit is just what I want to see in every Audi car - yes, including the Q2 which has a toy-like 8-inch-screen - because it is just so a) vivid, b) responsive and c) great to look at. Frankly, I really don't mind that there is no second screen for air-conditioning because the physical dials just below the touchscreen work well to ensure the three-zone climate control is simple enough to set and forget.

Between the AC dials are a number of switches for functions such as selecting drive modes, auto ignition cut off, traction control, park assist and for proximity sensors. And still below is a 12V charging socket and a USB point. There is a storage space for a phone here but one can also make use of wireless charging in the space under the central armrest.

The center console itself is done well in black and piano black finish and while it can be a dust magnet, it looks really premium if well maintained. The gear unit is well within reach - not something I can say about the drive select button - and has the two cup holders as well as space to secure the car key.

Knick-knacks aside, the cabin is actually defined by the soft-touch materials all around - from the dash to the side doors, and the nicely cushioned seats come with high-quality stitching. It is just so important for a premium car to look and feel premium, and thankfully, Audi has not cut corners in this regard. Obviously, the front seats can be electronically controlled for position, recline and support, while the steering wheel can be manually adjusted for rake and reach.

The A4 also gets a regular-sized sunroof which can be electronically controlled to allow more light to flow in to mix and match with the beige upholstery in this review car unit.

The same sense of pleasing aesthetics continues over at the rear with the same level of premium quality on the side doors and seat cushioning. The floor hump is quite high which means the third person in the middle is going to struggle but three is often a crowd anyway. Two at the back won't have anything much - except perhaps the lack of any AV unit - to complain about.

If packing in additional luggage emerges as a concern though, don't fret. The rear seats fold down in 60:40 split for additional options in a near-flatbed layout. Just that these have to be done from within the cabin and there is no switch in the trunk which also misses out on a 12v charging point and instead, gets four luggage hook and a shopping bag hook to keep things in place.

To buy or not to buy

The A4 from Audi has been a stellar performer for a number of reasons. It has pleasing visual aesthetics, a spacious cabin that is also premium and a drive attribute that is a nice balance between stately and sporty. Now, the 2.0 litre engine and the seven-speed automatic gearbox only go to add to the abilities of the A4. Add to it enhanced looks and updated cabin and there is no reason why Audi's latest in 2021 shouldn't make a whole lot of sense.

The only two points of note is a) pricing and b) rivals. The competing field is one that is packed with very capable performers as well, each making a solid claim to find a place in your garage. The much-acclaimed Mercedes-Benz C-Class, although slightly aged, and 3 Series from BMW have their own sets of strengths while the Jaguar XE is easily the most youthful of the lot, at least to drive. Then there is the new Volvo S60 that is ready for a March launch with the promise of more spunk in drive and the same mile-long list of safety highlights.

If Audi prices the A4 well, somewhere in the region of a starting tag of ₹42 lakh (ex showroom), it could once again become a disruptive force in its segment.

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Audi Q7 Facelift Launch Date 
 
The Audi Q7 Facelift was launched in India on February 3, 2022. The Q7 is an appealing, opulent, and luxury full-size SUV that is suitable for large Indian families with three rows of seats. Redesigned looks, a redesigned interior, extra features, and the switch to gasoline-only propulsion are all new on the Audi Q7 Facelift. 
 
 Audi Q7 Facelift Price: 
 
The Audi Q7 has a starting price of Rs. 79.99 lakh and a top price of Rs. 88.33 lakh. The Audi Q7 is available in two variants: Premium plus, which is the entry-level vehicle, and Audi Q7 Technology, which costs Rs. 88.33 lakh.
 
 Audi Q7 Facelift Features: 
 
The second-generation facelifted Audi Q7 has flashy broader grilles and emits a polarizing effect as it is outlined in chrome and accentuated with vertical slats. The sharper shape and larger headlamps are equipped with a new LED light signature that glows while locking and unlocking the car. The redesigned front end is completed by a new bumper with wider air dams. The Q7's taillights are thinner, and the tailgate is lower. Audi Q7 comes with a twin touchscreen configuration in line with the current high-end Audis. A 10.1-inch touchscreen is used for frequently used operations, and an 8.6-inch touchscreen is used for the climate control system. The Q7 employs the latest 'Virtual Cockpit,' which features clearer graphics while maintaining the same functionality. The low dash sill helps to make the driver's seat more comfortable. When put in the backmost position, the second-row seats are well-cushioned, adjustable for backrest angle, and provide plenty of legroom. In terms of safety features, the new Q7 comes with eight airbags, ESC, and lane-keep assist with steering intervention, amongst other technological aids. 
 

 Audi Q7 Facelift Performance: 
 
The 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 from Audi, which produces 340hp and 500Nm, is a replacement for the Q7's earlier model. With the air suspension and thick 255/55 R19 tyres, Audi claims a 0-100kph time of 5.9 seconds.
 
 Audi Q7 Facelift Capacity: 
 
The gasoline tank capacity of the Audi Q7 is 100 liters. The Audi Q7 Facelift can accommodate 7 people. The third-row seats can be folded down to create 865 liters of storage space, while the second row can be folded down to create 2,050 liters of luggage space.
 
 Audi Q7 Facelift Rivals: 
 
The new Audi Q7 Facelift competes with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Volvo XC90.

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Audi Q5 facelift Launch Date 
 
The Audi Q5 Facelift was launched on 23rd November 2021 in India. The 2021 Q5 returned to the Indian market with a new engine, mechanical upgrades, new tech and redesigned body with features like a big blacked-out grille, a sculpted bonnet, a short air dam, and slim headlamps that give the facelifted Audi Q5 a dynamic appearance.
 
 Audi Q5 facelift Price: 

 
The Audi Q5 is available in two variants: Premium plus, which is the entry-level vehicle, costing Rs 59.21 lakh and Audi Q5 Technology, which costs Rs 64.09 lakh. 
 
 Audi Q5 facelift Features : 

 
The facelift Audi Q5 features updated LED headlight and tail lighting designs. It has a new octagonal grille with aggressive brushed metal vertical slats, a metallic strip between the taillights, redesigned bumpers, and some silver trim under the doors. Black B-pillars, body-coloured ORVMs, designer wheels and a roof made of functional aluminium are mounted on top of the car. In keeping with the segment trend, Audi has increased the wheel size from 18 to 19 inches. The car's rear part features a roof-mounted spoiler and a window wiper. The only noticeable difference on the inside of the Audi Q5 facelift is the switch from an 8.3-inch to a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with a touchscreen interface and Audi's new MMI software. On the highest Technology trim, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system replaces the traditional brown wood trim. Wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto are amongst the other added features. Six airbags, collision sensors, a parking camera, and ABS with EBD are all standard on the Audi Q5 facelift.
 
 Audi Q5 facelift Performance: 

 
The new Audi Q5 is powered by a 45 TFSI petrol engine. The 2.0-litre engine produces 249hp & 370 Nm of torque and it's all channelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox and Quattro AWD as before. The Q5 is ARAI-certified with a fuel efficiency of 17.01 km/l
and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, according to Audi. 
 
 Audi Q5 facelift Capacity: 

 
The gasoline tank capacity of the Audi Q5 is 75 litres. The Q5 Facelift can accommodate 5 people. It boasts a huge 550-litre boot and a roomy back seat. 
 
 Audi Q5 facelift Rivals: 

 
Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace are amongst the direct rivals of the Audi Q5 facelift.

The Q is back and Audi is betting big on the new 2021 Q5 facelift SUV to bring back the good old days. After most of the Q Series SUVs were withdrawn when BS 6 norms kicked in, Audi switched to electric launching as many as five among eight cars it launched in India. But with the new Q5, Audi has made it clear that it will not desert the petrol-heads any time soon.

When we landed in Lonavala last weekend to experience the new Q5 first hand, the thought was why Audi is launching another ICE car, when the company is on a launching spree of EVs, the most done by any luxury carmaker in India. The Q5 was among the five Qs that drove Audi's sales in India. It dwindled in recent times, before picking up pace this year with more than 133 per cent of growth. And it isn't the electric cars that are driving the numbers, because the existing Q line of models contribute almost half of what Audi sells.

It became quite clear why Audi decided to bring back the Q5 with a BS 6 engine. Audi took the opportunity to also revamp the SUV which once formed the sales backbone for the Germans.

(Also see | <a target="_blank" href="https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/news/in-pics-2021-audi-q5-facelift-exterior-interior-design-with-new-features-41635484334346.html">In pics: 2021 Audi Q5 facelift exterior, interior design with new features</a>)

<h2>NEW LOOKS</h2>When the covers went off the Q5 formally it was pretty evident that the SUV is not just a facelift. That Audi has worked on the looks too became clear with a striking new and wider single-frame octagonal grille. Honestly, I was expecting the same grille that is being used for the global model. But Audi said Indians love the chrome elements more. Either way, the new grille, coupled with the new set of LED headlights and DRL units looked much sharper than the previous generation.

The dimension of the new Q5 has not changed much. While Audi has not shared the full spec list with us yet, reserving it till the launch, I was told it has grown in length by about 19 mm. From the sides, the new Q5 has not changed much except for the new side skirts and the roof rails finished in aluminium, complemented by similar treatment along the window-line as well.

The wheels have also been upgraded now. They have grown to 19-inch with a new 5 double-spoke alloys, which looked quite stylish in white.

There are updates at the rear too. Audi has now added an aluminium strip across the boot lid along with a new set of LED tail lamps. The boot space is large enough to fit in about 550 litres of luggage. The higher-spec Technology trim also offers comfort-key which can unlock the SUV remotely or open the boot through gesture control. But the feature is missing in the Performance Plus trim.

Step inside, and you will realise Audi means business even if the new Q5 is a facelift with a new engine basically. There is a new dual-tone theme available in two choices. I got the Performance Plus trim to test which had tan leather upholstery combined with black interior colour interspersed with piano-black finishing. The Technology trim offers black-and-beige theme. It now looks more simplistic and clutter-free than before with a driver-oriented wraparound cockpit as well as a sense of space.

The biggest update though is the new 10.1-inch touchscreen with the third generation Modular Infotainment Platform or MIB 3. I remember when Audi came out with Q2, the size of the infotainment screen was a bit disappointing. But the Germans have made it up with the new one in Q5, which ideally should be part of any Q Series SUVs.

The screen offers haptic feedback, gets Audi's latest MMI Touch, voice controls, supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto besides almost all the controls you need just a click away.

The leather and leatherette seats on offer are also pretty comfortable. The front seats also gets buttons to electrically adjust them to one's liking. But there is no option of ventilated seats, which is slightly disappointing in a car of this range. The rear seats are spacious enough for at least two occupants. But it will be a squeeze to fit in a third due to the protruding driver armrest and a large hump on the floor.

Audi has added a new phone box for wireless charging under the armrest. It also has some more storage space, and a charging port compatible with USB-C type of cables. This is besides another regular USB port right under the climate control on the dashboard. But sadly, the rear passengers do not get a single USB port to charge their devices.&nbsp;

The digital driver display, housed within a 12.3-inch screen, shows all the drive-related information and navigation. It also offers different views, which you can switch between with just a click of a button on the steering wheels.

There is also a large panoramic sunroof, 30 choices of ambient colours to choose from and the Bang and Olufsen music system. If you go for the higher-spec trim, you will get a 19-speaker with 755 watts output and 3D sound effects, instead of the 10-speaker 180-watt system in the Premium Plus trim.

<h2>THE DRIVE: IMPROVING WHAT WAS BETTER</h2>&nbsp;

You don't need to fix something which isn't broken yet. However, this is one department where Audi is constantly trying to improve things that are already good. There is a 2.0-litre 45 TFSI petrol engine throbbing under the hood, the same that powers the A6. It has been tuned further for improved drive dynamics. Thanks to the Quattro all-wheel drive technology, you will never find this SUV wanting on power or delivery at any point. But what Audi has also done is to add damping control to the suspension. It has not only helped to soften all the bumps on potholes or an off-road patch like this one, but has also reduced the body roll while attacking corners at high speeds.

It can generate 249 hp of power and 370 NM of torque. It offers five different drive modes which include Comfort, Dynamic, Individual, Auto and the new Off-Road mode. It can hit up to 237 kmph as top speed and returns a mileage of 17.01 kmpl, which is certified by ARAI.

The transmission is handled by the usual seven-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, as responsive as you would like it, provided you are using the right drive modes at the right places. Even in uphill sections like these, I found it quite effortless in pulling a big SUV of this size with relative ease.

The leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel feels nice and quite Audi-like. It may seem a bit lighter to some, but is as precise as any Audi wheels can get. From taking sharp u-turns to controlling the SUV at high speeds, it evokes the confidence you need.

The new Q5, like most other Audi SUVs, offers a good option for every day drives around the city, and can also be a good option to take it for light off-roading some time. No wonder Audi is betting big on the Q5 to ramp up its sales numbers in coming days. While the previous model was priced around the ₹50 lakh mark, expect a few lakh premium for the facelift version. Question is: Is it good enough to take on rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes GLC or even the newly-launched VolvoXC60? Only time will tell.

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Audi Q3 is one of the best SUV offerings from the company in India - relatively affordable compared to its elder siblings and yet with plenty of style and panache to take on similarly priced and kitted rivals. In fact, despite the company bringing in the Q2 as a glimpse into its world for first-time luxury car buyers, the Q3 remained the generous window to what Audi has on offer. Yet, it took quite a while for the updated model to touch down in our shores. The refreshed Q3 finally came calling in 2022 but just because it hit the ground running doesn't mean there cannot be a burst in momentum. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together then for the Q3 Sportback - the dashing twin that is also the extrovert in the family.

The coupe-SUV styling that has highlighted many of Audi's more premium Q SUVs permeates down to the Q3 Sportback and while there are five body colours to choose from, this Turbo Blue shade really steals the attention like few others. But it will take more than just a hue to convince potential buyers to consider the Q3 Sportback instead of the Q3 or many of its indirect rivals.

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