Tidying up: Audi's petrol A4 comes with a new and smarter look

Diesel power is a genuine thing It has consequences but so do all fossil fuels Petrol may be refined and the engine may rev higher but when it comes to lugging people around and building up a reputation for offering strong bottom and midrange oomph diesel has proved to be the fuel of choice for many Of course price plays a huge role here Even if the difference is marginal most people choose the one that costs less Although the gap in the pricing of petrol and diesel is narrowing there are more than a few reasons why people choose one over the otherSo yes the diesel A4 in its B9 generation has arrived Sharp chromed and sparkling with revitalised charisma the A4 35 TDI stood gleaming in the morning sun Its a handsome car with the standout design elements complementing the smooth flowing lines The build process has also been optimised to improve aero efficiency as well as reduce weightAluminium and walnut trim accentuates the tasteful interiorPicsSaurabh BotreInside the lightthemed interior lends the cabin a spacious feel with the quality of fit and finish adding to the air of quality The hexagonal shape of the grille is mirrored in the steering wheel garnish The front seats are comfortable and offer good ergonomics and support The Audi Virtual Cockpit is standard kit and is one of the most interesting elements in the car making it seem years ahead of the competition The configurable display shows the usual setup of dials albeit in their digital forms with the maps for navigation getting priority whenever needed That makes it much easier to spot and means its less distracting for the driver The MMI Touch Smartphone Interface and threezone climate control add to the feelgood factorVirtual cockpit is a boon when on the moveThe rear is not the best in class roomwise but it is extremely pampering once you settle in Should it be used as a chauffeured car moving the front passenger seat forward liberates more than adequate room Theres a centre armrest and rear air vents that do a good job of maintaining the cool It does make for a good business saloon and thats because Audi has given it just what a luxury sedan customer would ideally be looking forMore potent 190 PS version of the 20litre TDI engine arrivesAt the heart is an upgraded 20litre inline four turbodiesel that now makes 190 PS and 400 Nm The new A4 like its petrol counterpart ditches the old Multitronic CVT for the exceptional sevenspeed twinclutch automatic S tronic driving the front wheels The new A4 TDI also weighs just 1480 kg giving it a healthy powertoweight ratio of 128 PStonne The acceleration shows its just as quick as any would expect with a subninesecond 0100 kmh time and a claimed top speed of 237 kmh It picks up well and carries the speed through the seamless gearshifts with one clutch keeping the next ratio ready to go while the other clutch disengages the previous oneAnd its very business sedanlike all the way Be it hard acceleration during an overtake where it rolls from 40 kmh to 80 kmh in just 33 seconds or urgent braking where it gets from 80 kmh to standstill in 22 seconds over just 24 metres The suspension though on the softer side soaks up bumps well without compromising on handling and agility The feel of the package sums up Audis approach to carmaking with everyday use compact dimensions in mind Everything from the way your senses respond when you grasp the steering wheel and gear lever to how the steering feels and responds to input speaks volumes about the levels of balance and consistency they have achievedOn the corners the grip level is admirable With 22550 R17 rubber there is no shortage of roadholding across varying surfaces The A4 mixes frugal practicality with satisfying driving dynamics whenever either is called upon Lets not forget the old 27litre V6 also made 190 PS and 400 Nm this 20 fourpot manages identical figures with 27 per cent less displacement It also manages up to 19 kml on the highway and close to 14 kml overallAt Rs 4369 lakh exshowroom its not a bad deal at all Its definitive modern and contemporary on wheels and it feels like it Diesel tidied up seemingly