AUDI says that the order book has now opened for its new A4 range, which goes on sale here next spring.
Like the rival Ford Mondeo and Mazda6, the new Audi is larger than the current car as buyers continue to downsize from cars in the class above, which in his case is the A6.
First to be offered for sale are the 1.8 Turbo FSI at £22,590, the £29,680 3.2 FSI quattro, the £23,940 2.0 TDI turbo diesel, the £28,440 2.7 TDI and the flagship £30,290 3.0 TDI quattro.
There is a new suspension and steering configuration that reduces the front overhang whilst the latest generation of the four-wheel-drive system has a 40:60 torque split.
There will be the option of either a six-speed manual gearbox, a revised six-speed tiptronic or an updated version of the continuously variable automatic transmision.
The long wheelbase has increased rear leg room by 36mm and the boot space is increased to 480 litres, which is expandable to a total of 962 litres.
Like the rival new Mondeo there is an intelligent key that communicates with the vehicle electronically.
Advanced features from the larger A6 range have also been adopted by the new A4, including a space-saving electromechanical parking brake, the Multi Media Interface operating system and the DVD satellite navigation system with seven-inch colour monitor.
Luxuries including ventilated 'climatic comfort' seats and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system will be available at additional cost.