Audi's Core Model Finally Arrives in Japan

The new A4 will go on sale in Japan starting April 3rd. To mark the occasion, an unveiling event was held at Audi Forum Tokyo. Audi Japan President Hiroshi Okita spoke about the significance of the A4 series, which accounts for 25 percent of Audi's global and Japanese market share. With over 10 million units sold cumulatively by 2011 since its debut as the Audi 80 series in 1972, the A4 series represents the core of Audi's lineup and, indeed, the D-segment globally. He expressed high expectations for the new A4.

Following this, Jens Dietrich Kotnik, the Product Manager for the A4 at Audi's German headquarters, andOPENERS Blogarchitect Makoto Tanijiri, a familiar face on the OPENERS blog, engaged in a discussion themed "Commitment to Craftsmanship." Tanijiri shared his philosophy that questioning what we take for granted is essential for creating future standards, a sentiment echoed by Kotnik.


The new A4, presented with commentary from Kotnik, now shares a design language with the A1 and A5/A6. While details are available inour previous report, all models introduced in Japan come standard with direct injection, forced induction, a start-stop system, and an energy recuperation system. Minor improvements to components like the power steering contribute to enhanced fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation.

The lineup includes front-wheel-drive models, quattro all-wheel-drive models, and the sportier S4. Each is available in both sedan and station wagon (Avant) body styles, resulting in a total of six variants. Additionally, the segment also features theA5, offering Audi customers a wide array of choices.

The A4 2.0 TFSI models introduced in Japan are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The front-wheel-drive version delivers a maximum output of 132 kW (180 hp) and 320 Nm of torque, while the quattro model produces 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm of torque between 1,500-4,200 rpm. The S4 is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating a maximum output of 245 kW (333 hp) and 440 Nm of torque between 2,900-5,300 rpm. Fuel economy figures are as follows: 13.8 km/l (JC08 mode) / 14.8 km/l (10-15 mode) for the front-wheel-drive model, 13.6 km/l (JC08 mode) / 14.4 km/l (10-15 mode) for the quattro model, and 11.0 km/l (JC08 mode) / 10.6 km/l (10-15 mode) for the S4. These represent improvements of 17%, 20%, 19%, and 19% respectively, compared to the previous generation. The transmission for the front-wheel-drive models is the Multitronic continuously variable transmission, while the others use the 7-speed S tronic.

Pricing starts at 4.4 million yen for the front-wheel-drive model and 4.58 million yen for the Avant. The quattro model is priced at 5.23 million yen, with the Avant at 5.41 million yen. The S4 is listed at 7.99 million yen, and the S4 Avant at 8.17 million yen.