New Audi A4 and S4 range revealed

This is the new Audi A4, and as you can quite probably tell, it looks... pretty much the the same.

Before you scurry off to another corner of the Internet however, bear with us. The A4 has reached its mid-life surgery moment, and there are differences to note.

The most significant changes are in the engine range. Audi is now putting even more economical engines into A4 family. Consumption has dropped by 11 percent but power and torque has increased. Us Brits will get a choice of five diesel and four petrol engines for both the Saloon and the Avant. All engines are direct-injection systems with start-stop.

See more pics of the new Audi A4 and S4

The range starts with a 134bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI unit that produces 67mpg and 112g/km of CO2 and stops with the mad 3.0 TFSI engine that pumps out 328bhp and 325lb ft of torque in the S4. The range topping S4 Saloon can go from 0 to 62mph in 5.0 seconds but also achieve 35.3mpg.

Although the chassis is the same, Audi engineers have been working on an all-new electromechanical power steering system to try and improve feel and reduce emissions. It also helps the new driver information system - which is standard throughout the range - that tells you when to take a break and fill up on service station sausage rolls and rubbish coffee when you get a bit tired and your steering inputs get a bit suspicious.

Elsewhere, you will surely have noticed the drastic change in size. Yes, this is a few millimetres bigger. The headlights have also been redesigned. There's a slight wave at the bottom edges and they have moved around the light furniture inside to give it a different look.

Other slight visual changes include a more arched engine hood, the top corners of the grille have been slimmed down and the Audi rings are highlighted three-dimensionally.

A tip for you: if you want to tell the difference between a boggo spec A4 and its six-cylinder or S line brethren, look for the grille colour. The entry-level models get a grille painted grey whereas the six bangers or S line models get a black grille, you'll find.

Inside it's a similar story to the outside: small but useful changes. There are new steering wheels to choose from, a new ignition key and the navigation system now features four buttons instead of the massively confusing eight. Small stuff, but then it's the little details that can make a difference in a car, and the A4 range has some hefty competition coming up with a new BMW 3-Series in the offing... 

No confirmation on UK pricing, but expect it to be about the same as the current A4 range.

Your thoughts?