The history behind the Audi brand

Audi traces its history back to the start of the last century. The company was founded by August Horch. Audi came into being as a result of a falling-out between Horch and the company that made cars under his own name. Having left the shareholders, Horch launched his own production. In a comparatively short time, Audi became one of the leading manufacturers of non-commercial passenger cars. Following Germany's economic crisis in the early 1930s, the car-manufacturing group Auto Union was formed, bringing together Audi, Horch and several other manufacturers.

Only in 1968 did a four-wheel-drive Audi return to the market, offered in a broad model line-up with decent sales figures. From the 1970s onward, Audi cars began being produced for export.

The history behind the Audi A4

The story of the Audi A4 begins in 1994. The model was unveiled in October, and by November of that same year it had already gone into series production. The model is built on the Volkswagen PL45 platform. Initially, the Audi A4 was offered in two body styles — sedan and estate. A two-door convertible followed later.

The line-up included both diesel and petrol engines with a range of power outputs. Work on modernising the engines has continued ever since.

The Audi A4 line-up keeps being updated, both in technical specification and in body and interior design.

Audi A4 technical specifications

The Audi A4 belongs to the mid-size car class.

• longitudinally mounted engine, available in petrol and diesel,
• front-wheel or all-wheel drive,
• wheelbase — 2,808 millimetres,
• the base model's transmission is a six-speed manual. An automatic gearbox can be fitted as an optional extra,
• anti-lock braking system.

The base specifications can be upgraded or replaced with newer versions.

Audi A4 exterior and interior

Depending on the model, the Audi A4's interior is fitted with seats upholstered in genuine leather in various colours, with wood or aluminium trim inserts.

The base trim includes an on-board computer, heated seats, electric window lifts and electrically adjustable mirrors. Optional extras include climate control with a self-diagnostic system, a panoramic roof, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a multimedia navigation system, and more.

The numerous updates to the line-up have not touched the car's signature exterior styling. The car keeps its recognisable silhouette and body lines. The galvanised body isn't afraid of corrosion — the manufacturer gives a ten-year warranty on the coating.

Safety

Driver and passenger safety is one of the core focuses of every Audi A4 development and update. The inherently low centre of gravity gives the car greater stability, and the car's central pillars withstand side impacts. The car is fitted with front and side airbags.

Buying an Audi A4

Audi's model range has long held a firm place on Russia's roads. Audi's popularity is confirmed by steadily growing sales and by owners' reviews. The car combines powerful performance and handling with interior comfort.

You can buy an Audi through dealerships, through newspaper listings, online and through other media. But the best option is to buy an Audi A4 from an official dealer.

Using an official dealer's services pays off for several reasons:

• it rules out the risk of buying a "grey-market car",
• you can choose the exact trim you need,
• it guarantees quality of service.