THE new-look Audi A4 should be on sale here in January. The popular range has been completely overhauled both visually and mechanically, and the new 26 model, 10 engine range is to be priced from £18,765 on the road to £28,725.

In addition to its redesigned exterior, achieved by replacing every body panel bar the roof section and incorporating the new corporate single frame grille, the new model features four advanced new engines, new transmissions, modifications to suspension, steering and brakes and interior upgrades.

With changes to the body, the new model meets future standards for passive safety including the fast rear crash test. The four new engines are a 2.0-litre T FSI developing 200PS/280Nm and capable of the 0-62mph dash in 7.3 seconds, and fuel economy return of 53.3mpg combined; a 3.2-litre FSI V6 developing 256PS/330Nm, and with a 0-62mph time of 6.4-seconds, but with a combined fuel economy figure still to be announced; a 2.0-litre TDI developing 140PS/320Nm, 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds, and a fuel economy figure of 47.9mpg combined, and lastly a 3.0-litre producing developing 204PS/450 Nm with a 0-62mph time of 7.2 seconds and a combined fuel figure of 36.7mpg.

Other engines making up the complete range are a 1.6-litre (102PS), 2.0-litre (130PS), 2.0-litre FSI (150PS), 1.8-litre T (163PS), 1.9-litre TDI (115PS) and 2.5-litre TDI (163PS).

The engines are matched to new five-speed or six-speed manual gearboxes, six-speed tiptronic automatic (for quattro models) and latest continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (for front-wheel drive models) with seven speeds in manual mode are also both new to A4.

As well as new chassis features and shock absorbers, there is the latest Servotronic speed-dependent power steering (until now used only by S4 quattro models in this range) fitted as standard to all six-cylinder models and also to the 2.0-litre T FSI versions. It is available as an optional extra for 2.0-litre (130PS) models and above.

The latest-generation Bosch electronic stability programme is also fitted, and features major revisions to the understeer control function, as well as to the brake system.

New highlights inside include the latest Audi steering wheel design, mirroring the new single frame grille, and the adoption of the exceptional new DVD satellite navigation system with MP3 player. Seats also now feature slimmer, active locking head restraints that automatically minimise the distance between the restraint and the head in a rear crash situation. New two-stage "intelligent" airbags are now fitted for the driver and front passenger. Their sensors are capable of assessing the intensity of an impact in fractions of a second and activating only the first phase of the airbag deployment in less severe crashes. A seat belt reminder chime for driver and front passenger is also now a standard feature.

As optional extras, the new A4 now features light and rain sensors and swivelling adaptive cornering lights (if xenon-plus headlights are specified) that react to steering inputs and speed data. Daytime running lights are also available in conjunction with xenon-plus for safety in conditions where there is heavy shadow or a low-lying sun

Updated: 08:57 Friday, October 08, 2004