• Image gallery - click on a thumbnail to enlarge

    Audi has taken design cues from its sleek A5 coupe range and applied them to the all-new A4 model, which is pictured here for the first time.

    Due on sale in the UK early next year, the new A4 will initially be available in saloon guise only and with a choice of five engines – 1.8-litre turbo and 3.2-litre V6 FSI petrol units and three diesels in 2.0, 2.7 and 3.0-litre engines.

    As well as the new family styling theme, the A4 also runs with a set of LED daytime running lights at the front to create more of an impression.

    By adopting the chassis and running gear from the A5, Audi promises the new A4 will be far better to drive thanks to a better distribution of weight around the car.

    There is also a new suspension system as well as Audi Drive Select, a device that allows the engine, gearbox, steering and suspension characteristics to be altered to suit the driver.

    Both front and quattro four-wheel drive versions will be offered, along with six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes and the Multitronic continuously variable unit.