New car news

19 November 2008 - 10:00

Big Chinese Cars II: stretched Audi A4

As we've already seen today, China likes big cars. As further proof that the People of the People's Republic are rather demanding when it comes to space, Audi has taken the wraps off a stretched version of its A4 saloon.

With a wheelbase some 6cm longer than the standard A4 – which is pretty long-wheelbased to start with – the stretched Audi provides some extra space for the rear passengers.

Wondering why you wouldn't just opt for an A6 instead? Well, in China even reasonably run-of-the-mill cars like the A4 are often chauffeur-driven, so it's all about rear seat room without too much extra cost. Which could explain by the Alfa Brera isn't selling too rapidly over there.

The long-wheelbase A4 seems likely to remain in China, to keep the Ford Fiesta saloon and stretched Volvo S80 company. We'll stick to the driver's seat, cheers.