Hi Colin,

Yes, the ‘B8’ generation Audi A4 did indeed receive its midlife model facelift for the 2012MY. There were no sheet metal changes to the design but minor updates to the visuals (the headlights you mention) hid the fact that Audi’s engineers actually went to town on the fourth-gen A4, giving it a notably updated interior with a more advanced MMI infotainment system, a lot of extra safety aids and better driving manners. In short, you want the facelifted 2012 Avant SE diesel if you’re going to buy one, as it’s a better car than the 2011MY.