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Audi A4 3.2 V6 FSI
Seldom has a car split The Car Family as much as the A4
sedan. The women liked it and the men found it filled with contradictions.
Either way, our test vehicle with a 3.2 V6, automatic, and most options listed
north of $41,000. For that you get a 255 horsepower V6 that is vigorous once you
get past 4000 rpm and have learned how to control the overly sensitive petrol
pedal. In addition there is all wheel drive, lots of safety equipment, very
responsive steering, and the usual outstanding Audi interior decoration
treatments.
Mom’s view: I liked the way the Audi looked, drove, and sounded. It was
easy to get in and out of and the trunk was large with a low lift over. There
were plenty of storage spaces up front, although I found the placement of the
emergency parking brake difficult to adjust as it was too close to the seat and
almost under the center arm rest. Visibility was excellent, but larger side view
mirrors would be most welcome. There was excellent gas mileage sometimes
reaching 23 mpg in mixed driving and over 30 using cruise controls on level
stretches of highway at legal speeds. It could happen.
So why did I like the Audi so much? Outside of the looks, I marveled about how
well it handled, as the sharp response to steering inputs was most reassuring.
The brakes were excellent, although I had a great deal of problem modulating
them and so the car jerked to a stop at times. Our test vehicle had Sirius
satellite, which I like very much, but the stereo controls and read out
definitely need to be improved as they flash on the station so you don’t really
know what your are listening to. The specific music piece or comedy routine
stayed illuminated longer. Maybe over time when you had all the presets
memorized this wouldn’t be a problem. Regardless, they are much better than the
trendy difficult to manage stereo controls in the Audi A3.
Without doubt this is a much more attractive car in dark colors when the overly
styled grill does not distract from its appearance. Regardless, it is much
better looking that the competition from BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti.
Dad’s view: Women and young buyers liked the A4
styling greatly. In fact, when I was driving it I repeatedly had to tell myself
that I wasn’t in a BMW. It is that solid. I also found the 3.2 V6 more
responsive than the six cylinder in the BMW 330i, but not as smooth at high rpms.
In addition, the handling is not up to BMW standards. The Audi feels stiff, but
when you corner there is plenty of lean. If you are truly determined to make
this a corner cutter wait for the highly hyped RS4 with its 400 horsepower plus
V8 shoehorned under the hood.
There is plenty of technology packaged under the fresh
skin of the A4 staring with a (FSI) direct-injection in the 200 horsepower 2.0
turbo four cylinder that essentially makes one wonder why you need the optional
V6 despite its extra 55 horses and variable intake valve timing. The six speed
automatic transmission isn’t as smooth as others especially when you are
starting out, but it gets the most of the engine’s high revving nature.
Underneath the Quattro equipped test car was a festival of
components such as real trapezoidal links, sturdier shock settings, and steering
links that give much better road feel.
After a week with the car I was impressed with how much
BMWish it felt, but it never swayed me over. One thing for certain, Audi has
gotten much closer to its German competitor with the new A4. For example, they
are nearly identical in price, horsepower, fuel mileage, safety equipment,
warranty length, headroom, shoulder room, height, and fuel capacity with the BMW
3 Series, although the BMW is lighter mainly because the Audi has the Quattro
all wheel drive system and the 330i is rear wheel drive.
Audi also promises a station wagon, convertible, and hot
rodded version making this even more aligned with the BMW 3 Series. I would
predict that unless BMW starts to rethink it styling a lot of new generation
buyers who are not familiar with the Bimmer’s unparalled driving manners are not
even going to visit their showrooms as they are swept into the Audi realm by
wives and girlfriends.
Overall, what many buyers may miss is the fact that the
Infiniti G35 has an all wheel drive sedan that costs considerable less, is more
nimble, quicker, and only lacks the Audi’s interior, seats, and stance to make
it more desirable. I wasn’t enamored with the Audi, but it certainly is the best
Audi we have tested in this price range.
Young working woman’s view: Light wood trim, an
easy to grip steering wheel, leather that bridges the gap between Cadillac
flabby and Mercedes spartan, make the cabin of this Audi a great place to let
your Starbucks cool while stuck in traffic. I felt a sense of pride everything I
saw it waiting for me in the parking lot as it bridged the gap between the boy
racers BMWs and the unemotional Lexus packs. Loved it.
I would pass on the optional audio package and I don’t
need satellite radio, but I sure would appreciate the Bluetooth connection. The
cupholders were average, but the night exterior lighting was certainly not. It
was most excellent and worthy of note for those who drive in inclement weather.
We had both rain and hot weather during our test and the Audi performed very
well. The air outlets could be larger as the flow tends to be directed in too
small of an area meaning that your hands can get cold and the rest of the cabin
feels warm. (Or I could just be getting older.) The windshield wipers cleared a
large part of the glass and the speeds were adequate for even the more sever
downbursts that appeared to follow me around.
Pricing is difficult because of the numerous Audi options
such as xenon headlights that pivot up to 15 degrees to illuminate curves,
sport-suspension, DVD navigation, rear side airbags, Bluetooth accessibility,
and tire-pressure monitoring that need to be considered as well as the V6 engine
option.
I would buy this car without hesitation. The fuel mileage was more than adequate
and the entire room front and back perfect for my needs. The trunk was easy to
use, although the cheap carpeting is a bit disappointing in such an expensive
car. I would test the less expensive four-cylinder version first because I
believe it has enough poke for most everyone and I didn’t like the aggressive
nature of the V6 when leaving a stop.
College going male’s view: Two thoughts here.
First, this is a babe magnet. Secondly, they want the car, not you. So beware.
Driving the car isn’t relaxing around town because it always seems to be ready
to rumble. After a while you can tame the beast be being gentle and you are
rewarded with a good ride. As for the Quattro, well I still don’t know why
people want all wheel drive when they live where the roads seldom call for such
assistance, but if they’re willing to pay for it this is as good a system as
there is.
The power point built into the console is excellent for recharging a cell phone
and the seats are very adjustable. The large speed and tach gauges are easy to
read, but the smaller ones take some time due to the small fonts used. Seating
in the rear isn’t very spacious, but at least we had the rear airbags. Other
safety features besides the air bags, front and side, were an electronic
stability program and electronic brake distribution system.
Pleased as I was with the Audi, I felt that stereo system
and radio reception were just average and that the sporty promise of the A4’s
looks was not matched by its suspension. Although I would prefer it to the
Infiniti, Lexus, BMW, and other competitors it just didn’t catch my fancy. What
it did do is question the need for the Audi A6 of you don’t need the extra room.
If you want to test the Audi sound system download my songs at
http://www.simple-thoughts.net
Family conference: Audi continues to improve its
product line and is moving up market at a rapid rate both in the fabulous
interiors they always seem able to produce and the attention getting exteriors.
The four-cylinder Audi A4 would be a good choice for daily transportation, but
if you really want to enjoy some sparky performance the V6 option is a must. For
a look at all the vehicle manufacture websites check
http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html
Written by the Car Family |
