A sturdy ride, smooth
appearance, ULEV certified engine plant, and room for four adults make the new
Audi A4 an interesting consideration especially with a starting list price under
AUD$56,000 for a fairly well loaded version. Another plus is that it is much
better than the previous model in every way making it a must drive for those who
enjoy the Audi attributes of all wheel drive, above average handling, and good
safety scores.
Mom's view:
The word that comes to mind first when testing this vehicle is sturdy. It rides,
handles, and even the doors shut solidly. Add to this the adjustable steering
column, a split fold down rear seat, a very smooth six-cylinder engine that can
easily get 25 mpg, and you have a worthy automobile.
But what I enjoy about this Audi is the small things. For example, the fact that
the steering wheel both tilts and telescopes and the heated seats work rapidly
and have a range of settings. Although I found the leather seats tended to allow
you to shift around during cornering, the lumbar support and other power
adjustments were easy to master. All the windows go up or down with one touch,
and there is an anti-pinch mechanism. The sunroof is unusual in that it has a
special feature that limits the amount of air that comes into the vehicle. The
trunk has superior hold down nets both on the sides and covering the floor. You
even get a full sized spare. The driver's computer is easy to use and read. Data
such as miles to empty, temperature, and miles per gallon are displayed between
the speedometer and tachometer. There is a good deal of storage space under the
seats, in the door panels, the glove compartment, and the awkwardly positioned
center armrest.
I liked the new Audi A4 better than the
3 Series BMW, although it does not stop or
handle as well. The reason was that it is easier to drive well, is nicely
mannered, and it is less expensive. How it measures up against the new Volvo S60
all wheel drive remains to be seen, but the Volvo has a turbocharger and I have
found those difficult to modulate in dicey weather conditions. You cannot
control when the power comes online in a turbocharged car. More than once I have
executing a left hand turn only to find that the turbocharger thought I was
asking for more power. The results depended on whether the car had anti-skid
control. If it did, the car bogged in front of oncoming traffic as it struggled
for traction. If it did not the sudden surge caused a loss of traction and the
need for some crisp counter steering input. Either situation is stressful at
best. An additional cavet with turbochargers is that they require more attention
and maintenance and need premium fuel.
In terms of safety, the best feature is always the way a car handles and the
confidence it gives you. We recently tested an Isuzu Ascender, sister to the GMC
Envoy, and I found myself totally isolated from the road. If there were any need
for accident avoidance moves the tall, soft handling SUV would never make it.
The Audi gives you a sense of being in control at all times thanks to an array
of electronics such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution, and stability control. If that is not enough there is also side
airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for the front
and rear, and optional seat-mounted rear side airbags. The results have been
very good in government crash tests.
I found the Audi friendly to
drive, and except for the fairly wide turning radius and small trunk opening, it
was a pleasant way to get to work or for highway journeys. I must warn you
though, that the high trunk and rear seat headrests do reduce rear vision.
Dad's view:
This is a polite car, but nothing special. I would spend the extra money and buy
the very fast S4 with its 340 horsepower. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind
of return on my investments (read children), and so the 220 horsepower A4 is
adequate. Nothing more. It certainly handles well, and it is easy to see why
Audi claims the new chassis is 45% stiffer than the previous generation car
because the A4 has a stiff ride. Despite this rigidity, the Audi still is not up
to a BMW in terms of cornering.
You can get a base model Audi A4 for about $5,000 AU, which is a great price,
but you won't get the smooth six-cylinder engine and the options are dear. For
example, the cold weather package which comes with a lot of ingredients from
heated seats to a ski pass through and much more. The Bose stereo and the sports
suspension and xenon headlights are more. By the way, don't order the sports
suspension unless you test-drive an Audi with this option. You might find the
ride too harsh.
In daily driving the Audi is composed and offers little too complain about.
However, when you need more power the engine does not have the answer despite
the smooth five speed automatic transmission. I also found fault with the HVAC
controls which took some time to master. The night lighting is quite good and
the interior noise never intrusive. Basically, I was not passionate about the
A4, but we didn't assess it during a storm either.
Young working male's view:
Our car did not have the satellite radio option and we feel it is well worth the
money if you travel. On the Audi you need to order the optional ten speaker,
215-watt Bose stereo with the six-disc changer to get the satellite capability.
The base radio isn't much either in quantity or quality of sound or reception.
The car did not have the optional GPS, but we know from the past that these
systems are seldom worth it unless they are very easy to use. If you are
interested in this option, make sure you can operate it before you pull into
traffic.
I was impressed by the amount of room in the backseat considering that the
previous A4 was nearly impossible to get in and out of. Strangely, I could not
find an acceptable outlet to recharge my older cell phone, anywhere in the Audi.
In addition, I found the center armrest poorly placed and bothersome to open.
Driving the Audi was fun. Although we were hard pressed to find any premium gas
under $2.30 cents a gallon, at least I felt I was getting my money's worth when
traveling with the A4 although the car tended to either jump or bog off the line
and has an overly sensitive accelerator control. With time this would not be a
concern. Braking was well above normal with a good pedal feel. The gauges were
easy to read even at night, but the temperature controls always seemed to have a
mind of their own.
I don't know what message
owning an Audi would send to the assembled multitudes, but for me it is one of
reserved elegance with a touch of practicality. I would love to own one, but the
wagon or Avant would be my choice.
Young working woman's view:
Understated, and yet elegant, the Audi A4 is a nice car. Perhaps that best sums
it up. If you reveal in the joys of a Teutonic comfort, this is a car worth
considering. But before you shop make sure of your needs. Ordering the all wheel
drive model with the six-cylinder engine and five speed automatic transmission,
runs about $82,000 AU. That is much more than the base version and I didn't find
the differences that great. Certainly the 1.8 turbocharged front wheel drive
Audi A4 is not as well equipped as the AT5, but you get the same great chassis
and it isn't that much slower.
Indeed, when you opt for the optional, but unremarkable, metallic paint, the
premium package that includes a sunroof, auto dimming mirrors, xenon headlights,
and multi-functional steering wheel to the upgraded stereo you are looking at a
very expensive car.
You might wait a bit and see what the
Infiniti G35 is going to cost when they
bring their all wheel drive car online soon. It certainly is going to have more
power and I believe it will be less costly. Of course, I like the room, fit and
finish, and overall grown-up look of the Audi over the Infiniti. And I certainly
like the smaller turning radius of the A4 over the Volvo and Infiniti.
Family conference:
First, drive the Audi 1.8t. It is a bargain with front wheel drive and a fine
ride. Stepping up to the 3.0 with an automatic and all wheel drive is going to
cost you considerably more money. So the question you need to ask yourself is if
you truly need the Quattro, the smooth power of the six-cylinder engine, and
exactly what options you need versus what you need. We liked the Audi, but at
$55,000 it was getting too close to our very favorite Audi, the S4 that has 340
horsepower, lots of options, and is only a few thousand more than the loaded A4.
Good points:
Handling, appearance, all wheel drive, safety ratings, room, transmission Needs improvement:
Power, slippery seats, dash cupholders, wipers, HVA controls, premium fuel
needed
