1996-2001 Audi A4: Year-to-Year Changes

1997 Audi A4: Audi renamed its V6 sedan the A4 2.8, adding a new model called the A4 1.8T. As that nomenclature suggests, the lower-priced model used a new turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Rated at 150 horsepower, the turbo four had dual overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder. After the start of the model year, Audi also launched an improved dual-cam V6 engine with five valves per cylinder (previously two) and a 190-horsepower rating. Both models had standard front-wheel drive, with Quattro all-wheel drive an option.

1998 Audi A4: A V6 station wagon joined the lineup for 1998, dubbed the A4 2.8 Avant. Instead of the conventional 5-speed automatic transmission, the wagon got an adaptation of the Porsche-designed 5-speed Tiptronic unit. Tiptronic allows sequential manual gear selection via a special shift gate.

1999 Audi A4: Audi added a 1.8T wagon to the A4 lineup for '99. It had the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the 1.8T sedan. The V6 2.8 sedan and wagon continued as the top A4 models. All A4s received a larger right-door mirror, modified center-console cupholders, and first-aid kit for '99, and 1.8Ts got additional sound insulation.

2000 Audi A4: A high-performance S4 model joined the A4 lineup, with a 250-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and Quattro all-wheel drive. Either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission might be installed. S4 sedans had a sport suspension, 17-inch performance tires, plus a unique grille, bumpers, and leather-upholstered interior. Sideguard airbags, designed to deploy from above the side windows as a head-protecting "curtain" against side impact, became optional in all models. Other new options included high-intensity headlamps and a satellite-based navigation system, with audio and visual direction prompts but no video-type display screen. Mild restyling this year was accompanied by a reworked center console and standard trip computer. A4 2.8 models added a standard power front passenger's seat.

2001 Audi A4: Changes for 2001 include standard curtain side airbags and a newly available antiskid system. All automatic transmission A4s now had a three-spoke steering wheel with buttons for manual shifting. The navigation system was not available for 2001 1.8Ts and S4s. And basic warranty coverage was extended from 3 years/50,000 miles to 4/50,000.