2001 Audi A4: Road Test
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2001 Audi A4 ▼
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- MSRP: $24,540 -$40,500
- Invoice: $21,840 -$36,199
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Our road test for the 2001 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Audi A4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Audi A4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Audi A4 help you decide if a 2001 Audi A4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 5.6 |
S4 is the only real speedster in this lineup: 0-60 mph in 6.3 sec in our test. The automatic-transmission 2.8 Quattro did 0-60 in 9.3 sec; 1.8Ts are about that quick with manual, but less lively with automatic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Test 2.8 V6 Quattros averaged 17.5-21.5 mpg, 1.8T Quattros around 23, S4s about 20. All require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5.3 |
Supple and controlled with the base chassis, a tad harsh with the firmer damping in the optional Sport package and on S4s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 6.6 |
Sporty and fun, with modest body lean and firm, quick steering. Grip good with front drive, terrific on Quattros and S4s. Brakes touchy on some of our test models, but all A4s stop short and straight.
QUIETNESS
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 5.2 |
Available performance tires noisy on rough pavement. Turbo-4 engine growly at high revs; V6s are muted.
CONTROLS
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Complex climate controls mounted too low, available navigation system hard to use. No complaints otherwise. Interior materials and workmanship are delightfully sophisticated.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Plenty of leg room and head clearance. Standard seats supportive, but sport versions border on too firm. V6 models' standard power seat helps tailor a good basic driving stance. No-sweat overall visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Too narrow for three adults. Leg space limited with front seats pushed back. Sunroof steals valuable head room.
CARGO ROOM
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
OK in sedans, but wagons not that spacious. All models have usefully shaped flat-floor compartments.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
Aged design has no surplus of cabin space, but current A4s match rivals in most ways, and warranty includes free scheduled maintenance.
Total Score
| 1.8T sdn, man. | 1.8T Avant wgn, auto. | 2.8 sdn w/Quattro, auto. | S4 sdn, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 56 | 52 | 49 | 51.3 |
Total Score: 53
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