2002 Audi A4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Audi's least-expensive car line is redesigned for 2002. The new A4 grows slightly inside and out and offers a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The 1.8T sedan and Avant wagon have a 170-hp turbo 4-cyl engine. The 3.0 sedan and Avant have a V6 with 220 hp, a gain of 30 hp. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is standard on Avants and available on sedans in place of front-wheel drive. Quattros account for the bulk of A4 sales and use manual transmission or a conventional 5-speed automatic. The CVT comes only on front-drive sedans, where it's optional in the 1.8T and standard with the V6. It furnishes variable drive ratios instead of conventional gears, and also has six 'manual-shift' ratios accessed via a separate shift gate. All models come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and an antiskid system. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard; rear side airbags are optional. A navigation system, rear-obstacle warning, and a Sport package with 17-inch wheels are also offered. OnStar assistance became available midyear, and can be enhanced with extra-cost in-car e-mail service. A redesigned convertible A4 bows in fall 2002 as an '03 model.

COMPETITION

This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport.

We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.