2002-2008 Audi A4: Road Test

About 80 percent of A4's are sold with quattro all-wheel drive. With the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, these models can feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, and manual-gearbox V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. The lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy away from a stop. A test 1.8T CVT sedan did 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. With the V6 and CVT, Audi pegged the sedan at 6.9 seconds. A V6 CVT Cabriolet reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The seamless CVT acts much like a conventional automatic, but requires the use of manual mode for best overall performance. Manual transmissions have precise shifters, and the S4 editions perform strongly at all speeds. Fuel economy varies with the powertrain: A test manual-transmission 1.8T sedan averaged 24.8 mpg, versus 21.5 for the Avant wagon. Audi claimed the CVT is 10 percent more fuel-efficient than conventional automatic transmission. A test CVT 1.8T sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Manual-transmission V6 quattro sedans averaged 18.3 to 21 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Cabriolets have managed 19.8 to 20.7 mpg, but an S4 Avant with manual shift could only squeeze out 15.9 mpg. Audi recommends premium fuel for all models. Audi's standard suspension furnishes firm control, with good bump absorption on most any surface. The stiffer Sport Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires is somewhat less forgiving on broken pavement. An S4 isn't harsh, but yields a relatively stiff ride with some float over high-speed dips. Try before you buy. All models are a joy to drive quickly, and those with a Sport Package shine on challenging roads. All the more so with an S4. Audi's quattro gives an all-weather advantage over the A4's two-wheel-drive rivals. Steering is nicely weighted and direct. Brakes are very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertibles show impressively little body quivering on bumps. Engine sounds tend to be pleasant. Each purrs at cruise, while the V6 and V8 snarl nicely under full throttle. Low-profile 17-inch tires are noisy, as are the S4's 18-inchers, but road rumble is otherwise muted. So, what wind rush there is gets noticed. Top-up, the Cabrio's wind noise is exceptionally low; top-down, you get little buffeting, helped by the optional wind-deflector screen. A4 models boast clearly marked controls and well-lit gauges. However, the dual-zone automatic climate system is overly complex with awkwardly low controls. The front center armrest blocks use of the hand-brake lever and console cupholder. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible tops are fully automatic, and power up or down in 24 seconds. Firm, comfortable front seats deliver ample head and leg room, though the wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. Special Recaro sport buckets in S4 models have pronounced side bolsters. Two adults are the comfortable limit in back, on a supportive, nicely contoured seat. Rear head and leg room are not vast, but comparable to similarly-sized competitors. Convertibles are more cramped. Visibility is good all around. If installed, the rear-obstacle-warning system is a rare nicety in the near-luxury class. Sedans have a roomy trunk, but a rather small opening that precludes loading large objects. Split-folding rear seatbacks compensate somewhat, and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into luggage space. When it's down, the convertible's top cuts into already small trunk space. Convertible seatbacks do not fold, though there is a ski pass-through.

Value for the Money
An A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo offer all-wheel-drive models, but no competitor matches Audi's impressive CVT.