2002-2008 Audi A4: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Audi's least-expensive and top-selling model, the near-luxury A4, earned a full redesign for 2002. Slightly larger inside and out, the new A4 sedan and Avant wagon introduced an optional continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The redesigned 1.8T sedan had a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The 3.0 model used a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 220 horsepower--a gain of 30 hp. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive was standard on S4 models and available on other models in place of front-wheel drive. Quattro A4s used a manual transmission or a conventional five-speed automatic. Audi's new CVT furnished variable (not fixed) drive ratios without using conventional gears, and also had six preset "manual-shift" ratios that could be accessed via a separate shift gate or by steering-wheel buttons. CVT was available only on front-drive sedans with the 3.0-liter V6. Antilock braking, an antiskid system and curtain and front side airbags were standard. Sedans and wagons also had head-protecting curtain side airbags, and rear torso airbags were optional. Options included a navigation system and rear obstacle warning. An available Sport package included a firmer suspension with performance tires on 17-inch wheels. Rivals included the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS 300, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.