2004 Audi A4: Road Test
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2004 Audi A4 ▼
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- MSRP: $25,550 -$55,000
- Invoice: $23,085 -$49,586
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Our road test for the 2004 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Audi A4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Audi A4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Audi A4 help you decide if a 2004 Audi A4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
The vast majority of A4s are sold with quattro. Quattro A4s with 4 cyl and automatic transmission feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, while manual-transmission V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. Lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy from a stop. Test 1.8T CVT sedan did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph; test V6 CVT Cabriolet did 7.8. Seamless CVT acts much like conventional automatic, but requires use of manual mode for best performance. Manual transmissions controlled by precise shifters. S4's V8 strong at all speeds; test sedan did 5.6 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Averages for manual-transmission test models: 1.8T sedan, 24.8 mpg; 1.8T Avant, 21.5; V6 quattro sedans,18.3-21; S4 sedan, 15.6; S4 Avant, 15.9; S4 Cabriolet, 14.1. Audi says CVT is 10 percent more fuel efficient than conventional automatic transmission. With CVT, test 1.8T sedans averaged 20.9-23.9 mpg, test Cabriolets 19.8-20.7. Test V6 CVT sedan averaged 25.6 mpg. No opportunity to test with conventional automatic transmission. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all A4s.
RIDE QUALITY
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Standard suspension furnishes firm control, good bump absorption on most any surface. Stiffer Sport Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires somewhat less forgiving on broken pavement. S4 quite stiff, but not harsh; impressive high-speed stability.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
All models a joy to drive quickly, and S4, Sport Package versions shine on challenging roads. Quattro gives all-weather advantage over A4's 2WD rivals. Steering nicely weighted, direct. Brakes very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertible suffer impressively little body quivering on bumps.
QUIETNESS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
All powerplants purr at cruise; V6 and V8 snarl nicely under full throttle. Low-profile 17-inch tires are noisy--S4's 18s even more so--but road rumble otherwise muted, so what wind rush there is gets noticed. Top up, Cabriolet wind noise exceptionally low; top down, little buffeting, helped by optional wind-deflector screen.
CONTROLS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system overly complex with awkwardly low-mounted controls, and one test A4 had difficulty maintaining the set temperature. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible top completely automatic and powers up or down in 24 sec.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Firm, comfortable seats; S4s have special sport buckets with pronounced side bolsters that hold passengers in place during fast cornering. Ample head and leg room, though wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. Visibility good to all corners; rear-obstacle-warning system a rare nicety in near-luxury class.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.9 |
Supportive, nicely contoured seat. Head and leg room limited for large folk, but comparable to competitors. Cabriolet cramped for most adults.
CARGO ROOM
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.9 |
Sedan's roomy trunk has rather small opening that precludes loading large objects, but split folding rear seatbacks compensate some and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into luggage space. Avant is versatile with its extra volume, augmented by several handy cargo bins and nets. When it's down, convertible's top eats into already small trunk space; convertible's seatbacks don't fold, but there is a ski pass-through.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 5.1 |
The A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features, and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo feature AWD models, but no competitor offers AWD in a convertible, and none counters Audi's impressive CVT.
Total Score
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 59 | 62 | 57 | 56.8 |
Total Score: 60
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