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2005.5 Audi A4 Full Review
Date Published: 3/04/08
Also in the 2005.5 Audi A4 Review:
5. 
Audi A4 Photos

6. 
Audi A4 Full Review

7. 
All Audi A4s

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All Audis


2005.5 Audi A4 Review
Fresh styling and revised powertrains highlight a mid-2005 update for Audi's best-selling models. This line offers sedans, Avant wagons, and Cabriolet convertibles as A4 and high-performance S4 models. A4 sedans and wagons at midyear traded a 170-hp turbo 4-cyl engine for a 200-hp turbo 4-cyl to become 2.0 T models. V6 versions exchanged a 220-hp V6 for a 255-hp V6 to become 3.2 models. S4 versions retain a 340-hp V8. A4 and S4 sedans and wagons get a lower-body restyle marked by a large vertical grille. Interiors are revised, brakes are larger, and new options include steering-linked xenon headlamps and heated rear seats. Similar changes are due for 2006 for the A4 and S4 convertibles. For now, A4 Cabrios retain the 170- and 220-hp engines.

Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is standard on wagons, 3.2 sedans, and S4s. It's available in place of front-wheel drive on 2.0 T sedans and V6 A4 convertibles. Front-drive models offer a 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic (CVT), depending on model. The CVT provides variable drive ratios, plus six preset "gears" selected by floorshift or steering-wheel buttons. All other models offer the 6-speed manual or a conventional 5-speed or 6-speed automatic. S4s have unique trim, sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels. Other models use 16- or 17-inch wheels and offer Sport Package options that include a firmer, lower-riding suspension. Every A4 and S4 comes with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and antiskid system. Sedans and wagons add head-protecting curtain side airbags and front torso side airbags; rear torso side airbags are available. Convertibles have front side airbags covering head and torso, plus rear support bars that pop up automatically for occupant protection if sensors detect an imminent rollover. Cabrios also have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. The available navigation system includes Audi's MMI operating system that uses one knob on the center console to take the place of conventional dashboard controls for many of the car's accessories.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.
News
As noted, the new A4/S4 styling and powertrains will soon spread to convertible models. Look for the revised ragtops this fall as 2006 entries. All this updating is fairly major. It's apparently intended to take Audi's mainstay line to its next full redesign, which is at least three years off.

British sources report that Audi is working on a super-performance RS4 sedan and wagon, basically the already rapid V8 S4s pumped up to some 425 hp. Quattro remains standard, but exclusive features are said to include a lower-riding suspension and wide 18-inch tires beneath flared fenders. No word yet on U.S. sale, but the RS4 could come here as a pricey new limited-edition image-builder for the A4 line. We'll keep you posted.

UK sources also say that a high-body A4-based crossover wagon will bow in late 2007 for Europe. Look for a 2008-model U.S. debut, assuming Audi decides to bring it here. The reported name is Q5--"Q" for standard quattro AWD. A larger Audi SUV dubbed Q7 and based on the Volkswagen Touareg is due for 2006-07.
2005.5 Audi A4 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6, S4) Rear-seat comfort
Automatic-transmission performance (CVT) Rear visibility
Ride (base suspension)
Interior materials
Available AWD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
6 6 8 8 6

Test manual-transmission 2.0 T Avant satisfyingly strong and smooth, though some testers employed frequent shifting for best performance. Test car did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph. Have not yet tested A4 3.2. V6 CVT Cabriolet has enough power for most situations, but feels lazy from a stop; test car did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph. S4s are muscle cars; test manual-transmission S4 Cabriolet did 5.6 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
6 5 4 3 5.3

Test manual-transmission 2.0 T Avants averaged 20.3-22.5 mpg. Test V6 Cabriolets with CVT averaged 19.8-20.7 mpg. S4 Cabriolet with manual transmission averaged 14.1, manual S4 sedans 16.1-18.4 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all A4s.
Ride Quality

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
7 7 3 3 6

Base suspension furnishes firm control and, in combination with available 17-inch tires, good bump absorption on most any surface. No opportunity to test with 16-inch tires. S4 quite stiff, but seldom punishing; delivers impressive high-speed stability.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
7 7 9 9 7.3

True driver's cars all, especially S4. Quattro gives extra measure of all-weather grip. Steering nicely weighted, direct. Cabriolets suffer impressively little body quiver typical of convertibles.
Quietness

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
6 6 5 4 6

Engines purr at cruise, snarl nicely under full throttle. Cabriolets show modest top-up wind noise and minimal top-down buffeting, the latter helped by available wind deflector. S4 low-profile 18-inch tires whine on concrete, thump on ruts.
Controls

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
8 8 6 8 6.9

Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system overly complex with awkwardly low-mounted controls. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible top completely automatic, powers up or down in 24 sec.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.3

Firm, comfortable seats. S4s have special sport buckets with pronounced side bolsters that hold occupants in place during fast cornering. All have ample head and leg room, though wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
4 2 4 2 3.6

Supportive, nicely contoured seats, but no surplus of head and leg room in sedan and wagon. Entry/exit also tight. Cabriolet even more cramped, with taxing ingress and egress.
Cargo Room

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
7 2 3 2 4

Avant is versatile, with several handy cargo-area bins and nets. When it's down, convertible's top eats into already small trunk space; seatbacks don't fold, but there is a ski pass-through.
Value within Class

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
9 7 6 4 6

Some like-priced rivals offer more rear-seat room and more outright power. But A4s and S4s equal or exceed direct competitors for sophistication, all-around performance, features, and variety of body styles, and earn our Best Buy rating. And the convertibles are class leaders that belong on any open-air premium-car shopping list.
Total Score

2.0 T Avant w/17-in. whls., man. 3.0 Cabriolet, CVT S4 sedan w/nav. sys., man. S4 Cabriolet, man. Class Average
67 57 55 50 57.4
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
50
Average Score
57
High Score
65
2005.5 Audi A4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/23/2005
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A4 2.0 T 4-door sedan, manual $27,350 $25,234 $720
A4 2.0 T 4-door sedan, CVT $28,550 $26,406 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T quattro 4-door sedan, manual $29,450 $27,334 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T quattro 4-door sedan, CVT $30,650 $28,506 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $30,450 $28,244 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $31,650 $29,416 $720
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $35,400 $32,828 $720
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $36,400 $33,738 $720
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $45,850 $42,244 $720
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $47,050 $43,416 $720
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $46,850 $43,154 $720
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $48,050 $44,326 $720
A4 1.8 T Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $35,750 $32,958 $720
A4 3.0 Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $42,300 $38,918 $720
AWD A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $44,250 $40,868 $720
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, manual $53,950 $49,615 $720
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $55,150 $50,787 $720
Price note: S4 w/manual transmission adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
A4 2.0 T
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission CVT w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 12-way power driver seat w/power-lumbar adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, full-size spare tire, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, roof rails (wagon).
A4 3.2 quattro adds to A4 2.0 T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 12-way power passenger seat.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon), 235/45R17 tires.
S4 sedan/wagon adds to A4 3.2 quattro:
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Trunk pass-through w/ski sack, wood interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front-seat active head restraints.
Bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension, 235/40ZR18 tires.
A4 1.8 T adds to A4 2.0 T:
Powertrain
1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission CVT w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front-seat manual height adjustment and power-lumbar adjustment, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, 12-way power driver seat, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim.
Headlight washers.
A4 3.0 adds to A4 1.8 T:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Vinyl/leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats, wood interior trim.
A4 3.0 quattro adds to A4 3.0:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, rear limited-slip differential.
S4 Cabriolet adds to A4 3.0 quattro:
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights, sport suspension, 235/40ZR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
S4 Cabriolet
$900
$819
S4 sedan/wagon
$1,650
$1,502
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power sunroof (sedan/wagon), automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, power-folding mirrors, universal garage-door opener, automatic headlights, wind deflector (Cabriolet).
Sport Pkg.
1.8 T, 3.0, 3.0 quattro
$800
$728
Sport suspension, 235/45R17 performance or all-season tires.
Lighting Pkg.
1.8 T
$750
$683
3.2
$800
$728
Automatic bi-xenon headlights, automatic day/night rearview mirror (1.8 T), compass (1.8 T). 3.2 requires Premium Pkg.
Cold Weather Pkg.
2.0 T
$750
$683
3.2
$900
$819
Heated front and rear seats, ski sack, headlight washers (3.2).
S-Line Pkg.
1.8 T, 3.0, 3.0 quattro
$1,850
$1,684
Aluminum exterior trim, sport suspension, 18-inch wheels.
Audio Pkg.
A4 1.8 T, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.2 quattro, S4 Cabriolet, S4 sedan/wagon
$1,000
$910
Bose sound system, satellite radio (includes one-year service).
Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
A4 1.8 T, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.2 quattro, S4 Cabriolet, S4 sedan/wagon
$150
$150
Safety
Rear side airbags
2.0 T
$400
$364
3.2, S4 sedan/wagon
$350
$319
Tire-pressure monitor
A4 1.8 T, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.2 quattro, S4 Cabriolet
$250
$228
2.0 T, 3.2 require Premium Pkg. 2.0 T requires Sport Pkg. or 235/45HR17 tires.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
2.0 T, 3.2, S4 Cabriolet
$1,950
$1,787
S4 sedan/wagon
$1,350
$1,241
Includes MMI operating system. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to glovebox. A4 requires Premium Pkg.
Leather upholstery
3.0, 3.0 quattro, S4
$1,000
$910
Leather upholstery w/sport seats
3.0, 3.0 quattro
$1,500
$1,365
Premium leather upholstery
3.2
$1,000
$910
Heated front seats
Cabriolet, S4
$450
$410
Carbon-fiber interior trim
S4
$300
$273
Satellite radio
S4
$350
$319
Includes one-year service.
Steering-wheel climate controls
S4 sedan/wagon
$150
$137
Power rear sunshade
2.0 T/3.2/S4 sedan
$400
$364
Includes manual side sunshades.
Manual side sunshades
wagon
$150
$137
Wood interior trim
2.0 T, 3.2
$400
$364
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Headlight washers
2.0 T
$150
$137
Special paint
A4 1.8 T, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.2 quattro, S4 Cabriolet
$450
$410
235/45HR17 tires
1.8 T, 2.0 T, 3.0
$500
$455
2005.5 Audi A4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A4 4-door sedan Audi A4 4-door wagon Audi A4 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 104.3 104.3 104.5
Overall Length, in. 180.6 180.6 180.0
Overall Width, in. 69.8 69.8 70.0
Overall Height, in. 56.2 56.2 54.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3362 3605 3638
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.4 27.8 10.2
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5 16.6 18.5
Seating Capacity 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.4 38.4 37.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.2 37.6 36.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.3 34.3 32.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  Turbocharged dohc I4 Turbocharged dohc I4 dohc V6 dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.8 /109 2.0 /121 3.0 /182 3.2 /191
Horsepower @ rpm. 170 @ 5900 200 @ 5100 220 @ 6300 255 @ 6500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 166 @ 1950 207 @ 1800 221 @ 3200 243 @ 3250
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
6-speed manual --/-- 22/31 --/-- --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 22/30 --/-- 19/26
CVT automatic 23/29 24/32 21/29 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Audi A4 4-door sedan Audi A4 4-door wagon Audi A4 2-door convertible
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 4/50,000 --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive

Tester's Comments
Vehicle Evaluated:  2005.5 Audi A4
Trim Level:  S4 sedan/wagon
Arrival Date:  05/06/2005
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $46,100
Price as Tested:  $54,795
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  3683
Mileage at End of Test:  4193
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  32.668 gals.
 

Major Options:  (4.2-liter 340-hp V8 not listed above), Premium Pkg. (Glass Sunroof, Homelink(R) Remote Transmitter, Auto-Dimming Interior Mirrors with Compass, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors, Memory For Driver Seat Adjustment, Memory for Outside Mirror Positions, Light Sensor, Rain Sensor, Adaptive Front Lighting), Navigation Plus, Audio Pkg. (Bose(R) Premium Sound System, Sirius(R) Satellite Radio), Heated Front and Rear Seats, 18-inch Cast Alloy Wheels

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.61 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Kirk Bell I would really love to own one of these cars, but the price is astronomical and the electronic glitches would be hard to live with. The only way to do it would be to buy it used with a lot of warranty left.

Rick Cotta Test car's MMI soured what was otherwise a great driving experience. V8 lacks low-end torque but compensates with a strong surge and beautiful jetlike whine as revs--and power--build. Still, it's a four-seater only if those in front are no larger than average, and prices are stiff; our loaded test car stickered at $54,000, four grand more than an A6 4.2 quattro.

Also in the 2005.5 Audi A4 Review:
5. 
Audi A4 Photos

6. 
Audi A4 Full Review

7. 
All Audi A4s

8. 
All Audis


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