2005 Audi A4: Road Test
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2005 Audi A4 ▼
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- MSRP: $25,800 -$55,150
- Invoice: $23,823 -$50,787
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Our road test for the 2005 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Audi A4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Audi A4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Audi A4 help you decide if a 2005 Audi A4 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
The majority of A4s are sold with quattro, and with 4-cyl and automatic transmission feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8 Ts are lively enough; manual V6 quattros satisfyingly quick. Lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy from a stop. Test 1.8 T 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 have precise shifters. S4s strong at all speeds; test sedan did 5.6 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.3 |
Averages for manual-transmission test models: 1.8 T sedan, 24.8 mpg; 1.8 T 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 1.8 T 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
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Base 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, Ultra Sport Package have 18s and feel quite stiff--try before you buy--but deliver impressive high-speed stability.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
True driver's cars all, especially S4 and Sport Package equipped. Quattro gives all-weather advantage over 2WD rivals. Steering nicely weighted, direct. Brakes very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertible suffers impressively little body quivering on bumps.
QUIETNESS
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 |
All powerplants purr at cruise; V6 and V8 snarl nicely under full throttle. Little undue wind rush. But low-profile 18-inch tires whine on concrete, thump on ruts. Cabriolets show modest top-up wind noise and minimal top-down buffeting, the latter helped by available wind deflector.
CONTROLS
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system overly complex with awkwardly low-mounted controls, and one test A4 had difficulty maintaining a set temperature. 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)
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T 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 occupants 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 this class.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3.6 |
Supportive, nicely contoured seat. Head and leg room limited for large folk, but par for the class. Cabriolet cramped for most adults.
CARGO ROOM
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
Sedan's roomy trunk has rather small opening, but split folding rear seatbacks compensate some and the 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
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
The A4 is a Best Buy because it matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features, and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo also offer AWD models, but none has an AWD convertible or counters Audi's impressive CVT.
Total Score
| 1.8 T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. | 1.8 T sdn, CVT | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. | 3.0 Cabriolet | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 62 | 64 | 58 | 57.4 |
Total Score: 62
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