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2006 Audi A4 Full Review
Date Published: 3/04/08
Also in the 2006 Audi A4 Review:
5. 
Audi A4 Photos

6. 
Audi A4 Full Review

7. 
All Audi A4s

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2006 Audi A4 Review
Audi's best-selling lineup offers three body styles: sedans, Avant wagons, and Cabriolet convertibles. All are available in A4 and high-performance S4 trim. The A4 2.0 T sedan and wagon have a 200-hp turbo 4-cyl engine. The A4 3.2 sedan and wagon have a 255-hp V6. Cabriolets have either a 170-hp turbo 4-cyl or a 220-hp V6. S4s have a 340-hp V8. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is standard on wagons, S4s, and the 3.0 Cabrio. It's available for other models in place of front-wheel drive. Transmission choices, depending on model, include a manual, automatic, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides near-infinite drive ratios.

Sporty S line packages include 18-inch wheels, plus a firmer, lower-riding suspension. S4s have unique trim and sport suspension. All A4s have ABS and an antiskid system. Sedans and wagons include curtain side airbags and front torso side airbags; rear torso airbags are available. Cabrios come with front head/torso side airbags, plus rear support bars designed to pop up in a rollover. Cabrios have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. Optional is a navigation system that includes Audi's MMI integrated control for audio, climate, and other functions.
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 Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are Acura TSX, Audi A4, and BMW 3-Series. At this time we have no Recommended picks.

New or significantly redesigned models in this class include Audi A3 and Lexus IS.
News
Having just introduced the hot RS4 sedan and updated Cabriolets, Audi looks ahead to a redesigned A4. Sources say it will bow in Europe at the end of 2007, which likely means a 2009-model U.S. debut 6-8 months later. The new design is said to be a bit shorter than the one it will replace. Engines reportedly sit further rearward for more balanced weight distribution and sharper handling. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news and rumors.
2006 Audi A4 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6, S4) Rear-seat room (Cabriolet)
Automatic-transmission performance (CVT) Fuel economy (S4)
Steering/handling
Ride (base suspension)
Interior materials
Available AWD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 6 6 8 6.2

A4 2.0 Ts are smooth and strong. Manual-transmission test sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph; frequent shifting helps. Test automatic 2.0 T Avant did 7.6 sec 0-60. No opportunity to test 3.2 V6 version, but Audi pegs it at under 7.0 sec. V6 CVT Cabrio peppy enough for most situations--test car did 7.6 sec--but feels lazy on takeoff. S4s are muscle machines; test manual-transmission Cabrio took just 5.6 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 5 5 4 5.4

Test manual-transmission 2.0 Ts averaged 20.3-22.5 mpg. Test automatic 2.0 T Avant averaged 19.2 mpg including gas-eating performance runs. Test V6 automatic-transmission Cabrios averaged 19.8-20.7 mpg. With manual transmission, S4 sedans averaged 16.1-18.4 mpg, S4 wagons 15.0-15.8 mpg, S4 Cabrios 14.1 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.
Ride Quality

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 7 7 3 5.9

Base suspension furnishes firm control and, with 17-inch tires, mostly good bump absorption. No opportunity to test with 16-inch tires or S line package. S4s quite stiff, but seldom punishing; show impressive high-speed stability.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
7 7 7 9 7.2

True driver's cars all, especially S4s. 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 sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 6 6 5 6.1

Engines purr at cruise, snarl under full throttle. Cabrios show modest top-up wind noise and minimal top-down buffeting, the latter helped by available wind deflector. Low-profile 18-inch tires whine on concrete, thump on ruts. A few interior rattles noted in some test Avants.
Controls

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
8 8 8 8 7

Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system a bit complex, its controls awkwardly low on dashboard. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever, cupholders. Sophisticated cabin materials, design. Convertible top completely automatic, powers up or down in 24.0 sec. MMI absorbs most audio, some climate functions, requires long look from road to adjust.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.5

Firm, comfortable seats. Special sport buckets in S4s have pronounced side bolsters to snug occupants in place during fast cornering. All models have ample head, leg room, though central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy some drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
4 4 3 4 3.6

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

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
3 6 2 3 4.7

Sedans have usefully roomy trunk, standard fold-down rear seatbacks. Wagons more versatile, but not big-load luggers. Convertible's trunk shrinks from small to marginal with top down. Interior storage limited to glovebox, small center console bin.
Value within Class

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
9 9 7 6 6.1

Some like-priced competitors have more outright power and rear-seat space. However, these Audis are sophisticated designs that match anything in this class for balanced performance, features, and materials quality. That's why they're Best Buys.
Total Score

2.0 T sedan w/17-in. whls., man. 2.0 T Avant, auto. 3.0 Cabriolet, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
62 65 58 57 58.7
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
52
Average Score
58
High Score
65
2006 Audi A4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/23/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A4 2.0 T 4-door sedan, manual $28,240 $26,043 $720
A4 2.0 T 4-door sedan, CVT $29,440 $27,215 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T quattro 4-door sedan, manual $30,340 $28,143 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $31,540 $29,315 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $31,340 $29,053 $720
AWD A4 2.0 T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $32,540 $30,225 $720
A4 1.8T Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $37,340 $34,404 $720
A4 3.2 4-door sedan, CVT $34,490 $31,811 $720
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $35,390 $32,739 $720
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $36,590 $33,911 $720
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $36,390 $33,649 $720
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $37,590 $34,821 $720
AWD A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $45,490 $42,010 $720
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $46,400 $42,758 $720
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $47,600 $43,930 $720
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $47,400 $43,668 $720
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $48,600 $44,840 $720
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, manual $54,640 $50,256 $720
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $55,840 $51,428 $720
Price note: S4 w/manual transmission adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S4 w/automatic transmission adds $1300 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, front limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 12-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, 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, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, roof rails (wagon), full-size spare tire, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, center limited-slip differential, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
A4 1.8T Cabriolet adds to A4 2.0 T:
Powertrain
1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Height-adjustable driver seat, wood interior trim, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, 12-way power driver seat, split folding rear seat.
Headlight washers, 235/45HR17 tires.
A4 3.2 adds to A4 2.0 T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 12-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45HR17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet adds to A4 3.2:
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, split folding rear seat.
S4 adds to A4 3.2:
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, front and rear limited-slip differentials.
Safety
Automatic roll bars (convertible), daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Trunk pass-through w/ski sack, aluminum interior trim, automatic headlights (sedan, wagon), power convertible top (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags (convertible), steering wheel radio controls, split folding rear seat (convertible), wood interior trim.
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, sport suspension, 235/40ZR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
S4 Cabriolet
$1,775
$1,615
Heated front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, power-folding mirrors, wind deflector, automatic headlights, unique alloy wheels.
Sunroof Pkg.
2.0 T
$1,400
$1,274
3.2
$1,000
$910
Leather upholstery (2.0 T), power sunroof.
S line Pkg.
2.0 T
$3,000
$2,730
1.8T, 3.0
$1,850
$1,684
3.2
$2,750
$2,503
Unique interior trim and exterior trim, aluminum interior trim, sport suspension, 235/40YR18 tires. Requires Premium Pkg. 2.0 T, 3.2 require Sunroof Pkg.
Titanium Pkg.
2.0 T, 3.2
$500
$455
Unique interior and exterior trim, special wheels, performance tires. Requires S line Pkg.
Technology Pkg. I
2.0 T, 3.2
$1,275
$1,160
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Requires Premium Pkg., Sunroof Pkg.
Technology Pkg. II
2.0 T, 3.2
$1,775
$1,615
Technology Pkg. I plus wireless cell phone link, voice recognition. Requires Premium Pkg., Sunroof Pkg.
Audio Pkg.
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$1,000
$910
Bose sound system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee). S4 Cabriolet requires steering wheel radio controls.
Audio Pkg. w/wireless cell phone link
S4
$1,500
$1,365
Satellite radio requires monthly fee. Cabriolet requires steering wheel radio controls.
Cold Weather Pkg.
A4 2.0 T, A4 3.2, S4
$400
$364
Heated front seats, ski sack. Requires Premium Pkg. A4 requires Sunroof Pkg. NA Cabriolet.
Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$
$
Safety
Rear side airbags
A4 2.0 T, A4 3.2, S4
$350
$319
NA Cabriolet.
Rear-obstacle-detection system
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$350
$319
Tire-pressure monitor
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$250
$228
A4 sedan/wagon require Premium Pkg., Sunroof Pkg., Technology Pkg.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$1,950
$1,775
Includes MMI operating system. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to glovebox. Requires Premium Pkg. 2.0, 3.2 require Sunroof Pkg., Technology Pkg.
Upgraded leather upholstery
3.2, 3.0
$1,000
$910
Upgraded leather upholstery w/sport seats
3.0
$1,500
$1,365
Heated rear seats
Cabriolet
$225
$205
Requires Premium Pkg.
Wood interior trim
2.0 T, S4
$400
$364
NA w/S-Line Pkg.
Aluminum interior trim
3.2
$400
$364
Carbon-fiber interior trim
S4
$400
$364
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
A4 2.0 T, A4 3.2, S4
$500
$455
2.0 T, S4 require wood interior trim. NA Cabriolet.
Steering wheel radio controls
S4 Cabriolet
$150
$137
Wireless cell phone link
1.8T
$500
$455
Power rear and manual side sunshades
sedan
$400
$364
Manual side sunshades
wagon
$150
$137
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$475
$432
Premium paint
A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 2.0 T, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, A4 3.2, S4
$750
$683
Headlight washers
A4 sedan/wagon
$150
$137
Sport suspension
A4
$250
$228
Unique alloy wheels
2.0 T, 3.2
$150
$137
Requires Premium Pkg., Sunroof Pkg.
2006 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. 76.3 76.3 75.0
Overall Height, in. 56.2 56.2 54.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3428 3671 3682
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.4 59.0 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 38.0
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 --/-- 23/34 --/-- 17/27
5-speed automatic --/-- --/-- 18/25 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- 22/30 --/-- 19/27
CVT automatic 23/30 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
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA 4
Rollover Resistance 4 NA 4
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA 5
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 4 NA 4
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:  2006 Audi A4
Trim Level:  S4
Arrival Date:  11/02/2005
Engine: 
Bodystyle:  4-door wagon
Transmission:  6-speed manual
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $47,400
Price as Tested:  $57,320
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  2598
Mileage at End of Test:  10354
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  51.506 gals.
 

Major Options:  note: 4.2-liter V8 engine, Sprint Blue Pearl Effect, Premium Package (glass sunroof with power, tilt and slide, homelink remote transmitter, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, auto-dimming exterior mirror, memory for driver's side seat adjustment, memory for outside mirror positions, rain sensor, adaptive front lighting, heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels w/summer high performance tires), Audi Navigation Plus, Premium Audio Package (Bose premium sound package, Sirius Satellite radio, Universal telephone prep. w/Bluetooth), Cold Weather Package (Ski Sack, Heated rear seats)

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  15.09 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Ed Piotrowski Even with terrific V8 power and the reassurance of all-wheel drive, this car's $57,000 sticker overshadows it all. Though smaller and less powerful, Audi's own A3 is just as entertaining to drive and costs $25,000 less.

Jack Stewart MMI annoyance is unimportant when taking in account how the car drives.

Also in the 2006 Audi A4 Review:
5.