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2007 Audi A4 Full Review
Date Published: 3/11/08
Also in the 2007 Audi A4 Review:
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Audi A4 Full Review

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2007 Audi A4 Review
Audi's top-selling car line features sedans, Avant wagons, and Cabriolet convertibles. All come in A4 and high-performance S4 trim. There's also a super-performance RS 4 sedan. A4 2.0T models have a 200-hp turbo 4-cyl engine, A4 3.2 versions a 255-hp V6. S4s and RS 4 have V8s with 340 and 420 hp, respectively. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive is standard on wagons, 3.2 Cabrio, S4, and RS 4. It's available for other models in place of front-wheel drive. Transmission choices, depending on model, are manual, automatic, and continuously variable automatic (CVT). Sporty S line packages include 18-inch wheels and a firmer, lowered suspension. S4s and RS 4 have unique trim and specific sport suspensions. Cabrios have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window. All models come with ABS and antiskid system. Sedans and wagons include front side airbags and curtain side airbags, with rear side airbags available. Cabrios come with front side airbags that protect the head and torso and rear support bars designed to pop up automatically in a rollover. A navigation system is optional and includes Audi's MMI control for audio, climate, and other functions. S4s get revised front and rear styling for 2007.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TSX and Audi A3.

New or significantly redesigned is the BMW 3-Series.
News
Sources say a redesigned A4 will debut in Europe during calendar 2009, which likely means a 2010-model U.S. intro. Sedans roll in first, with other body styles updated in due course. The next generation of Audi's top seller is said to be a bit shorter than today's A4, though probably no lighter. Word is that engines will be repositioned several inches further back for better front/rear weight balance and thus sharper handling.

The next A4 will employ Audi's new "modular" platform engineering. This allows mixing different underskin structures and associated components to create niche models that don't necessarily fall within the usual categories. The first "modular" Audi will be a new model, the A5, expected in Europe about a year before the first redesigned A4s. A5 reportedly bows as a coupe sized close to Audi's midrange A6 sedans. A cloth-roof convertible will be added around 2010. Both will list at least two V6s, according to one source, but another mole thinks engines may also include Audi's 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl and a 350-hp V8. Quattro all-wheel drive should be standard, as will Audi's S-Tronic 6-speed automated manual. Tipsters believe A5s will be ambitiously priced somewhat upstream of comparable BMW 3-Series and Mercedes CLK models.
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2007 Audi A4 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6, S4) Rear-seat room (Cabriolet)
Automatic-transmission performance (CVT) Fuel economy (S4, RS4)
Steering/handling
Ride (base suspension)
Interior materials
Available AWD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 6 6 7 6.6

A4 2.0Ts suffer some turbo lag, but are generally smooth and strong. Test manual-transmission sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph; test automatic Avant Quattro did 7.6. Test Cabrio with 3.2 V6 strong from any speed, but suffers annoying non-linear power delivery. Front-drive A4s with CVT are lazy on takeoff. S4s are rapid; test manual-transmission Cabrio timed 5.6 sec 0-60. Audi claims just 4.6 sec for RS 4; that might be a little optimistic, but it's plenty fast.

Fuel Economy

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 5 5 4 5.4

With 2.0T, test A4s averaged 20.3-22.5 with manual transmission, 19.2 with automatic and more city use. With 3.2, test Cabrio averaged 16.0 mpg in mostly city driving. With manual transmission, S4 sedans averaged 16.1-18.4 mpg, S4 wagons 15.0-15.8 mpg, S4 Cabrio 14.1 mpg. Test RS 4 averaged 16.0 mpg. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all models.
Ride Quality

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
7 7 6 5 5.9

Base suspension with 16- or 17-inch tires provides firm control, mostly good bump absorption. Little difference with S-line package's sport suspension. S4/RS 4 are stiff but seldom punishing, show impressive high-speed stability.



Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
7 7 7 9 7.3

True drivers' cars all, especially S4 and RS 4. Quattro gives extra measure of all-weather grip. Steering nicely weighted, direct. Cabriolets suffer impressively little body quiver typical of convertibles.
Quietness

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
6 6 6 5 6.2

Engines purr at cruise, snarl discreetly at full throttle. Cabrios show modest top-up wind noise and minimal top-down buffeting, the latter helped by available wind deflector. Low-profile 18- and 19-inch tires whine on concrete, thump on ruts. A few interior rattles noted in some test Avants.
Controls

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.2

Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system a bit complex, and its controls are awkwardly low on dashboard. MMI absorbs most audio, some climate functions, so can be distracting, frustrating. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever, cupholders. Cabins impress for classy design, materials, workmanship. Fully automatic convertible top powers up or down in 24 sec.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.9

Firm, comfortable seats. S4 and RS 4 have special sport buckets with heavier side bolsters to snug occupants in fast cornering. All models have ample head, leg room, though center console steals enough knee space to annoy some drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
4 4 2 4 3.7

Supportive, nicely contoured seat, but no surplus of head and leg room in sedans, wagons. Entry/exit also tight. Cabriolets even more cramped, with taxing ingress/egress.
Cargo Room

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
3 7 2 3 4.2

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 tiny with top down. Interior storage limited to glovebox, door map pockets, small center console bin.
Value within Class

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
10 9 7 8 6.3

Some like-priced competitors have more outright power and rear-seat space, but these Best Buy Audis are solid, sophisticated premium compacts that match anything in their class for performance, dynamic balance, features, and materials quality.

Total Score

2.0T sedan, man. 2.0T Avant wagon, auto. 3.2 Cabrio, auto. S4 sedan, man. Class Average
64 66 56 60 59.7
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
55
Average Score
59
High Score
67
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2007 Audi A4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/03/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A4 2.0T 4-door sedan, manual $28,240 $26,043 $775
A4 2.0T 4-door sedan, CVT $29,440 $27,215 $775
A4 2.0T Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $39,100 $36,006 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro 4-door sedan, manual $30,340 $28,143 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $31,540 $29,315 $775
AWD A4 2.0T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $31,340 $29,053 $775
AWD A4 2.0T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $32,540 $30,225 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $41,200 $38,106 $775
A4 3.2 4-door sedan, CVT $35,540 $32,766 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $36,440 $33,694 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $37,640 $34,866 $775
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $37,440 $34,604 $775
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $38,640 $35,776 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $46,950 $43,339 $775
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $47,500 $43,759 $775
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $48,700 $44,931 $775
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $48,500 $44,669 $775
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $49,700 $45,841 $775
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, manual $55,700 $51,221 $775
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $56,900 $52,393 $775
AWD RS 4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $66,000 $60,594 $775
Price note: RS 4 adds $2100 Gas-Guzzler Tax. 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 2.0T
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 (sedan, wagon), automatic rollbars (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, front-seat active head restraints (sedan, wagon).
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 (sedan, wagon), height-adjustable driver seat (convertible), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (sedan, wagon), aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, power convertible top (convertible), 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, headlight washers (convertible), roof rails (wagon), 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, rear limited-slip differential.
A4 3.2 adds to A4 2.0T:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats, wood interior trim, power sunroof (sedan, wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45HR17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, rear limited-slip differential.
S4 adds to A4 3.2:
Powertrain
4.2-liter 340-horsepower V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, front and rear limited-slip differentials.
Safety
Daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Trunk pass-through w/ski sack, aluminum interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: steering wheel radio controls, wood interior trim, power sunroof.
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers, sport suspension, 235/40YR18 tires.
RS 4 adds to S4:
Powertrain
4.2-liter 420-horsepower V8 engine.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 255/35ZR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
RS 4
$4,700
$4,277
Navigation system, Bose sound system, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), heated rear seats, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener, power rear sunshade, manual side sunshades, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.
Convenience Pkg.
S4 sedan/wagon
$1,000
$910
S4 convertible
$1,050
$956
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power-folding mirrors, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, compass, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, steering-linked adaptive headlights.
S line Pkg.
2.0T sedan/wagon
$3,400
$3,094
3.2 sedan/wagon
$2,750
$2,503
2.0T convertible
$3,000
$2,730
3.2 convertible
$2,500
$2,275
Leather upholstery (2.0T), power sunroof (2.0T), unique interior trim and exterior trim, aluminum interior trim, steering wheel shift paddles (CVT, automatic), power sunroof (2.0T sedan/wagon), sport suspension, 235/40R18 tires. NA w/Premium Pkg.
Titanium Pkg.
2.0T, 3.2
$500
$455
Unique interior and exterior trim. Requires S line Pkg. NA convertible.
DTM Exterior Sport Pkg.
S4 sedan
$1,500
$1,365
Body cladding, carbon-fiber front and rear spoilers, unique alloy wheels. Requires Convenience Pkg.
Audio Pkg.
A4, S4
$1,000
$910
Bose sound system, satellite radio.
Cold Weather Pkg.
2.0T
$775
$705
3.2
$550
$501
Heated front seats, heated rear seats (3.2), ski sack, headlight washers. A4 requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. 3.2 requires Convenience Pkg. NA convertible.
Safety
Rear side airbags
A4 2.0T, A4 3.2, RS 4, S4
$350
$319
NA Cabriolet.
Rear-obstacle-detection system
A4, S4
$350
$319
Tire-pressure monitor
A4, S4
$250
$228
A4 sedan/wagon require Convenience Pkg. Std. RS 4.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
S4
$1,950
$1,775
A4
$2,100
$1,911
Includes MMI operating system. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD changer to glovebox. 2.0T sedan/wagon requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. 3.2 sedan/wagon, S4 require Convenience Pkg. NA RS 4.
Power sunroof delete
RS 4
$0
$0
Upgraded leather upholstery
3.2
$1,000
$910
Upgraded leather upholstery w/sport seats
3.2 convertible
$1,500
$1,365
Heated front seats
2.0T, 3.2, S4 convertible
$450
$410
S4 sedan/wagon
$0
$0
2.0T requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. NA A4 convertible.
Heated front and rear seats
3.2/S4 convertible
$675
$614
S4 sedan/wagon
$225
$205
Requires Convenience Pkg.
Wood interior trim
2.0T, S4
$400
$364
NA w/S line Pkg.
Aluminum interior trim
3.2
$0
$0
Carbon-fiber interior trim
S4
$400
$364
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
A4 2.0T, A4 3.2, S4
$690
$628
NA convertible, RS 4.
Wireless cell phone link
A4, S4
$500
$455
Wireless cell phone link and trip computer
A4 sedan/wagon
$700
$637
NA w/tire-pressure monitor.
Power rear and manual side sunshades
3.2/S4 sedan
$400
$364
Manual side sunshades
wagon
$150
$137
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
A4 2.0T, A4 3.2, S4
$475
$432
NA RS 4.
Premium paint
A4 2.0T, A4 3.2, RS 4, S4
$750
$683
Sport suspension
A4
$250
$228
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2007 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 dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121 3.2 /191 4.2 /254
Horsepower @ rpm. 200 @ 5100 255 @ 6500 340 @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 207 @ 1800 243 @ 3250 302 @ 3500
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed manual 23/34 17/27 15/21
6-speed automatic 22/30 19/27 15/23
CVT automatic 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 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 4 4 NA
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 None/-- --
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:  2007 Audi A4 Cabriolet
Trim Level:  A4 3.2
Arrival Date:  11/21/2006
Engine:  dohc V6
Bodystyle:  2-door convertible
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $46,950
Price as Tested:  $57,770
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  1371
Mileage at End of Test:  1533
Total Measured Miles: 
Total Fuel Used:  10.111 gals.
 

Major Options:  Misano Red Pearl Effect/Black Roof, S Line Sport Package (18" 5-Arm Alloy Wheels, High Performance Summer Tires, Sport Suspension, S Line Bumpers and Badges, Brushed Aluminum Trim, 3-Spoke Multi-Function Steering Wheel), Audi Navigation Plus, Convenience Package (Homelink Remote Transmitter, Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror with Compass, Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors, Memory for Driver Seat and Mirror Adjustments, Rain & Light Sensor, Bi-Xenon Headlights, Adaptive Front Lighting System, Acoustic Convertible Roof), Sport Seats with Perlnappa Leather, Premium Audio Package (Bose Premium Sound System, Sirius Satellite Radio), Heated Front Seats

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy:  16.02 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None


From The Back Seat
Damon Bell It's still plenty expensive, but an A4 cabriolet with the S-Line package is a worthwhile choice for Audi droptop shoppers who crave the S4's agility but can live without the S4's extra horsepower.

John Biel The A4 convertible in this test made for an attractive, comfortable, and responsive car. As equipped, though, it was quite expensive ($57,770 delivered) in relation to its passenger- and cargo-carrying capability. But if you're going to have a showy plaything, you could do worse than getting one with the inherent qualities of an Audi A4.


Vehicle Evaluated:  2007 Audi S4
Trim Level:  S4
Arrival Date:  04/12/2007
Engine:  dohc V8
Bodystyle:  4-door sedan
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
4WD/AWD:  Yes
Base Price:  $47,500
Price as Tested:  $56,720
Mileage at Beginning of Test:  6924</