Acceleration

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
7	6	6	8	6.5

A4 2.0Ts suffer some turbo lag but are generally smooth and strong. In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission 2.0T sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60 mph; test automatic Avant Quattro did 7.6. Test Cabrio with the 3.2 V6 is 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; it doesn't feel quite that quick, but it is plenty fast.

Fuel Economy

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
6	5	4	4	5.6

In Consumer Guide testing, 2.0T 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. An RS 4 averaged 16 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Audi recommends premium-grade gas for all models.

Ride Quality

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	6	6	5.5

The base suspension with 16- or 17-inch tires provides firm control and mostly good bump absorption. There is little difference with the S line package's sport suspension. S4 and RS 4 are stiff but seldom punishing and show impressive high-speed stability. Cabriolets suffer impressively little body quiver typical of convertibles.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	8	7.3

True drivers' cars all, especially the S4 and RS 4. Quattro gives an extra measure of all-weather grip. Steering is nicely weighted and direct.

Quietness

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.1

Engines purr at cruise and snarl discreetly at full throttle. Cabriolets show modest top-up wind noise and minimal top-down buffeting, the latter helped by the available wind deflector. Low-profile 18- and 19-inch tires whine on concrete and thump on ruts.

Controls

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.2

The gauges are clear and well-lit. The dual-zone automatic climate system is a bit complex, and its controls are awkwardly low on the dashboard. MMI absorbs most audio and some climate functions, so it can be distracting. The front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever and cupholders.

Details

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
8	7	8	8	7.2

A4 cabins impress for classy design, materials, and workmanship. A few interior rattles were noted in some test Avants. The fully automatic convertible top powers up or down in 24 sec.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
7	7	7	7	6.8

The seats are firm and comfortable. S4 and RS 4 have special sport buckets with heavier side bolsters to snug occupants in fast cornering. All models have ample headroom and legroom, though the center console steals enough knee space to annoy some drivers.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
4	4	2	4	3.7

Supportive and nicely contoured seat, but there is no surplus of headroom or legroom in sedans and wagons. Entry and exit is also tight. Cabriolets are even more cramped, with taxing ingress and egress.

Cargo Room

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
3	8	2	3	4.3

Sedans have a usefully roomy trunk and standard fold-down rear seatbacks. Wagons are more versatile but are not big-load luggers. The convertible's trunk shrinks from small to tiny with the top down. Interior storage is limited to the glovebox, door map pockets, and a small center console bin.

Value within Class

2.0T sedan, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
10	9	7	8	6.1

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, manual	2.0T Avant, automatic	3.2 Cabriolet, automatic	S4 sedan, manual	Class Average
71	72	61	68	65.3

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		59
Average Score		65
High Score		72