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2008 Audi A4 Full Review
Date Published: 3/13/08
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2008 Audi A4 Review
The 2008 Audi A4 is largely unchanged, pending a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. New for 2008 is an RS 4 Cabriolet. 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 and convertible. A4 2.0T models have a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A4 3.2 versions get a 255-hp 3.2-liter V6. S4s and RS 4 have 4.2-liter 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 a heated glass rear window. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. 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.
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 Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.

News
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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2008 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, manual 2.0T Avant, automatic 3.2 Cabriolet, automatic S4 sedan, manual Class Average
7 6 6 8 6.6

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 5.4

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 7.4

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 6.3

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 7

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 3.5

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 4.1

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 6.4

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 65.5
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
59
Average Score
65
High Score
72
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2008 Audi A4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A4 2.0T 4-door sedan, manual $28,900 $26,878 $775
A4 2.0T 4-door sedan, CVT $30,200 $28,085 $775
A4 2.0T Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $39,750 $36,968 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro 4-door sedan, manual $31,000 $28,830 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $32,300 $30,041 $775
AWD A4 2.0T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $32,000 $29,760 $775
AWD A4 2.0T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $33,300 $30,971 $775
AWD A4 2.0T quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $41,850 $38,921 $775
A4 2.0T SE 4-door sedan, manual $29,750 $27,668 $775
A4 2.0T SE 4-door sedan, CVT $31,050 $28,877 $775
AWD A4 2.0T SE quattro 4-door sedan, manual $32,025 $29,783 $775
AWD A4 2.0T SE quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $33,325 $30,992 $775
AWD A4 2.0T SE Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $33,025 $30,713 $775
AWD A4 2.0T SE Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $34,325 $31,922 $775
A4 3.2 4-door sedan, CVT $36,300 $33,761 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $37,250 $34,643 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $38,400 $35,713 $775
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $38,250 $35,573 $775
AWD A4 3.2 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $39,400 $36,643 $775
AWD A4 3.2 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $47,900 $44,548 $775
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $48,610 $45,207 $775
AWD S4 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $49,710 $46,232 $775
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $49,610 $46,137 $775
AWD S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $50,710 $47,162 $775
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, manual $56,775 $52,801 $775
AWD S4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, automatic $57,975 $53,917 $775
AWD RS 4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $66,910 $62,227 $775
AWD RS 4 quattro Cabriolet 2-door convertible, manual $81,900 $76,168 $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, traction control, 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, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints (sedan, wagon).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic 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, split folding rear seat (sedan, wagon), trunk pass-through w/ski sack (convertible), 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, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, 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 2.0T SE adds to A4 2.0T:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, satellite radio.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45R17 tires, 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 SE:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated 12-way power front seats, wood interior trim.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: satellite radio.
235/40R18 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
Heated front seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, aluminum interior trim, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 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
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof (sedan).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 255/35ZR19 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
RS 4 sedan
$4,000
$3,720
Navigation system, Bose sound system, 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. Moves in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer to glovebox.
Convenience Pkg.
S4 sedan/wagon
$2,125
$1,934
S4 convertible
$2,625
$2,442
Memory system (driver seat, mirrors), Bose sound system, 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
$2,000
$1,820
3.2 sedan/wagon
$900
$838
2.0T convertible
$3,000
$2,730
3.2 convertible
$2,500
$2,275
2.0T SE
$1,200
$1,115
Leather upholstery (2.0T), unique interior trim and exterior trim, aluminum interior trim, steering wheel shift paddles (CVT, automatic), wind deflector (convertible), sport suspension, 235/40R18 tires. NA w/Premium Pkg.
Titanium Pkg.
2.0T, 2.0T SE, 3.2
$500
$455
Unique interior and exterior trim. Requires S line Pkg. NA convertible.
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. A4 requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. NA 2.0T SE.
Cold Weather Pkg.
2.0T
$775
$705
3.2
$550
$501
Heated front seats (2.0T), heated rear seats (3.2), ski sack, headlight washers. A4 requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. 3.2 requires Convenience Pkg. NA convertible.
Exclusive Pkg.
RS 4 sedan
$3,800
$3,535
Unique interior and exterior trim. Requires Premium Pkg.
Safety
Rear side airbags
A4 2.0T, A4 2.0T SE, A4 3.2, RS 4, S4
$350
$319
NA Cabriolet.
Rear-obstacle-detection system
3.2, S4
$350
$319
S4 requires Convenience Pkg.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
S4
$1,950
$1,775
A4
$2,100
$1,911
Includes MMI operating system. Includes glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer or iPod adapter. 2.0T sedan/wagon requires Premium Pkg. or S line Pkg. and Convenience Pkg. 3.2 sedan/wagon, S4 require Convenience Pkg. NA RS 4.
Power sunroof delete
RS 4 sedan
$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
$450
$410
Heated rear seats
3.2 convertible, S4
$225
$205
Requires Convenience Pkg.
Wood interior trim
2.0T sedan/wagon, 2.0T SE, S4
$400
$364
2.0T convertible
$450
$410
S4 requires Convenience Pkg. NA w/S line Pkg.
Carbon-fiber interior trim
S4
$400
$364
Requires Convenience Pkg.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
A4 2.0T, A4 2.0T SE, A4 3.2, S4
$690
$628
NA convertible, RS 4.
Bose sound system
2.0T SE
$650
$605
iPod adapter
A4, S4, RS 4 sedan
$250
$228
RS 4 convertible
$0
$0
Wireless cell phone link
A4
$500
$455
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 2.0T SE, A4 3.2, S4
$475
$432
NA RS 4.
Premium paint
A4 2.0T, A4 2.0T SE, A4 3.2, RS 4, S4
$750
$683
Sport suspension
A4
$250
$228
2.0T requires Premium Pkg.
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2008 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 20/31 15/25 13/20
6-speed automatic 19/27 17/25 14/21
CVT automatic 21/30 18/27 --/--
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
4WD Rollover 4 4 NA
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