Audi A4 Never Loses Composure
The Audi A4 car replaced the Audi 90 in the German automaker’s U.S. lineup for 1996, and the change in nomenclature ended up being very appropriate—it signaled the start of a movement toward vehicles with more performance appeal and inherent sporty driving feel that continues today.
Launched in the mid-’90s, the Audi A4 quickly proved a favorite among luxury-car buyers thanks to its handsome, well-finished cabin, sharp handling and available Quattro all-wheel drive. The Audi holds the distinction of single-handedly reviving the Audi brand after its big sales slump some two decades ago.
Tight panel gaps, high-quality materials and firm, comfortable seating give the interior the proper European ambience, while a supple ride and willing performance make the Audi a great road trip choice. Many shoppers forget how small the Audi is until they get inside—or try the back seat. At just 175 inches long, the 1996 Audi wasn’t much longer (or any larger inside) than a Toyota Corolla.
In the years since, Audi is grown only about ten inches in length and though it has a wider, more spacious interior the back-seat space remains too tight for taller adults. Although those core characteristics have been part of the Audi personality since day one, this Audi — which has traditionally been available in sedan, wagon and convertible body styles — has become increasingly polished with each successive generation.
No matter what year you’re looking at, though, the Audi A4 will provide athletic performance and a comfortable and inviting cabin. Add in the appeal of all-wheel drive (a serious asset for those who live in inclement parts of the country) and it’s easy to see why the Audi used to become a prime choice for an entry-level luxury car.
When the Audi was first introduced in the U.S., it included a 172-horsepower, 2.6-liter V-6 and five-speed manual transmission or optional five-speed automatic (with Tiptronic manual control on some models). The Audi A4 performance with this engine is adequate but a little wheezy—especially with quattro (all-wheel drive); to its credit, it sounded good and was very smooth.
The second year the Audi got a stronger 193-hp, 2.8-liter V-6 that moves it with more authority, but the new base engine, a 150-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (the Audi A4 1.8T) ended up being the real star—offering a more sprightly feel than the V-6 because of its accessible torque, along with better fuel economy.
The Audi A4 Today
The best-selling Audi is now even more attractive: Audi is refreshing the 2012 Audi A4 family. New solutions for the engines, chassis and infotainment are being added to the Audi Sedan, Avant, allroad quattro and S4 models, making them even more sporty and efficient.
The new 2012 Audi A4 is the first in a new generation of Audis (A5, R8 included) that have learned how to ride; a wonderfully engineered bit of kit that still manages to be just that little bit boring. So, so much better than Audi of old, the new car is quiet, comfy and composed – especially on long motorway hauls.
There’s so much more space than the old model the new Audi A4 feels like it comes from the class above, excellent engines, providing performance and efficiency in both diesel and petrol guises, also mean there’s something for almost everyone here. A supremely competent car, the Audi A4 never loses composure and loves tasty back roads.
