The cash cow
There are so many hot rods in Audi's lineup that we have a tendency to forget a very important thing: the most profitable model for the company is the little A4. In December 2007, the A4/S4/RS 4 range counted for 52% of total sales in Canada. You don't write your financial reports in black ink with 420- and 450-hp road burners.
So, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the A4's upcoming redesign is a major issue. We already know it'll look like; imagine a four-door version of the new A5/S5, and you'll have a good idea of its beauty.
So, should we wait until next year before buying an A4? Is the current generation still worthy?
Extra goodies for the SE
To give us more stuff for our hard-earned money, Audi came up with a version that gathers up a host of extra features for just a few bucks more.
So, an additional $1,250 over the 2.0T quattro model nets us rain-sensing wipers, automatic bi-xenon headlights, a memory function for the driver's seat, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, autodimming outside and rear view mirrors as well as some styling elements that are usually included in the S line package. According to Audi, all this is worth $4,250.
A good engine, but...
The little 2.0-liter inline-4 with a turbocharged slapped on generates 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a low 1,800 rpm. This is a jewel of an engine, muscular and frugal at the same time, and it provides the car with 0-100 km/h sprint times of 7.5 seconds when coupled to the joyful 6-speed manual.
However, at idle and at low RPMs, the engine doesn't sound all that great for a car of this price. In fact, compared to the inline-sixes in the BMW 3-Series, the 2.0-liter turbo sounds like it was taken off a tractor. At full throttle, however, it's much better.
There are so many hot rods in Audi's lineup that we have a tendency to forget a very important thing: the most profitable model for the company is the little A4. In December 2007, the A4/S4/RS 4 range counted for 52% of total sales in Canada. You don't write your financial reports in black ink with 420- and 450-hp road burners.
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| The A4 is surely the most prevalent Audi on our roads. |
So, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that the A4's upcoming redesign is a major issue. We already know it'll look like; imagine a four-door version of the new A5/S5, and you'll have a good idea of its beauty.
So, should we wait until next year before buying an A4? Is the current generation still worthy?
Extra goodies for the SE
To give us more stuff for our hard-earned money, Audi came up with a version that gathers up a host of extra features for just a few bucks more.
So, an additional $1,250 over the 2.0T quattro model nets us rain-sensing wipers, automatic bi-xenon headlights, a memory function for the driver's seat, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, autodimming outside and rear view mirrors as well as some styling elements that are usually included in the S line package. According to Audi, all this is worth $4,250.
A good engine, but...
The little 2.0-liter inline-4 with a turbocharged slapped on generates 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the latter peaking at a low 1,800 rpm. This is a jewel of an engine, muscular and frugal at the same time, and it provides the car with 0-100 km/h sprint times of 7.5 seconds when coupled to the joyful 6-speed manual.
However, at idle and at low RPMs, the engine doesn't sound all that great for a car of this price. In fact, compared to the inline-sixes in the BMW 3-Series, the 2.0-liter turbo sounds like it was taken off a tractor. At full throttle, however, it's much better.
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| Much of the pleasure that one experiences at the wheel of this car comes from its turbo engine. |