A number of option packages or standalones can be applied to the well-dressed basic A4, including a Premium Package,
Sport Package, Cold Weather Package and Lighting Package. Standalones include a power moonroof, headlight washers, 17-inch alloy wheels, DVD navigation, rear side airbags, tire pressure monitoring and premium audio. With or without the extras, the A4 2.0T quattro is a solidly built, accurately assembled compact sedan with plenty of head and legroom up front. Rear seat allotment can pinch when the front seats are positioned aft. Should cargo out-prioritize passengers, the split rear seat can be folded down to add substantial real estate to a reasonably sizable trunk of 13.4 cu-ft - although it's quite a bit smaller than the Jetta's boot.
Since its 1996 inception, the A4 has pegged highly on my post of beautifully
styled sedans. Truth be known though, I prefer the lines and front grille of last year's version, but hey, I owned a Gremlin in the '70s (albeit a potent V8-powered edition), so what do I know about style. As with Audi's full line, the interior architecture and assembly quality of the A4 is outstanding. The one criticism I have, however, pertains to Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) audio / navigation / everything control. Rather than situating the control knob and related buttons on the centre console, as in the A6 and A8, Audi has placed the entire workings low on the center stack, making it much more difficult to operate without distraction. For instance, when increasing the bass while blasting a CCR CD (that's Credence Clearwater Revival for those not in tune with 1970s three-letter acronyms), I counted a total of five-steps to accomplish the task when the navigation system was active.
MMI irritation aside, the Audi A4 2.0T quattro is a driver's car, not a snoozer's car. It combines the benefits of good fuel economy and excellent all-weather traction with exceptional handling and spirited acceleration. It also accommodates plenty of cargo, be it human or otherwise, while looking simply stunning in the process. Go quattro.
Specifications (2.0T Quattro):
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| The rear seat allotment can pinch when the front seats are positioned aft. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
Since its 1996 inception, the A4 has pegged highly on my post of beautifully
 |
| Rather than situating the MMI audio / navigation / everything control knob and related buttons on the center console, as in the A6 and A8, Audi has placed the entire workings low on the center stack making it much more difficult to operate without distraction. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
MMI irritation aside, the Audi A4 2.0T quattro is a driver's car, not a snoozer's car. It combines the benefits of good fuel economy and excellent all-weather traction with exceptional handling and spirited acceleration. It also accommodates plenty of cargo, be it human or otherwise, while looking simply stunning in the process. Go quattro.
Specifications (2.0T Quattro):
- Price Range: $30,340 - $42,985
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 200 hp, 207 lb-ft of torque, 2.0L (122 cu in), 16-valve DOHC I-4
- Transmission: 6-spd manual, opt 6-spd automatic with manual-mode
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA, EBD
- Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 180.5 / 76.3 / 57.2 / 104.3 in
- Curb Weight: 3,652 lbs
- Trunk: 13.4 cu ft
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 21.7 / 32.6 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.4 seconds
- Warranty (mo/miles): 48/50,000 comprehensive
- Competitors: BMW 3-Series, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus IS300, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3, Volvo S40
- Website: www.audiusa.com
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