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since the first A4 landed on American shores, Audi has been enjoying a nonstop
streak of hits that has reinvigorated the brand as well as launched Audi into
the same elevated strata as Mercedes-Benz and BMW in the minds of American sport
sedan buyers. Much
of this is attributable to Audi's elegant, modern design vocabulary. The first
A4 was simply gorgeous, and its fresh look took the market by surprise. Offering
understated grace and innovative technologies and beautiful interiors, the A4
succeeded wildly in waking people up to a brand that had been all but dormant
in the United States. So now that buyers are listening, Audi is rolling out an
all-new A4, and expectations are high.
Well, we're happy to report that
the new A4 is indeed better in every way. First, Audi has somehow managed to make
the new A4 even better looking than the original, its flared fenders, chrome-rimmed
stacked grilles and thicker bodysides contributing to a beefier overall look.
Interior styling and ergonomics are very close to the design that captured so
many buyers in its last iteration. Now, however, the interior features more metal
trim, slight refinements in switchgear as well as more space to spread out.
Propelling the A4 is your choice of an efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder
(170 hp) or a more powerful 3.0-liter V-6 (220 hp). Five-speed transmissions are
available with either manual or automatic operation. Interestingly, a continuously
variable transmission (CVT) is available on front-wheel-drive models that varies
engine speed seamlessly, maximizes fuel efficiency while delivering optimal torque
on demand. As always, the A4 can be equipped with Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel-drive
system.
As in previous years, the A4 is offered in sedan and wagon bodystyles,
to be joined this fall by a beautiful new convertible that should give the BMW
3-Series droptop a breezy run for its money.
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