The revamped
2002 Audi A4 1.8T shows this German automaker is making more "Americanized'' cars with broader appeal.
The A4 is Audi's best-seller and is larger and more powerful, with a restyled body and the world's most advanced continuously variable automatic transmission. Audi dealers rejoiced in 1992 when they got the new 100 model because it was the first Audi most Americans could relate to; it had the automaker's first V-6 and slick body that could have come from America or Japan. Such a model was desperately needed because Audi was recovering from mid-1980s media reports such as the one by the "60 Minutes'' television show about alleged "unintended acceleration'' of its 5000 sedan. It turned out 5000 drivers were mistakenly putting a foot on the gas pedal instead of the brake, but the controversy nearly put Audi out of business here.
Audis now are desirable. The stylish A4, which debuted in 1995, also has played a major role in Audi's U.S. revival. That's partly because it's the least expensive Audi, with a variety of prices ranging from $24,900 to $38,900. It comes as a sedan or wagon. The latest A4, which strongly resembles the larger, costlier Audi A6, is roomier because it is 1.3 inches wider, 2.3 inches longer and a half an inch taller, with a 1.3-inch longer wheelbase. The car also has wider front and rear tracks for a more athletic stance. Despite such things as a new aluminum suspension, weight has increased a few hundred pounds.
So it's a good thing there's a slightly larger 3-liter, 220-horsepower version of last year's 190-horsepower V-6. The A4 I tested was the mid-range A4 1.8T Quattro (all-wheel drive) sedan with a refined, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower. At $26,650, it costs much less than the front-drive V-6 sedan, which starts at $31,390. The priciest A4 is the low-volume S4 2.7T hot rod sedan, which has a turbocharged 250-horsepower V-6. The A4's optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is only offered for front-drive models. It's smoother than the car's conventional, optional five-speed automatic.
Continuously variable automatics take getting used to because they don't have conventional gear changes. However, Audi's advanced CVT allows clutchless manual gear changes via steering-wheel thumb switches.
It can handle more horsepower and is more efficient than other CVTs. The A4 is the most fun--and the most efficient--with the turbocharged four-cylinder and nifty five-speed manual transmission that was in my test car. But the transmission needs a sixth gear to lower engine rpm during highway driving.
For instance, the tachometer showed engine revs to be 3,100 rpm at 65 mph when, say, a 2,500 rpm reading is more normal. However, you can get a decent 65-75 mph passing time without downshifting from fifth gear. And fuel economy of the A4 1.8T Quattro is a decent 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, despite the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system.
Curiously, the V-6 comes with a six-speed manual when it would do fine with a five-speed unit because it's larger than the four-cylinder. However, the five-speed manual shifts crisply. It works with a clutch that has a light action, but a long-throw. The turbocharged four-cylinder feels like a good small V-6 during hard acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds). It has advanced features such as five valves per cylinder and provides lively acceleration, but needs lots of revs and shifting to get the best acceleration. Lazy drivers best opt for the V-6 and one of the automatic transmissions. Audi's all-wheel-drive system causes acceleration to be a little slower.
But it helps give the A4 impressive road grip both on wet and dry pavement and comes with an electronic stability control system. Steering is precise and has the right amount of power assist. The A4 is agile and the all-independent suspension delivers a compliant ride that helps sell upscale cars to Americans. Stopping distances are short, with an easily modulated brake pedal.
The standard suspension is fine, but the $1,000 Sport package, which contains a sport suspension and wider wheels and tires, is a good investment. The quiet, roomier cabin provides good space for four tall adults, and front seats are supportive.
The dashboard is nicely designed, but the ignition switch is hard to quickly find on the steering column; it should be on the dashboard. There are pull-down front and rear armrests and a large glove compartment. But the cup holders have a marginal design, and rear windows don't lower all the way.
There is a large trunk, with a lid that moves well up and out of the way. Cargo space can be increased a lot by flipping the rear seatbacks forward and then using the large pass-through area between the trunk and back seat. The A4 is nicely equipped with comfort and convenience items, and safety features include head protection air bags for outboard occupants. The smooth, refined new A4 is the equal of entry-level BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. And it's more Americanized than either of those cars.
2002 AUDI A4
Price
$24,900-$38,900
Likes
Nicely revamped. Lively. Roomier. Smooth ride. Fun to drive.
Dislikes
High four-cylinder engine revs at high way speeds. Ignition switch not on dashboard. Long-throw clutch.