|
2004 Audi A4 Review
Excellent line of sports sedans adds even more models.
2004 A4 Review Summary & Specifications
Audi A4 combines high quality, thoughtful design, and invigorating performance at a compelling price. The A4 is one of the most respected cars in a class that includes some of the best cars in the world. It delivers good performance in a practical package. It offers amenities and safety features found in large luxury sedans at a much lower price of entry. And it offers the option of quattro all-wheel drive.There are at least 14 sedans in this class. Sales are strong yet the competition is brutal, and today's hot ticket can quickly become tomorrow's has-been. It's no fluke that the A4 has remained near the top in sales since its introduction seven years ago, and this latest-generation A4 is a much better car than its predecessor. The A4 3.0 is an outstanding small luxury sport sedan. The Avant wagon is a great choice for families of two or three and a dog, offering big cargo capacity and sport-sedan handling. Cabriolet models add the excitement of open-top driving at the expense of some practicality. The V8-powered S4 takes performance to a significantly higher level; while the A4 1.8T delivers the luxury and performance of a true European sports sedan at a price that puts it in reach of many new-car buyers. Anyone shopping this class should take a long look at Audi. In short, the Audi A4 is a well-balanced machine that will hold your interest. It's exciting enough to grab your attention in the short term and substantial enough to grow more attractive with time.
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Jeffrey P. Vettraino and Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup | Audi A4 1.8T sedan 5-speed ($25,250); A4 1.8T sedan CVT ($26,400); A4 1.8 T sedan Quattro six-speed ($27,450); A4 1.8T sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($28,500); A4 1.8 T Avant Quattro six-speed ($28,450); A4 1.8T Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($29,500); A4 1.8T Cabriolet CVT ($35,250); A4 3.0 sedan CVT ($31,150): A4 3.0 sedan Quattro six-speed ($32,940); A4 3.0 sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($33,990); A4 3.0 Avant Quattro six-speed ($33,940); A4 3.0 Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($34,990); A4 3.0 Cabriolet CVT ($41,800); A4 3.0 Cabriolet Quattro Tiptronic ($43,550); S4 sedan Quattro six-speed ($45,650); S4 sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($46,800); S4 Avant Quattro six-speed ($46,650), S4 Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($47,800); S4 Cabriolet Quattro six-speed; S4 Cabriolet Quattro Tiptronic |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic |
| Engines (optional) | 170-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 220-hp 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6; 340-hp 4.2-liter dohc 40-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual (1.8T); 6-speed manual (3.0 and S4); 5-speed Tiptronic automatic (with quattro); 6-speed Tiptronic automatic (S4); CVT continuously variable automatic (3.0 with front-wheel drive) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, ESP; dual frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head-protection airbags; three-point seat belts for all five positions with pre-tensioners and force limiters in front |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles includes scheduled maintenance |
| Assembled In | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-822-2834 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.audiusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 25250 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Audi A4 3.0 quattro Tiptronic ($33,990) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control with air filters and smog-sensing auto-recirculation, fog lamps, central locking with remote operation, power windows with one-touch operation front and rear, cruise control, concealed headlight washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, 150-watt 10-speaker stereo with six-CD in-dash changer, 12-volt power outlets in trunk and center console, comprehensive first-aid kit, 12-way power front seats, leather seating inserts |
| Destination Charge | 690 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Sport Package ($750) includes lowered sports suspension, P235/45YR17 high-performance tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, brushed aluminum trim; Infotainment Package ($1000) includes 215-watt Bose premium sound system and satellite radio; Premium Package ($2300) includes power glass sunroof, multi-function steering wheel, xenon headlamps, HomeLink universal garage-door operator, auto-dimming power folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, memory for driver's seat and mirror adjustments; metallic pearl paint ($450); Cold Weather Package ($625) includes heated front seats, ski sack |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 39805 |
| Layout | all-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 220 @ 6300 |
| Torque | 221 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/25 |
| Wheelbase | 104.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 179.0/69.5/55.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 36.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.3/NA/41.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.1/NA/34.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 13.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, upper and lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent, trapezoidal links, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance | 4.2 |
| Curb Weight | 3627 |
| Stock Tires | P235/45YR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 17.4 |
|
|