The
2011 Audi A4 is a hot seller that comes as a sedan or a wagon, sporting a small, athletic body with a surprisingly large interior. Coming equipped with either a turbocharged four-cylinder or a supercharged V-6, the A4 offers a fairly wide range of transmissions and either front-wheel drive or Audi's quattro all-wheel drive. Audi is a master of car engineering, and the A4 is proof of it.
With a lush interior enhanced by its exterior good looks, the 2011 Audi A4 achieves exceptional handling and better fuel economy in the 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway range. The Audi A4's safety ratings are good and the standard features are adequate, but the price rises quickly when adding options.
New for 2011
The 2011 Audi A4 gets several minor changes depending on trim level, including HD Radio integration into the optional navigation system and an 8-speed automatic transmission replacing the old 6-speed. The old birch wood trim has been replaced with Nutmeg Laurel wood, and the Prestige trim level gets a reverse camera and parking sensors, while the Premium Plus trim gets an auto-dimming interior mirror as standard.
Essentials
Engines: 2.0L turbocharged I-4, 3.0L supercharged V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed auto-clutch manual, 8-speed automatic, Continuously Variable Transmission
Body Styles: Sedan, Wagon
Trims: Base Sedan, Avant Wagon
On the Outside
The 2011 Audi A4 is among the best-looking cars in its class and has one of the best versions 'f Audi's signature LED driving lights. Whether in sedan or wagon form, the Audi A4 assumes a taut, muscular appearance due to the sheet metal being pulled tight around the frame.
From the Inside
Standard across all of the Audi trims are leather, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a multifunction steering wheel. Wood trim is optional on all trims, while heated seats are optional on base models and standard on all others.
Driving Performance
The 2011 Audi A4's base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is well-torqued and smooth, providing 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Sport car enthusiasts will prefer the S4's 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 with its robust 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Audi has dropped the mid-range V-6, leaving a hole in the engine offerings. Users can customize the optional adjustable suspension.
Safety Equipment
Electronic aids such as Stability Control and Traction Control are standard. Driver and passenger front airbags are standard, along with side impact thorax bags and front and rear head curtain bags.
Gas Mileage
A4 Sedan FWD: 22 mpg city/30 mpg hwy
A4 Sedan AWD Manual: 21 mpg city/31 mpg hwy
A4 Sedan AWD Automatic, A4 Avant Wagon AWD: 21 mpg city/29 mpg hwy
S4 Manual: 18 mpg city/27 mpg hwy
S4 Automatic: 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Innovative styling
- Respectable mileage
- Quattro AWD
- Spacious trunk
- Adjustable suspension an option
Minuses
- Lack of mid-range engine
- Pricey options
- Continuously Variable Transmission
Rating
Power and prestige worth the price
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