There have been few opportunities for me to be disappointed in the vehicles that Audi has given to the North American market. If I have one disappointment, it is that the carmaker tends not to bring in some of its more exciting vehicles from Europe. Or, at least, it delays that entry for a year or two just to taunt us.
My disappointment dissolves as I drive the new Audi A4 sedan. As was the case of the previous A4, I am excited with the improvements that have raised the level of refinement in the sedan.
While retaining the previous model’s platform, Audi engineers have added an all-new drivetrain, suspension system and a redesign of the exterior. The car appears as different as it performs — meaning that it looks good with a fresh look, and it performs all the functions as well as we would expect from a vehicle of this caliber.
Power comes from three exceptional engines that offer a different level of performance. The base vehicle begins with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged FSI, four-cylinder engine that brings economic driving to the performance sedan. This engine offers up 200 hp and 207 pounds-feet of torque. If I could ask for anything more to be added to the power offerings, it is more growl to the exhaust system.
For those drivers who might like V-6 power, the A4 offers a 3.2-liter engine that increases the horsepower available to 255 and the torque to 243 pounds-feet. This engine has what would be perceived as a linear application of power. It is smooth, powerful and downright fun to drive.
Audi gives buyers plenty of transmission choices. The base model begins with either a 5-speed manual or a Continuously Variable Transmission, or, if you choose to have quattro all-wheel drive, you can opt for a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic. The CVT, 6-speed manual and the 5-speed Tiptronic are available in many other models. So you can see Audi makes it easy to outfit your car the way you want.
With the development of Continuously Variable Transmission, auto manufacturers are looking to stretch the miles per gallon of fuel. A CVT uses two variable adjustable pulleys between which a steel belt runs, transferring power to the wheels.
CVTs give no indication or sensation of gearshifts; the power is nearly seamless. While this is disconcerting at first, you generally become accustomed to the lack of up and down shifts. Here again, Audi has been at the forefront of this innovation.
Audi has been instrumental in bringing all-wheel drive to the mainstream vehicle owners. This is the premium of all-wheel-drive systems proven by years of road-racing dominance. With the reliability developed through these many years of racing, the quattro system is the benchmark for performance all-wheel-drive vehicles.
For years, I have been impressed with the manner in which Audi develops and builds vehicles. Not only is the carmaker capable of exciting performance but it also offers several features that are at the forefront of the automotive world. It provides a great deal of luxury to go along with its performance, which in my book, makes a wonderful combination.
Ron Moorhead, a nationally syndicated automotive columnist, can be reached at ronmoorhead@hotmail.com
