2006 Audi A4 Quattro
by Jim Prueter - 04/05

All-season luxury gets a makeover

The A4 is Audi's biggest seller, accounting for nearly 60 percent of all Audis sold in the United States. The entry-level luxury sedan debuted here in 1996 and was completely redesigned for the 2002 model year. Audi later added a station wagon - or in "Audi speak", the Avant - and a convertible Audi calls the Cabriolet.

But with fierce competition in this market segment from the likes of Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and the fact that both BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class will be newly designed for '06, Audi felt it couldn't afford to fall behind competition and therefore introduced a newly redesigned A4, at dealers now. It's being sold as an '05 model for now but is the new A4 for '06.

The most noticeable change to the A4 is its massive and controversial grille, mimicking the look of the A8, A6 and soon-to-be-introduced entry-level Audi A3. Lest you forget the shape of the grille, it's repeated on the center of the steering wheel.

While retaining the pleasing sheet metal look of the previous generation, the new A4 got more than just a nose job. The twin-beam trapezoidal headlamps are upswept flowing back to a sharp shoulder crease that extends down the entire side of the car to a new rear end with tail lamps that extend onto the trunk lid. Even with the current design changes, the A4 is unmistakably Audi in appearance.

Inside, changes to the interior are minor, with cup holders moved from the dash to the center console. The base model has aluminum trim on the dash and cloth seats standard. The V-6 engine model has aluminum trim and standard leather seating. Wood trim is optional on all models. Audi makes the best-looking interiors of any vehicle - period. Fit and finish is, as always, outstanding. Seats are a bit on the firm side but always comfortable even on extended stints behind the wheel. Don't expect much from the backseat; its small and only children will feel comfortable.

Audi is introducing two completely new engines for the new A4. Replacing the competent 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder is an all-new 2.0-liter turbo with FSI direct fuel injection producing 200 horsepower. Several transmissions are available with this engine when choosing front-wheel-drive or the all-wheel-drive Quattro model: either a six-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission.

A 3.2-liter 255-horsepower V-6, the same used in the A6, is available but the premium is a hefty $8,000 over the base 2.0-liter.

The A4 is available in a choice of three models: A4 ($28,070) Avant ($31,170) and Cabriolet ($36,470). Three S models featuring a high performance 4.2-liter 340-horsepower V-8 are available in a sedan ($46,820), Avant ($47,820) and Cabriolet ($54,670). All S models feature all-wheel drive with 0-60 mph times of around 5.3 seconds.

For '06 Audi got rid of the old A4's front suspension in favor of the new four-link design that debuted on the 2005 A6. Rear suspension is a carryover from the performance S4 and slightly softened for use on the A4. Stability control and traction control are standard on all A4s.

The A4 is one of the most fun-to-drive cars I have tested and is certainly a leader in its class. Handling is crisp, predictable and balanced. It's completely enjoyable as a daily driver and equally fun for weekend jaunts and errands. Since the back seat is so small, I recommend the Avant if you need more room or like to take the dog along. Also, consider the Quattro if you live in or frequently travel to Arizona's snowy mountain regions for skiing or getaways.

Audi has loaded the A4 with numerous safety features. Standard airbags include front driver and passenger advanced two-stage airbags with occupant sensors, set mounted side airbags, inflatable curtain airbags, active front head restraints, lower anchors and tethers for child seat LATCH, automatic brake disc wiping (a system that periodically dries wet brake rotors for enhanced braking), ABS and brake assist and auto door locking. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the A4 a "Best Pick" and its highest rating of "good" in all crash tests. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the A4 four out of a possible five stars for front crash test injuries, five stars for side crash test injuries to front seat passengers, four for rear.

A4 comes in a choice of 10 body colors; only red, white and black don't cost extra. Most popular and expected features are standard, but extra-cost options include premium wheels and tires, Bose audio packages, lighting package, navigation system, walnut wood interior trim and, surprisingly, heated seats ($750) which should be standard in this class vehicle.

The A4 has always been a great vehicle and a favorite of mine, but moving up to S models is very expensive and I think there are better choices for the money. If you like its looks with the new grille, the A4 is an excellent choice when considering a balance of German built quality, performance and arguably the best looking interiors in the business.

Return to the Auto Reviews home page.