Midsize sedan shoppers can get handsome and sporty in one package
torque. That’s up from 220/258.
The new 2.0 now outshines the base turbo four-cylinder engines belonging to the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS sedans. Note that a more potent S4 offshoot of the A4 is about a year away.
A seven-speed paddle-shift transmission replaces the eight-speed automatic, while the six-speed manual is gone.
According to Audi, front-wheel-drive A4s can reach 60 mph from rest in 6.1 seconds, while versions equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive can manage 5.7. Ordering Quattro gets you a launchcontrol program: Put the transmission in Sport mode, push the brake pedal and then push the gas pedal to the floor. When you want to launch, lift your foot off the brakes.
Driving in a more sedate manner certainly will maximize the A4’s fuel efficiency, which is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway (previously 21/29).
The basic A4 Premium that requires an outlay of $38,200, including destination charges, is not all that basic. Included is tri-zone climate control, leather seat covers, power sunroof, 7-inch display, eight-way power front seats, rain-sensing wipers, electric parking brake and 17-inch alloy wheels. A combination vehicle- and pedestriancollision warning and braking system is also standard.
The midrange Premium Plus adds allwheel drive plus fancier trim, camerabased front and rear parking assist and a 19-speaker, 755-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system.
A major distinguishing feature of the top-end A4 Prestige is what Audi calls the virtual cockpit. It consists of a 12.3-inch digital display directly in front of the driver that includes prominently displayed high-resolution images of the speedometer and tachometer (classic view) or reduced in size so that the navigation system’s map, communications or entertainment functions are dominant (infotainment view).
Other prestige items include heated front seats, larger 8.3-inch touch screen mounted to the dash, around-view external camera, 19-inch wheels and a wide range of active safety technology.
For anyone considering an A4 as an alternative to a fully equipped Accord, Fusion or Camry, note that Audi sorely will temp you with numerous upgrades that will blow up the final purchase price. Stave off those urges and you’ll painlessly land in a cushier lap of luxury. ■ Type: Four-door, front- / all-wheel-drive mid-size sedan ■ Engine (h.p.): 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 (252) ■ Transmission: Seven-speed paddle-shift automatic/ manual ■ Market position: Despite the shift away from traditional sedans to tall wagons, midsize four-door models, particularly in the mid- to upper-price ranges, are still a vital segment for many automakers and will likely remain so. ■ Points: A good-looking car made even more attractive with minor modifications. Positioning of touch-screen atop the dashboard could be a problem for some. Standard four-cylinder engine delivers sufficient power for most buyers. A4based All-road wagon is ideal for those requiring added practicality. The upcoming S4 really needs to break 400 hp to be a contender. ■ Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert (opt.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.) ■ MPG (city/hwy): 24/31 ■ Base price (incl. destination): $38,200