EDMUNDS.COM 2004 AUDI A4
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| Editors'' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
The A4 is luxurious, sporty, winterproof and a few grand cheaper than BMW''s 3 Series. As such, it''s one of our favorite entry-luxury cars.
Pros
Classy, well-constructed interiors, sharp handling, precise steering, available CVT transmission and all-wheel drive.
Cons
Price goes up quickly with options, engines short on low-end torque, sport package makes for a choppy ride.
What''s New for 2004
The Cabriolet is now available with all-wheel drive, while all A4s now come standard with a tire-pressure monitoring system, revised steering wheels and two-stage airbags. The 1.8T models have been upgraded with 16-inch aluminum wheels and now offer a six-speed manual transmission as an option.
Overview
Introduction:
When the Audi A4 debuted in the United States in 1996, it set forth the revitalization of the Audi brand. We''ve been impressed with the A4 since that time and have always considered it one of the most well-appointed and fun-to-drive cars in its price class. But seven years is a long time for a car in the entry-level luxury car market, so Audi completely redesigned the A4 for the 2002 model year. The new sedan, followed later in the year by the wagon (or Avant in Audi terminology), is more sharply styled than before, with clear glass headlights, dual exhaust and a high waistline being this car''s key identifiers. This A4 is somewhat heavier than its predecessor, but greater rigidity and firmer suspension ensure that it''s still one of the best handling cars in the entry-luxury segment. Besides that, the weight gain can be attributed to its increased dimensions (wheelbase, overall length and width), which give the car a decent amount of room in the backseat -- something that couldn''t have been said about the previous A4. The year 2003 saw the introduction of a cabriolet model, the first since 1998. Although the convertible''s clean expression speaks proudly of its fellow A4s, the Cab''s sleeker profile and prominent aluminum accents -- framing the windshield and the waistline -- give it a sharper bite for the country club parking lot. The A4 Cabriolet also gets a unique interior treatment, with round gauge housings and cylindrical air vents. Call it a mix of standard A4 and Audi TT. Although the Cabriolet''s drivetrain and four-wheel independent suspension are lifted straight from the existing A4 platform, several items are unique to the convertible. These include a 3/4-inch drop in ride height and additional bracing throughout the body and chassis. As a result, the A4 Cab feels stout as convertibles go, but the downside is another 350 pounds of extra weight (compared to the sedan), making the Audi considerably heavier than most peers and rather sluggish off the line. The addition of Audi''s quattro all-wheel-drive system as an option for 2004 gives the A4 Cabrio the unique ability to serve as both summer fun car and winter grocery getter.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
A4s are sold in two trim levels -- 1.8T and 3.0 -- which correspond to the engine under the hood. The sedan and cabriolet models are available in front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive configuration while all wagons are AWD. Standard equipment on 1.8Ts includes dual-zone automatic climate control, in-dash six-CD changer, one-touch windows, 16-inch wheels and, for convertibles, an automatic top. Step up to the 3.0 and you''ll get leather seating with 12-way power adjustments and real wood interior trim. The 1.8Ts can be upgraded with the Premium Package that adds the amenities of the 3.0 along with a sunroof and an auto-dimming mirror. The Sport Package adds a firmer suspension and 17-inch wheels and tires, while the Cold Weather Package throws in seat heaters and a ski sack. Other options include a Bose sound system, HID headlights and a CD-based navigation system.
Powertrains and Performance:
Engine choices correspond to model names -- hence, you can choose either the 1.8T, a 170-horsepower turbocharged inline four, or the 3.0, a 220-horsepower V6. All-wheel-drive 1.8T and 3.0 models can be equipped with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Front-wheel-drive V6s are equipped with a continuously variable transmission only, while the 1.8T comes standard with a five-speed manual and offers the CVT as an option. Compared with competitors like the BMW 330i and Infiniti G35, A4s feels sluggish off the line, especially the portly Cabriolet. Combined city-highway mpg ratings range from the low to mid-20s.
Safety:
Safety features include a superb set of four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist and stability control. Additionally, the A4 is equipped with side airbags for the driver and front passenger. Sedans and wagons also come with side curtain airbags for the front and rear (seat-mounted rear side airbags are optional), while convertibles get a rollover protection system. In NHTSA crash testing, the A4 sedan received five stars for front-seat occupants in the side-impact category and four stars for the rear.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Audi interiors are some of the finest in the luxury car kingdom and the A4 is no exception. High-quality materials, solid construction and a sleek, modern design make this a car you''ll love every time you get in. The seats can be on the hard side and a few of the controls take some time to get used to, but the overall design is one of the best in the segment. Wagons offer 27.8 cubic feet of luggage capacity with the rear seats up and 60.6 when they''re folded.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The A4 is one of the most balanced cars in the entry-luxury segment in terms of ride and handling. The ride is comfortable, as the suspension spares occupants from any bumps and potholes. On winding back roads, top-notch underpinnings result in excellent handling. While the A4 isn''t as razor-sharp as some peers, the extra grip afforded by quattro could justify the trade-off for many drivers, particularly those who live where slick roads are common.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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