2004 Audi A4 quattro
07/19/2004
Shahed Hussain
Understated style is undoubtedly a strength of the A4. Even though the current A4 has been around for several years, it still turns heads, especially a Brilliant Red example with 18 in. alloy wheels. The A4 looks like it was carved from a solid block of metal, and is one of the best looking cars in its class.
In typical Audi fashion, the interior does not disappoint. Tasteful use of brushed aluminum on the dashboard, shift console, and door trim emphasizes the A4's sporty style. Aluminum trim is part of the Ultra Sport package, which includes other trim upgrades. Most other interior panels are finished in sober shades of dark gray, impeccably finished. The fat 3-spoke steering wheel has a perforated leather rim. Surprisingly, there are no steering wheel mounted controls for the radio or cruise control. Rubberized radio and HVAC knobs ensure sure grip under all circumstances.
Front seat comfort is superb. The 12-way power leather seats are firm and moderately bolstered. Rear seat accommodations are limited. Passengers above 6 ft will find legroom scarce in the back seats. Short rear doors also limit access for passengers.
A 220-bhp V-6 is the most sporting powertrain available in the A4, short of the S4 with its 340-bhp V-8. The V-6 has very linear throttle response, without discernible peaks and valleys in its power delivery. However, since the A4 3.0 quattro weighs in at nearly 3600 lbs, acceleration below 20 mph in unimpressive. Taking off from a stop with enthusiasm requires a little more throttle than one might expect. Blame the solid (read: heavy) body structure and AWD hardware for the A4's initial lethargy. Although the 3.0L V-6 is never harsh or rough, the exhaust note is rather muted, and the engine never seems very enthusiastic under acceleration.
Once the A4 is in motion, the 6-speed manual extracts the maximum performance from the V-6. Clutch effort is relatively light and progressive. Shift quality is very positive, with a slightly notchy feel between gears. The manual transmission can be shifted quickly with no complaints from the gearbox. Although the round shift knob is attractively finished, it does not provide a comfortable grip when shifting gears. An optional 5-speed Tiptronic automatic can serve shiftless owners.
On the highway, the A4 exhibits the controlled ride motions and straight tracking that are the hallmarks of German sport sedans. The Audi feels like it could cruise all day at triple digit speeds. Steering effort is moderately heavy, with excellent road feel from the 225/40R18 Continental summer tires (available with the Ultra Sport package). Turn in response is linear, with minimal understeer, even under hard acceleration.
The A4 is a blend of comfort, style, and performance that is very appealing. Although the A4 3.0 quattro is not a match for the BMW 330xi in performance, it is equally stylish, with a greater dose of comfort and luxury.
