2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T quattro
08/04/2005
Shahed Hussain
The A4 has traditionally been a style leader among German compact sedans. For 2005, Audi has done a significant redesign of the A4. Although the current platform has been retained, the exterior and interior have been updated. New powerplants have also been added to the A4 lineup. The base model has a turbocharged 2.0L replacing the long-running 1.8L turbo.
Although the A4 does not have a radically revamped exterior, the most noticeable styling element is the prominent trapezoidal grille that dominates the front fascia. Headlights have also been re-sculpted to add a more serious demeanor to the A4. In the rear, the new taillights are smoothly integrated into the trunk lid. Overall, the A4 retains its clean styling, but adds a dose of aggressiveness that the previous model lacked.
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 styling. Aluminum trim accents the dashboard and console, adding some contrast to the predominantly dark gray interior. The fat 3-spoke steering wheel hub is trapezoid shaped, like the new front grille. Steering wheel controls for the audio system are conveniently placed on the spokes. Although Audi climate controls are consistent across all the models, it takes some time to fully understand the pictographs on the buttons.
Front seat comfort is superb. The power leather seats are firm and moderately bolstered. Unfortunately, the leather is slightly slippery, so the driver tends to slide around when cornering. Larger bolsters or more grippy leather would help keep the driver properly situated. Rear seat accommodations are limited, so taller passengers above 6' will find legroom is not plentiful in the back. Short rear doors also limit access for passengers.
The new 2.0L turbo motor adds a welcome dose of horsepower to the A4. Although torque is minimal off idle, the turbo improves throttle response above 3000 RPM, where the engine becomes livelier. As expected, one should select the 6-speed manual to make the most of the new powerplant. Even so, the 2.0T makes a solid case as a viable alternative to the more expensive and heavier 3.2L V-6. The 2.0T's lighter weight and frugal fuel economy also pay off at the gas pump. Highway fuel economy exceeds 30 mpg, which is quite impressive considering that the Quattro(R) AWD option adds weight and frictional losses to the drivetrain. Taking off from a stop still 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. On the highway, the 2.0T really comes alive, with little lag, and plenty of power for passing. Stay on the throttle, and the A4 will easily exceed 120 mph, with no protests from the engine.
Once the A4 is in motion, the 6-speed manual extracts the maximum performance from the 2.0L turbo. 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.
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 summer tires, mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels. Understeer is minimal, even under hard acceleration. The lighter engine, combined with quattro(R) AWD, plays a part to make the 4-cylinder A4 much more nimble than the V-6 or the V-8 S4.
The A4 is a blend of comfort, style, and performance that is very appealing. The competition in its segment has gotten fierce, with the new BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS, and Infiniti G35 all clawing for attention from sports sedan buyers. Nonetheless, the A4 will continue to find customers that appreciate the unique attributes of this German sedan.
