2006 Audi A4 2.0T quattro S-line
07/27/2006
Shahed Hussain
The A4 has traditionally been a style leader among German compact sedans. Although the BMW 3-Series may have an edge in driving dynamics, the A4 leads with superior interior and exterior design. For 2006, Audi did some minor updates to the A4. Customers can now select S-line and Titanium packages for a sportier A4.
In the A4 lineup, the 2.0T quattro(R) equipped with the 6-speed manual is arguably the most sporting. Although the available 3.2L V-6 does shave 0.6 seconds off the 0-60 mph dash (6.7 seconds vs. 7.3 seconds, according to Audi), the lighter weight of the 2.0L turbo makes up the difference with superior weight distribution, handling, and fuel economy. On top of that, the A4 2.0T quattro is about $4,600 less expensive than a similarly equipped A4 with the V-6. That doesn't mean that the 2.0T is inexpensive. We tested a vehicle that had over $10,000 in options, which swelled the sticker price from a reasonable $30,340 to $41,335 (including $720 destination charge).
Our test vehicle was equipped with the $3,000 S-line package, which includes the sport suspension (available separately for $250), 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as unique S-line badges. All S-line A4 models require the $1,850 Premium package, which adds heated front seats, power passenger seat, power folding mirrors, and other minor options. The mandatory $1,400 Sunroof package includes leather seats. A new $500 Titanium package (which requires the S-line package) substitutes gunmetal painted 15-spoke alloy wheels shod with 235/40R18 performance tires, blacked out exterior trim, and a dark grey front grille surround. To get adaptive bi-xenon headlights, be prepared to shell out $1,775 for the Technology package, which also adds a trip computer, memory settings for the seats, and Bluetooth(R) phone interface. Audiophiles will want the $1,000 Bose(R) audio package with XM(R) Satellite radio. A stunning Ocean Blue Pearl Effect paint was a $750 option. We're not sure if it is worth the price, but the hue is certainly eye-catching.
For enthusiasts on a budget, we would suggest the 6-speed manual A4 2.0T quattro with the Sunroof, Premium and Technology packages, combined with the Sport suspension. You give up the 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, but the $36,335 sticker is more wallet-friendly. For the truly frugal, select just the Sport suspension option for a $31,310 sticker price. For that sum, you get cloth seats and 16-inch alloy wheels, but most of the essential sport sedan equipment is included.
As expected from Audi, the attractive interior is tastefully furnished with high quality materials and superb build quality. Instead of standard aluminum dash and console trim, the optional Titanium package substitutes "piano black" plastic. We understand Audi's desire to change the trim color for the Titanium package, but the standard brushed aluminum better contrasts with the dark gray cabin materials. Like the front grille, the fat 3-spoke steering wheel hub is trapezoid shaped with an inset four ring Audi logo. Perforated leather wraps the wheel for improved grip. 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 12-way power leather seat is firmly padded, but 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. Or Audi could offer the sport seats from the S4 as an option. Rear seat accommodations are limited, so passengers above 6' tall will find leg and knee room deficient in the back. Short rear doors also limit access for passengers.
The smooth 2.0L turbo motor replaces the previous 1.8L turbo, and adds a welcome dose of horsepower to the A4. Although torque is minimal off idle, the turbo provides improved throttle response above 3000 RPM, where the engine becomes livelier. To take full advantage of this powerplant, choose the 6-speed manual over the Tiptronic(R) automatic. Even with this caveat, the 2.0T makes a solid case as a viable alternative to the more expensive, and heavier 3.2L V-6. 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 initial lethargy. On the highway, the 2.0T really comes alive, with little lag, and excellent passing power. 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 leather shift knob is attractively finished, the grip feels somewhat uncomfortable, like grabbing a golf ball with your hand.
On the highway, the A4 exhibits the controlled ride motions and straight tracking that are the hallmarks of German sport sedans. This sedan could cruise all day at triple digit speeds. Steering effort is moderately heavy, with excellent road feel from the 235/40-R18 summer tires, mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels. Tire noise is reasonable, especially considering that gummy performance tires often howl annoyingly on concrete highways. Understeer is minimal, even under hard acceleration. The A4 follows steering inputs accurately, with no mid-corner corrections required. The lighter engine, combined with quattro(R) AWD, ensures that the 4-cylinder A4 is far more nimble than the heavier V-6.
As expected from German cars, the standard 4-wheels disc brakes haul the A4 down with ease, regardless of speed. The firm brake pedal is very communicative, for confidence-inspiring stops. All A4 models are equipped ABS and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) for optimum braking and handling safety.
The lower weight and frugal fuel consumption of the inline-4 also pay off at the gas pump. We achieved highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA est. 31 mpg hwy.), which is quite impressive considering that the quattro AWD adds weight and frictional losses to the drivetrain. A Frontrak(R) (FWD) A4 with the 6-speed manual is rated at 34 EPA highway mpg, so the handling and traction advantages of quattro AWD exact a minimal penalty.
Although Audi has made few changes to the A4 since a major redesign in 2005, the basic competence of this sedan shines through. The new S-line and Titanium packages allow customers to add sporty handling and an aggressive appearance to the A4, emulating the more expensive S4. With its proven quattro AWD system and practical sedan body, the A4 requires few sacrifices for a true German sport sedan.
