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2008 Audi A4

Review

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Article summary:

Page 1 : Audi A4

Page 2 : Exterior

Page 3 : The interior

Page 4 : The engines

Page 6 : Safety and driving pleasure

Page 7 : Controls and displays

What is the new Audi A4? It is a car that gives you new feelings every time you get behind the wheel, a car that offers the best driving pleasure; a bad boy that makes people turn their heads every time you are in the neighborhood, but in the same time a car that is capable of offering enough space and security for your entire family. And to summarize in just few words: a car that deserves the four-circle logo.

The Audi A4 made its world debut last year at the Frankfurt Auto Show and on the US market will be available starting fall 2008. It will be offered with two powerful engines, both on gasoline. One will be the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder engine that delivers 211 hp and one the turbocharged 3.2 FSI V6 that delivers 265 hp. The A4 will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 6.3 seconds and will hit a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited).

First unveiled in 1994, the A4 was a car with many lacks. Is true it was a quality car, but buyers would always prefer its greater competition: the BMW 3-Series. But it seems that the new generation comes to say “enough is enough”: with new look, new technology, new interior and many gadgets that makes the driving more pleasant and offers best security, the A4 is for the first time a car that stands in front of its competitors with no fear.

Compared to its predecessor, the designers tweaked the proportions into a new sporty ratio. The front overhang was shortened, and the hood and the wheelbase were extended visibly. The new A4 measures 4.70 meters (15.42 feet), nearly 12 centimeters (4.6 inches) more than its predecessor. The body also documents the advances: It is significantly stiffer and safer than its predecessor, while, at the same time, dropping about 10 percent of its weight thanks to intelligent lightweight steel construction.

The design is clearly inspired by the latest A5, but was adjusted to a four-door model. On the road the new A4 has more presence and gives you the impression of a very expensive car. It features a longer, sexier hood; and a more aggressive road stance. The front end of the new Audi A4 underscores the image of self-confidence. Compared to its predecessor, the single frame is wider and lower. The grille is finished in stone gray; on the most powerful engine model – the 3.2 FSI – it comes in high gloss black.

Depending on the version, headlights differ by a few details. Especially eye-catching are the chrome finished “wings,” which differ between the halogen and the xenon plus headlights. On the halogen lights, the wing shapes a second, short wing, while the xenon plus units are embedded in a single curved wing.

Both versions feature the daytime running lights. With the halogen lights, it is generated by incandescent bulbs, while the xenon plus headlights each have 14 integrated white LEDs, with a total power consumption of only nine watts. The daytime running lights, which were pioneered by Audi, not only represent a significant safety technology, but a consistent styling characteristic; they give the face of the new Audi A4 its unmistakable expression. All engine versions share halogen fog lights integrated into the air intakes in the lower front end.

When you go on the inside the impression of luxury is accentuated even more: more space, comfort and sporty elegance: new color-and-materials, leather and new gadgets. It meets you with distinguished visual details; as usual in an Audi, no compromises are made in the quality of workmanship, and the controls can be understood and operated intuitively. Once you take a seat inside the new A4, you experience a typical Audi effect – a feeling of being absolutely at home from the very first moment.

The cockpit has a definite bias toward the driver, so that all functions are turned toward the person behind the wheel. The center console is inclined by eight degrees toward the driver. Complex graphics and the clear layout of the various zones communicate the athletic power and lightness that can be felt in every aspect of the new A4’s character.

Audi didn’t announced the US pricing for the new A4, but it is expected to be kept near the $30k mark. By comparison, the BMW 3-Series prices start at $32.400 and the C-Class at $32,475.

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