Strengths

Engineering quality; excellent standard features; available all-wheel drive; wagon available; S4 performance

 

Changes

Now in its eighth generation, the Audi A4 sees few changes for 2010. A new S4 sedan and Avant wagon featuring a 3.0L supercharged V6 make their debut this year, available with either manual or 7-speed S-tronic transmissions. The 3.2L Quattro has been discontinued, and the cabriolet has been redesigned and is now part of the A5 line.

Inside, high-quality materials abound, with plenty of leather and brushed aluminum, as one would expect from Audi. The interior is larger than the previous A4's, as is the trunk. An advanced multi-media interface is standard, as are six airbags.

Other changes include available third generation MMI navigation, LED taillights on Premium Plus and Prestige models, and a new Quattro Sport Rear Differential and new wheels for the S4.

 

Value

In 2009, Audi upped the luxury performance-car ante with the redesigned A4. Its fresh face and benchmark interior distinguished it from its Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series competitors, while its new dimensions made it the largest car in its class. 2010 sees further refinements to the redesign, and with the sure-footedness of Audi's world-class quattro all-wheel-drive system, a powerful engine, the availability of a wagon, and the always-addictive oomph of the S4 model, Audi's sports sedan lineup has a little something for everyone.

 

Overview

The A4 is available as a 4-door sedan or as a 5-door station wagon dubbed the Avant. Power comes from a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 211 turbocharged horsepower. A 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission are available on Quattro models, while front-drive models receive a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard equipment.

The slick S4 comes as a sedan or an Avant wagon, each powered by a new 3.0L supercharged V6 putting out 333 hp, delivered to all four wheels via either a 6-speed manual or the 7-speed S-tronic transmission. The S-tronic transmission features twin clutches and provides blistering quick shifts controlled by paddles on either side of the steering wheel. The new motor replaces the 4.2L V8 offered last year, and although power is down slightly from that engine's 340 horses, the new powerplant produces less CO2 emissions. A new Quattro Sport Rear Differential is available as well, which routes torque laterally between the rear wheels to help eliminate understeer.

The A4 come in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium cars come nicely equipped with standards like 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather seating, heated power mirrors, power driver's seat, a sunroof, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and Homelink, Servotronic speed-sensitive steering and a split-folding rear seat back.

Premium Plus trim adds amenities such as 3-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, fog lights and dynamic self-adjusting Bi-Xenon headlights.

Finally, the Prestige trim brings 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, aluminum interior inlays, voice actuated navigation, Audi acoustic parking system, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system and a special lighting package.

The aggressive S4 comes outfitted with special 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, 4-way electrically adjustable lumbar support in both front sport seats and of course that powerful V6.

Popular standalone options on the new A4 include a Navigation Package with rearview camera, walnut or ash wood inlays, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and Audi drive select, which allows drivers to choose a set-up for the chassis and suspension, from comfort to sport, which alters the driving and handling characteristics of the A4.