1996 Audi A4 Quattro - Sneak Peek - European Car

Audi will fortify the volume end of its lineup for '96 by replacing the veteran 90 model with a bigger, better, and more sophisticated vehicle, the new A4. We first encountered this smartly styled compact sedan, on sale in Europe since spring, on a recent whirlwind tour through Germany, Austria, and Hungary. Save for minor trim items, the cars were identical to those scheduled to appear in U.S. Audi showrooms this fall. Although inclement weather and uncooperative traffic conspired to prevent us from fully exploring the A4's performance envelope, we logged enough quality seat time to develop a good feel for its basic personality. Our efforts focused on two specific A4 variants, the 2.8-liter V-6, which will be the only engine initially offered in the U.S., and a new five-valve 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, slated to arrive here in model year '97.

The A4's V-6 is the same 2771-cubic-centimeter SOHC engine found in the current A6. Developing 172 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, it delivers solid performance across the rev range. The new 1.8-liter turbo four also is impressive, churning out 150 horses and 155 pound-feet of torque with just a hint of lag. Intending to reestablish its preeminence as a technology leader, Audi has become the first manufacturer to offer a five-valve configuration in a volume production engine. It also will introduce a five-valve version of the V-6 to the Euro market this fall, an engine that will appear here in the '98 A6.

Two transmissions are available for the A4: the standard five-speed manual (which was in all of the cars we drove) and a new, five-speed automatic with Audi's Dynamic Shift Program, which adjusts the gear-changing patterns to match a driver's particular style.

Evolution, not revolution, was the guiding principle for the A4's development team. Having nearly the same external size and wheelbase as the 90, the A4 weighs some 150 pounds less. Outside, the car's enhanced wedge shape features a lower nose, more-prominent fenders, and a larger greenhouse, all of which combine to yield a tidy 0.30 drag coefficient. Inside, classic Audi cues also remain largely intact, keynoted by large, legible, analog gauges, pronounced vent outlets, and a copious amount of wood trim. The A4's huge roster of standards includes a full range of power amenities, automatic climate control, an anti-theft system, and an AM/FM/cassette stereo. Overall ergonomics are good, save for ventilation controls located too low in the center of the dash to permit easy access.

Comfortable and supportive best describe the A4's front seats, with the driver's unit getting an eight-way power adjustment. A tilt/telescoping steering column makes it even easier to dial in comfort behind the wheel-whether it is the standard four-spoker or the optional three-spoke sport variant. Cloth or leatherette upholstery are included, but real leather costs extra. The rear quarters are a bit less commodious, although they will handle a pair of regulation-size adults. A pull-down armrest and 60/40-split folding seatback with locking feature add utility. The trunk can swallow 13.7 cubic feet of cargo, but a narrow cutout makes it awkward to load and unload large items.