2005 Audi A4

Like it or not, Audi's new schnoz will be everywhere in dealerships next year. The carmaker has grafted it onto the face of the A8 W12, the all-new A6, and the latest compact A3. Now the gaping grille has surfaced on the updated 2005 A4. Audi has wholly committed to the new design philosophy and has changed the visual face of its entire sedan/wagon lineup--even the next TT will share this controversial new cue.

Although the A4 got a complete redesign for the 2002 model year, Audi felt it necessary to keep things ultrafresh. Why such a proactive approach? Simple: competition. A new 3-Series is on the way, the C-class gets a heavy freshening for 2005, and last year's redesigned Acura TL is a legitimate alternative to the pricier German offerings. Plus, having developed some new high-tech engines, Audi wanted updated platforms in which to serve them. The result is more than just a nose job; the door panels are new, as are the inward arching rear taillights that now share space with the trunklid.

Love or hate the front-end styling, you'll develop instant affection for the two new jewels under the hood. Replacing the sweet-but-just-adequate 1.8-liter turbo four is an all-new 2.0-liter turbo with direct fuel injection. Valve count is down to four per cylinder, as Audi had to ditch valve number five in order to fit the new in-cylinder injector. Horsepower is rated at 200 (up from 170), and torque has increased a hefty 41 pound-feet from the 1.8t, now peaking at 207 at a lower rpm.

A rip through volcanic mountain roads in Palermo, Italy, in a front-wheel 2.0t with a six-speed manual proved this high-tech powerplant a happy high-revver that also gives plenty of low-end torque. The engine is so good, it begs the question: "Could Audi have gotten away with not offering a V-6 option at all?" The answer is, of course, no, because Mercedes and the others all offer sixes. And it slots in neatly between the four and the brawny V-8 S4.