1997 Audi A4 Review

Audi's new A4 1.8 T sports sedan seemed like a bad idea--even if it did cost nearly $4,500 less than the regular Audi A4, which has greatly boosted Audi's U.S. sales.

Both A4 models have the same handsome body, but Audi said the 1.8 T would have a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder instead of the regular A4's 2.8-liter nonturbocharged V-6.

The four-cylinder sounded best-suited to European motorists forced to pay through the nose for gasoline. Americans like upscale European cars such as the Audi to have strong performance provided by fairly large engines.

As it turned out, the $22,990 A4 1.8 T is nearly as fast as the $27,430 A4 model with its V-6--partially because it's nearly 100 pounds lighter. And the four-cylinder version delivers a few more miles per gallon in the city and on highways.

The striking yellow A4 1.8 T, which I tested, drove much like a sports car with its standard five-speed manual transmission. This slick unit has a low first gear and shorter overall gearing to help provide instant response in town and on highways. One can even do a decent 65 to 75 m.p.h. passing maneuver without downshifting from fifth gear to fourth.

No wonder the beautifully built A4 1.8 T accounted for 46.6 percent of total A4 sales through May this year.

The nice-sounding A4 1.8 T's engine generates 150 horsepower, but feels almost as powerful as the 172-horsepower V-6. This spirited four-cylinder is from an engineer's dream book. Its turbo has virtually no lag and an intercooler rams cool, high-density air into the engine for more power. There are dual overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder--instead of the usual two--and a long-piston-stroke design helps responsiveness.

The 130-m.p.h. A4 1.8 T scoots from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in just eight seconds with the manual, while delivering an estimated 23 m.p.h. in the city and 32 on highways. The A4 V-6 does 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, while providing 21 and 30.

The $975 automatic transmission slows acceleration a bit, but is a smooth, advanced five-speed unit that works well with the four-cylinder. The manual makes the A4 1.8 T more fun. Although the clutch has an awfully long throw, it's a low-effort unit.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but Audi's excellent all-wheel-drive Quattro system is a worthy $1,600 option.

Another recommended item is the $1,000 Sport option package, which contains neat sport front seats with superb grip, racer-style steering wheel, Jacquard satin cloth upholstery and wide (55-series) tires on 16-inch alloy wheels for added grip. Standard are higher (65-series) tires on 15-inch wheels.

The A4 1.8 T doesn't have some items found in the A4 V-6, such as wood trim and power driver's seat. But it's loaded with equipment, including anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, tilt/telescopic wheel, AM/FM/cassette, anti-theft alarm system and power windows and locks.

The standard power steering offers good road feedback and quickly puts the car precisely where you want it. The ride is smooth, but there's a bit more body sway than expected in turns and during emergency maneuvers. Still, handling is excellent--thanks partly to Audi's innovative front suspension. Braking also is reassuring.

The plain-looking interior is quiet and has easily read sports sedan gauges, including a tachometer. It comfortably seats four tall adults. The trunk is big, and split folding rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.

But power window switches are awkward to operate, especially if one has long fingernails, and it's hard to ``crack'' a window with the one-touch roll-down feature. Also, the heating/air conditioning controls are needlessly complex. The A4 1.8 T is a genuine bargain, even with the added cost of Quattro all-wheel drive and the Sport package. Many won't guess that it doesn't have a V-6 nestled under its shapely hood.