1999 Audi A4 Review

Driving fun and practicality are delivered in heavy doses by the sleek Audi A4 1.8T Avant station wagon.

Don't be confused by this compact Audi model's long name. It just means the wagon is an entry level A4 model with a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and Audi's nifty Quattro all-wheel-drive system that comes with Avant models.

This solid, $26,440 Audi seems like more like a spirited sports sedan than a small station wagon. Audi calls it a ``sport wagon.''

One might not expect much performance because the car has a small four-cylinder. But that engine has dual overhead camshafts, five valves per cylinder and a turbocharger. All that lets it develop 150 horsepower and good torque at low engine speeds for strong response off the line and during 65-75 m.p.h. passing maneuvers.

The wagon scampers to 60 m.p.h. in just 8.5 seconds with a manual transmission and its engine never seems strained--although it turns over at a high 3,000 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h.

The wagon also can be had with a larger, 190-horsepower V-6, but that engine raises the price to $31,040 and lowers fuel economy.

The smooth, quiet turbo four-cylinder performs best with the slick five-speed manual transmission, which works with a long-throw clutch some may find uncomfortable in heavy traffic. Offered is a $1,075 Tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted like a clutchless automatic.

The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which doesn't call for driver actuation, is one of the best but does lower fuel economy a bit. My test wagon delivered an estimated 21 m.p.g. in the city and 29 on the highway.

Doors open wide to allow easy access to the quiet interior, which has a no-nonsense dashboard design in the best German-car tradition. Four 6-footers fit, but there's little room to spare; a driver who pushes his seat back a lot will cause a serious loss of legroom for a tall occupant behind him.

Cargo space is pretty good with rear seatbacks in place and an impressive 64 cubic feet of cargo room when they're folded forward.

Precise steering and sharp handling help make this wagon fun to drive, especially with the $750 Sport option package on my test wagon. The package contains a lower sport suspension wtih firmer shock absorbers and springs, thicker rear stabilizer bar and larger alloy wheels with wider tires.

Stopping distances with the standard anti-lock brakes are short, although the pedal is mushy. The ride is comfortable, but bad pavement occasionally causes it to become jerky.

Audi's innovativeness can be seen in small ways. For instance, the brightness of instrument cluster lighting automatically adjusts to light conditions. And the hood opens via just one hydraulic strut to reveal clearly marked and easily reached engine compartment fluid filler areas.

Audi wants the well-equipped A4 1.8 T Avant to capture part of the all-wheel-drive sporty wagon market dominated by Subaru. For sure, it's a formidable new competitor.