Strengths

Engineering quality; excellent standard feature list; available all-wheel drive; wagon available; S4 model's performance

Model Overview

The A4 is available as a 4-door sedan or as a 5-door station wagon, dubbed the "Avant." Power comes from a 2.0-L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque. A new 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and 6-speed manual transmission are available on quattro models, while front-drive models receive a continuously variable transmission as standard equipment.

The sporty-stylish S4 comes as a sedan or an Avant wagon, each powered by a 3.0L supercharged V6 that puts 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 blisteringly fast shifts via twin clutches and is controlled by paddles on either side of the steering wheel. The quattro sport rear differential routes torque laterally between the rear wheels to help eliminate understeer.

The A4 comes in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium trims come nicely equipped with standards such as 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather seating, heated power mirrors, power driver's seat, a sunroof, Servotronic speed-sensitive steering and a split-folding rear seat back.

Premium Plus trim adds amenities such as 3-zone climate control, heated front seats, fog lights and dynamic self-adjusting bi-xenon headlights, plus Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a HomeLink universal remote.

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

In Premium Plus trim 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. The S4 Prestige boasts 19-inch alloys, the Audi parking system with rearview camera, HD radio and voice control for navigation.

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. A Titanium Sport Package offers several aesthetic and performance enhancements, including black roof rails on the A4 Avant, black window trim, titanium-finish wheels and the iconic black single-frame grille. Inside, the Titanium Sport Package carries through the performance look with a black headliner, piano black inlays and sport seats. An enhanced sport suspension lowers the car and increases handling performance.

Recent Model Changes

For 2012, the A4 and S4 return mostly unchanged. Most of the updates have to do with the availability of option packages. A revised S-Line package features added adaptive suspension and Drive Select control, giving the driver control over suspension settings at the touch of a button. New standard equipment includes daytime running lights, automatic headlights and rain sensing wipers.

Conclusion

The A4 features an impressive 8-speed automatic transmission, 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 performance of the S4 model, the lineup has a little something for everyone.