Audi sedan fights to live up to reputation
Which car company ranked tops in customer satisfaction in Germany in 2007 and 2008? Was it Audi? BMW? Mercedes-Benz?
Nope, it was Honda.
After decades of nationalistic pride that made Fiat, Renault and Volkswagen big sellers, Europeans are challenging their automakers to be more competitive.
J.D. Power and Associates’ customer satisfaction studies reveal that Japanese nameplates took five of the six top positions in Germany in 2006.
One German model that’s been under pressure from rivals is the Audi A4 – a critically acclaimed small sedan that’s a questionable second-hand buy.
CONFIGURATION
Audi’s top-selling model underwent a complete redesign for 2002, borrowing some visual cues from its handsome bigger brother, the A6. It grew slightly larger, gaining 33 mm in width and wheelbase, and 58 mm overall.
It was more commodious inside, though you’d be hard-pressed to find the extra space. The rear seat was tight for two adults and uncomfortable for three.
Beyond that, the cabin was a great place to spend time. While the layout was simple, the materials and their fit and finish were first-rate, with rich fabrics or leather, muted aluminum and real wood inserts contributing to a sensual, tactile experience.
Double door seals and 30 per cent thicker glass enhanced the hush.
The new A4 arrived as a four-door sedan and Avant wagon. The Cabriolet (convertible) was added for 2003, complete with a power-folding softtop that featured a heated glass rear window.
The base 1.8T sedan made use of Volkswagen’s 170-hp turbocharged 1.8 L four cylinder that drove the front wheels. Optional was a five-valves-per-cylinder 3.0 L V6 rated at 220 horsepower – a gain of 30 hp over the old model.
New to the A4 was an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which employed a steel chain between two pulleys whose diameters varied to change the gear ratio seamlessly. Ultra-low gearing negated the need for a power-robbing torque converter.
Available on front-drive models only, the CVT could emulate a six-speed Tiptronic manumatic transmission by moving the shift lever sideways and using the steering-wheel buttons.
Audi’s celebrated “Quattro” all-wheel-drive system was optional, tied to a five- or six-speed manual or conventional five-speed automatic tranny.
The high-performance S4 returned for 2004, packing a 340-hp 4.2 L V8 and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The A4 received a thorough reworking for 2006, including fresh engines and revised steering and suspension geometry. Visually, all models adopted the new corporate trapezoidal grille.
The introduction of fuel-stratified injection (FSI) on the 2.0 L four and 3.1 L V6 motors boosted power output to 197 hp and 252 hp, respectively.
Both engines reverted to four valves per cylinder due to the location of the FSI injectors.
ON THE ROAD
“The precision of the steering, the power of the turbo and overall fun-to-drive aspect has revitalized me and given me a reason to love cars again,” posted an enthusiastic A4 owner.
There’s no question Audi knows how to build a composed and talented chassis. Auto scribes heaped praise for its poise and refinement – at least in V6 form (the VW four can be a tad noisy and rough).
The base 1.8T (170 hp) accelerated to 96 km/h in 8.1 seconds, while the more capable 3.0 L six did it in 6.8 (7.0 with the CVT). The muscular S4 could do it in 5.5 seconds, thanks in part to Quattro’s ability to distribute the power and torque through all four wheels.
The A4 1.8T could generate 0.85 g of lateral grip and stop confidently, thanks to its generous brake rotors.
Owners were split on fuel consumption. Some felt the small sedan should return better numbers, while others reported good highway fuel economy – using premium grade.
WHAT OWNERS REPORTED
Audi has earned a following in North America for its crisp designs and Bauhaus-inspired interiors. Unfortunately for devotees, the A4 often tests their loyalty.
“Within seven months I had the transmission replaced three times. Recently the oil pump malfunctioned and the engine blew,” reported a hapless owner of an ’04 model.
The CVT transmission has bitten the dust in sizable numbers and warrants close inspection (the fluid should be changed every 60,000 km).
The 1.8T engine has an ignition coil serving each cylinder and those coils fail with frightening regularity, sometimes stranding drivers. A faulty fuel pump can do the same.
The turbo is notorious for burning oil. Keep a close watch on the dipstick and only use synthetic motor oil. Engine-killing sludge formation is an issue.
Other frailties include water leaks stemming from the A-pillar, electrical gremlins, failed window regulators and sunroof motors, weak air conditioners, short-lived timing belts (a recall item), clutches and headlamps.
Best advice from owners? Don’t buy a used Audi without a comprehensive warranty.
