2002 Audi A4 Reviews

For years Audi struggled to gain equal footing with BMW and Mercedes in Australia, but that has all changed and sales have been climbing at double-digit rates for several years now. Though the Audi range is extensive and growing even larger all the time the A4, with its smaller brother the A3 at its side, has

Think German car makers and you’ll most likely think of ’Benz and BMW, and possibly also VW, but you may not think of Audi. Despite a glorious history of engineering excellence and sporting achievement, the four ringed badge of Audi barely gets any attention here.Audi has been sold here on and off for many years, but those early models are now largely recognisable for the large rust holes appearing in the bodywork, and the copious clouds of smoke belching from their exhausts. You notice them for all the wrong reasons.That changed a little when the brand made a new start under the stewardship of Inchcape.The 80 was a decent enough car, nothing remarkable, but good enough to win a small following of those who wanted German engineering, but didn’t want to follow the pack into the ’Benz or BeeM fold.It was the 80’s replacement, the A4 that really began to build Audi’s reputation here. It was the first of the new generation of Audis, a competitor for the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class that could be taken seriously.Simply changing the name was enough to signal the company was making a new start.MODEL WATCHThe A4 was essentially the same size as the 80 it followed, but it was based on an all-new platform with a longer wheelbase and wider track. The overall length was the same, it was actually one millimetre shorter, but it was significantly wider than its predecessor.The A4’s weight was cut by 45 kg, not by the use of aluminium body panels, which was being pioneered on the large A8, but by the extensive use of plastics in non load bearing locations.Aluminium was employed in the A4’s compact four-link front suspension, brought over from the A8.Under the stubby tail of the front-wheel drive models was a conventional torsion beam, from the 80, while four-wheel drive models had a double wishbone arrangement.Unlike most other front-wheel drive cars the engine was located longitudinally in the chassis, but that was because it suited the use of four-wheel drive.The engine choices were almost bewildering. The main four-cylinder choice was a new long stroke fuel-injected 1.8-litre, with five valves per cylinder, which Audi claimed delivered better torque and much improved fuel consumption through more efficient combustion.For more dash Audi also offered a turbocharged version of the 1.8-litre four. With 110 kW at 5500 revs and 210 Nm from 1750 rpm to 4600 rpm, the blown four put out 18 kW and 37 Nm more than its naturally aspirated cousin.When pressed the A4T would race to 100 km/h in 8.3 secs, and reach a top speed of 222 km/h.Audi also offered a choice of two V6 engines, both lifted from the larger A6 without change. The 2.6-litre boasted 110 kW, while the 2.8 had 142 kW. In 1998 the 2.6-litre was replaced by a 121 kW 2.4-litre V6.Braking the A4 was easy with discs at each corner, assisted by standard ABS, and electronic brake force distribution.Inside, the A4 had quality plastics and trim, along with a long list of standard features, including dual airbags, auto air-con, remote central locking, power windows, and super sound.IN THE SHOPChris Lake services many A4s in his Auto Deutsche workshop, and says the A4 has no major problems with its body/engine combinations.He says the timing belt replacement is due at 90,000 km intervals, and is a major repair best done by removing the front of the car completely.Rebuilding the auto transmission is also a very expensive exercise, starting at $4000 and climbing from there.Other items regularly repaired are engine mounts, C/V drive shaft boots, lower control arm bushes, front end knocks, oil leaks on V6 engines, climate control displays not reading properly.The A4 generally stands up to high mileage quite well, but it’s important to find one with a verifiable service record from an acknowledged specialist. It’s particularly important that the engine oil has been changed regularly, as the sludge build up as a result of missed servicing can be terminal.In overall quality terms, Lake rates the A4 behind the C-Class Benz and the E36 BMW, its main rivals.OWNER’S VIEWPeter Colaci’s 1995 A4 2.6 has done 140,000 km, and he says it drives beautifully. He bought it because of its build quality, safety, and styling. In the 18 months he’s owned it he has had to replace the thermostat, otherwise it’s been trouble free.LOOK FOR• zippy turbocharged engine• solid build construction• expensive servicing• regular servicing• poor resaleRIVALS• BMW 3-Series – 1994-2001 – $21,000-$60,000• Mercedes-Benz C-Class – 1996-2000 – $32,000-$62,000THE BOTTOM LINEGood performance and handling, with build quality expected of German car, but held back by relatively poor resale.RATING60/100

But this A4 wagon was pressed back into full-speed duty in pretty quick time and all was well.Audi's A4 Avant is a dutiful machine. It wears a subtle, sophisticated style, cut for purpose as much as pose.The latest range of A4s – sedans, wagons and a convertible around the corner – have a clean and tidy family resemblance. It is a non-confronting style, designed to last with class and set-off here with a smart set of alloy wheels.Some may find the look a little slab-sided, perhaps even non-descript, yet this latest Audi A4 Avant draws its fair share of admirers.Audi's attention to detail, as usual, continues through to the cabin. It could be a little sombre for some tastes with plenty of black and grey but it is a stylish cabin which should wear better than some, still looking sophisticated well down the track. As with all Audis, there is the red-lit instrument panel and controls for the darker drives, like it or lump it.This is a comfortable, practical cabin, quiet and well-presented.Appointments include front and side airbags, power windows, airconditioning (with a handy two-way split for front seaters) and CD player.The back seat is not meant for bigger passengers over a long distance, the cargo space out the back is useful (front-wheel-drive means more room) and there are plenty of storage spaces around the wagon, which is a little longer than its predecessor.There's a cargo cover for the rear and the back seat is split 60:40.So the Audi A4 Avant is a stylish wagon with a decent slab of practicality. It is an urbane machine.The driving force here is Audi's 2-litre motor, developing a modest 96kW at 5700rpm. There is 195Nm of torque at 3300rpm.Now this is not a tyre-smoking, tarmac-chewing, torque-steering powerplant; rather, this 20-valve, four-cylinder motor is smoothly adequate.The big plus, the motoring fun of the A4 Avant, arrives with the automatic transmission, a clever Constantly Variable Transmission which allows for full auto mode or a six-step manual mode.Left to its own devices the Audi transmission is pleasant and useful with a smooth and progressive rise in road speed.Changed manually between the six slots, the gearbox allows the A4 to develop a very sporting nature which belies the engine's power output and helps move the wagon smartly.The handling is neutral, the front end develops little torque steer and the A4 wagon has a nice balance between ride and handling. Only the steering, a tad doughy compared with other European rivals, lets the package down a little.This is not a cheap wagon and will not have universal appeal. But those chasing a handsome, refined and practical compact wagon from Europe will be impressed and quite comfortable.