The New 2008 A4

blondboinsd · #1 08-29-2007, 11:25 AM

Competes with: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Infiniti G35
Looks like: A slightly squarer version of the last A4
Drivetrain: 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with six-speed manual or automatic; 160-hp, 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with six-speed manual or CVT; front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Late 2007
The new Audi A4 may not look much different from the one you see parked outside Crate & Barrel, but it has gone through a significant redesign. Most noticeable are the slight exterior design tweaks, especially the squared-off headlights. They may look more boring than the old ones, but they house a cool LED and conventional headlamp combo.

The structure of the body has been radically changed, though, so the new A4 is both lighter and more rigid to make it safer than before. Usually when a car company beefs up safety, performance-draining weight is also beefed up. Interior room has been increased, so passengers will have more space to take in the redesigned instrument panel and dashboard.

We’re a bit bummed that Audi has replaced the smooth 2.0-liter turbo engine from the old A4 with a more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter. The loss in power is significant at about 40 hp, and we’re still waiting on mileage numbers to see if the tradeoff is worth it. The 3.2-liter V-6 in the more expensive model remains and puts out an impressive 265 hp.

As with most luxury cars, there are a number of options and we won’t bore you with all of them here. But we will point out that the new A4 is one of the few entry-level luxury cars to offer heated and cooled leather seats. A 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system like the one we tested in the Audi S8 will also be available.

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