A Look at the Audi A4

Sometimes an automaker will introduce a vehicleshares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised
based upon the platform of a "lesser" model. Typically,squarely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series,
this plan is employed when costs need to be cut toMercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac's
realize real savings. The theory is that the sharedSwedish built BLS.
platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish theSo, what does today's Audi A4 owners get for the
upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, amoney? Quite a lot! Read on:
taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options andA choice of three models including a sedan, a wagon,
you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the introduction ofand a cabriolet
the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed theTwo engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6
German automaker to capitalize on the success ofFront wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from itsA plethora of transmission choices including manual,
European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only aautomatic, and manumatic shifters
temporary move. Let's take a look at the Audi A4 andMajor safety initiatives including power assisted safety
its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes
For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller cars in12 way power seat for the driver
Audi's line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model wasLeather, aluminum, and clothe appointments
in need of updating and the name itself would need toPremium 10 speaker sound system
be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model16 inch, 5 spoke alloy wheels
designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures,Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and
however, made the development of an all-newclimb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices
from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audiare slightly lower than competing models from
tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4Mercedes and BMW.
upon the successful VW Passat.Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German
Platform sharing has been common amongstautomaker isn't holding still and plans for a fifth
automakers for generations. General Motors regularlygeneration Audi A4 are underway. The newest model
spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyotamay switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is
and Honda have learned that their respective Lexusreceiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final
and Acura luxury makes could share much with theirdecisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored
high quality and successful standard brands.model will keep up with the competition. This is great
Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and thenews for those wanting a car incorporating German
original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and isengineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4