I was at my dealer for service and had an opportunity to drive a new A4 3 liter. It was a fairly basic model with 16" all-season tires and standard suspension but with a 6 speed and quattro.

The first question was with the 3 liter engine, how necessary is the twin-turbo S? The answer - very! The 3 liter is a pleasant engine but lacks snap - both in linear acceleration and the ability to power out of corners. After driving the S4 for a year the new A4 is like kissing your sister. I should note that the car had all of 18 miles on it, so it probably will improve with time.

The shift linkage was noticeably smoother than my S4 - much less notchy, but I have a UUC short shift installed in mine. Handling was good, if somewhat limited by the engne's capabilities. Steering had more feel that I remembered in my old A4, and the now standard 3 spoke sport wheel is a bit smaller in diameter, but still a joy with the thumb notches and ergonomic shaping. Controls were generally pleasant to use with the exception of the gas being too low and far from the brake for heeling and toeing - perhaps a response to the residual fear of the "unintended acceleration" witch hunt? Braking was linear and nicely weighted, and the clutch engaged jst a bit more smoothly an a littel highe then the S4, although the S4 engagement usually tends to be lower and more positive then an A4.

Subjectively, I still haven't warmed to Audi's Bauhaus styling. It is distinctive, but so is anchovy ice cream. The window sills are higher and the more straight A-pillar makes the windshield appear narrower, although I believe the car is marginally wider than the b5 chassis. Interior detailing is still first rank.

Ever since the cupholder in the A4 replaced the manual rear differential lock in my Coupe Quattro, Audi has been losing some of its edge as a driver's car. I have always admired the gauges in Audi products that seem almost the size of dinner plates when you first see them. Big, boldly marked instruments are a sign that you need no extra entertainment behind the wheel. The new instrument cluster lacks both the voltmeter and oil temperature gauge of the previous A4/S4. Moereover, all of the instruments are smaller and more highly styled - conveying the message that the driver may have more time to stare at them, or conversely need more time to read them. The trademark light control stalk has been relegated to a VW-generic stove **** on the dash - all signs that Audi is pandering to wider, less focussed public. Does an Audi really need <b>three</b> front-seat cupholders? One nicety I am glad to see return is the memory driver's seat. I have missed having "interstate cruise" and "Sturm und Drang" positions being pre-programmed.

Outside, the "face" is beautiful - the four round headlights under a clear glass and prominent bi-level grilles are very nicely done. I am not fond of the black accenting that makes the bumper look added on as opposed to integrated with the rest of the body. The sides are tall and straight - made more so by the prominent door cutlines that make the car appear shorter than it is (looking like a blunted A6). The wall-eyed taillights are probably the worst featrure of the design and the twin tailpipes the best. The new convertible offers hope as Audi did a much better job with its taillights.

If anyone is tempted by the new six- thinking it is an S4 in A4 clothing, it is not. Last year, I drove an S4 and ended up trading my A4 for it. This year, a drive in the new A4 confirms the wisdom of that decision.

 

the new 3.0 and a 2002 S4, assuming the performance would be similar. The 3.0 is nice and smooth, but doesn't deliver power as forcefully as I expected, and certainly not near S4 levels. And it costs almost as much! I picked the S4.

And why did they take away the oil temp? Kills me.

 

Nicely written !

 

The last sentence says it all, good job!

 

I too was interested in seeing how the new A4 compared to my 2000 S4. I knew going in that the performance wouldn't be the same but again I was curious.

I drove a tipped version of the 3.0 A4. The off the line performance was not neck snapping in any sense of the word and was loud. The best method was to trounce the throttle once you got the vehicle rolling.

The handling had the typical German tautness to it but a little boulevard cruiser crept in. The steering felt better than most rice-burners I have driven but still not up to S4 or BMW capabilities.

I still can't warm up to the ¾ A6 styling but I do like the headlight housing and dual tail pipes. I did appreciate the creature features of the added legroom provided to the driver, the in-dash 6-disc CD, the storage compartments under the front seats, the memory seats (my 5' wife likes to drive the S4), the separate temperature controls, the remote trunk opener and the new brake-assist feature.

After driving the new A4 I went back and gave my S4 a big hug. I guess I will have to save my pennies toward a new S4 or S6.