2002 Audi A4

When Audi decided it was time for an A4 update, devotees held their collective breath. As the bread-and-butter of Audi’s lineup and a huge favorite among enthusiasts, the A4 couldn’t afford to rattle its image or its performance. And since the trend in compact sedans is to make them larger and, hence, heavier, those who appreciated the A4’s nimble stature had every reason to tremble. My first experience with the updated A4 is this 1.8 Turbo equipped with the same 170-horse twin cam turbocharged 4-cylinder engine Audi used last year. This is one is front-wheel drive and features the new continuously variable transmission (CVT). Note there are also Quattro all-wheel-drive models, five- and six-speed manual transmissions and a refreshed V-6 that displaces 3.0 liters and produces 220 horses.

But this one is something of a bargain among Audi A4s. With that in mind, let’s see how it stacks up.

The Good News
The Good News here is multi-fold: Most significantly, Audi didn’t mess up a good thing with this A4’s refinements. Yes, it’s larger and a little heavier, but has lost none of the spirit in handling and stability that made its predecessor so popular.

Next, its new exterior is practically identical to the mid-size A6, until the A6 gets its own update, that is. Some people won’t like that; but I do. I think the new A4’s larger, softer, more elegant profile gives it less the compact/sport sedan edge, more the luxury/performance lure. It strikes me as a very pretty car I think will appeal to a wider segment, women especially.

This new A4 is 2.3 inches longer and an inch-plus wider and in wheelbase. Audi tells us there are two more cubic feet inside the cabin and a hair less than an inch more rear legroom. That’s all good news, but it still doesn’t alleviate what continues to be one of the less forgiving backseats in this class. Ditto for the front seat, where driver and passenger remain somewhat packed into their pods.

But what lovely pods they are. In true German fashion, this A4 presents a flawlessly finished interior that heralds quality, even in basic leatherette like mine. Inside, this car feels like you paid a lot more for it than you did.

The same could be said of its performance, particularly its insulated ride and crisp handling. The A4’s traditional prowess in this regard is now enhanced with a revised suspension setup and that wider track. As ever, it is steady, sure-footed, unflappable. Although mine was not equipped with four-wheel drive, its grip is more than impressive when it comes to tracking curves.

Anti-lock braking is standard, as is electronic stability and six air bags.

The Bad News
Although I love much about this A4’s performance, styling and quality build, I couldn’t live with this 1.8T with CVT. I know it’s ultra-efficient and economical, but I can’t stand the turbo’s hesitation on takeoff. There’s that awful split second when you wonder if the car is going to go at all. More powerful turbos give you a subsequent rush that somewhat compensates for the lag, but this one responds only reasonably well. It wore me out. Perhaps a fully manual transmission (this one could be manually shifted without clutch) would smooth things out. As it was, there were times when the engine and the continually variable transmission seemed thoroughly out of sync, burying the power. I know CVT requires some getting used to since it’s not traditional and that it is heralded as a revolutionary wonder. In this case, however, give me a clutch, a shifter and, most of all, the V-6 engine.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 20 mpg city/29 highway.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $26,050;
Price as tested, $29,950

Is it worth it?
I am truly excited about the A4’s sexy new looks and, in my opinion, its step up to a richer class of performance/luxury sedans. And I am delighted that so much sport, sophistication and quality engineering – not to mention goodies like glass moonroof and heated front and rear seats and excellent safety measures – are all available without exceeding $30,000.

But I would have to spring for the normally aspirated V-6 in this Audi A4, even if it does dig a significantly larger hole in the pocket. Some things are worth the overtime.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.