Audi A4 Worth Every Penny
Occasionally an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a “lesser” model. Usually this plan is used when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The theory is the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can probably pull it off. For Audi, the arrival of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to take advantage of the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize vehicle from its EU cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a temporary move. Let’s take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the head of German automotive excellence.
For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller autos in Audi’s line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the 2 digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model not possible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the first Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.
Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors continually spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their various Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their high quality and successful standard brands.
Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the first Audi A4 is now in its 4th generation and is founded on its own platform. Indeed, the most recent Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is balanced exactly to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac’s Swedish built BLS.
So, what does today’s Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:
A choice of 3 models including a sedan, a van, and a cabriolet
Two engine selections : a 2.0L I4 and a powerful 3.2L V6
Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
A multitude of transmission choices including manual, automated, and manumatic shifters
Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes
12 way power seat for the driver
Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments
Premium 10 speaker sound system
16 in., 5 spoke alloy wheels
Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all costs are barely lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.
Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn’t holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The latest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final for the last calls, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep abreast of the competition. This is great reports for those needing a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
If you can have any car in the world, what would it be? Visit thesupercars.org for information and specs on the greatest cars in the world, also take a look at buy used Audi A4.