Midway through its life cycle, Audi has face lifted its A4 and S4 models to counter the
equally refreshed Mercedes-Benz C-class and the
all-new BMW 3-series. While the most noticeable A4/S4 changes are cosmetic—
read our debut story here—Audi also has made minor tweaks to the chassis and powertrains.
In Europe, where we sampled the new A4, Audi offers four gasoline engines and six diesel engines in the A4 lineup; the U.S. market will continue to receive a far more limited selection of powerplants. While the entry-level 120-hp, 1.8-liter turbo four impresses with its smoothness and torquey character and the diesels continue to be highly coveted, the biggest stride comes in the fitment of the 3.0-liter TFSI engine. This supercharged V-6 replaces the former naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V-6 (which was
dropped from the American options sheet for 2010), and is essentially a slightly detuned version of the 333-hp engine found in the S4. It feels nearly as quick as the S4, and the less ostentatious A4 wrapper makes for more-convincing camouflage for speed junkies.
The S4’s exhaust system has been retuned to deliver a sharper note, and the sound can be further enhanced by choosing the “Drive Select” chassis system’s Dynamic mode. We drove the EU-market S4 extensively in southern Europe, and it delivers the same poise and well-balanced ride-and-handling package that helped it vanquish the previous-gen BMW 335i in a
comparison test. Unfortunately for
Continental-types, it is offered there only with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The U.S., however, will continue to have the choice of a six-speed manual.
The refresh also brings a switch from hydraulic to electro-mechanical steering, a technology that carmakers are finally beginning to tune properly. The steering on the A4 is linear and nicely weighted; it feels similar to the steering on the new BMW 3-series, which is to say not overly talkative, but good nonetheless. Other minor updates include recalibrated rear dampers.
The cosmetic changes benefit the A4 and S4 alike. Up front, there are new headlamps with redesigned LED daytime running lights, the grille is restyled, and the front air intakes have been reshaped, and the car now looks more like the newer A6. The taillights now conform to Audi’s latest rear-lighting designs. The interior is upgraded with new materials and décor, and adds the latest MMI system with a touch-sensitive writing pad. The changes apply to the Avant wagon as well—the U.S., however, loses the standard station wagon in favor of the
Allroad Quattro. Most Avant lovers should be okay with that: The Allroad is little more than a lifted Avant with plastic appliqués.
Read More:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/2013-audi-a4s4-first-drive-review/?utm_source=feedburner&utm
