New car
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- jaylarson0
A4:
The agile A4 has a nicely detailed interior and a firm yet compliant ride. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear is cramped. The 3.2-liter V6 is quiet and delivers power readily. The noisy 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine feels coarse and is hesitant from a stop with AWD and the automatic. Midrange power is strong. The optional six-speed automatic shifts smoothly, as does the optional continuously variable transmission. The A4 Avant wagon is stylish but not spacious. A convertible is available. Crash-test results for the sedan are excellent.Audi A6:
The A6 comes as a luxury sedan or a wagon. Handling is responsive and secure. The ride is firm yet comfortable, but it is no match for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Available AWD provides good snow traction. The 3.2-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission make for a strong, polished powertrain. Fuel economy is relatively good. The seats are excellent, and the interior is well finished and filled with nice details. The MMI control system with integrated audio and navigation controls is annoying, with some simple functions requiring multiple steps. Crash-test results are excellent, but first-year reliability is disappointing.Audi S4
Audi's S4 is a high-performance version of the A4. Power comes from a smooth 340-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine that drives all four wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic optional. In our tests, we found the ride stiff but not punishing, unlike other sports cars. Handling is quite capable, but the S4 understeers a bit too much at its limits. Audi says it is adjusting the torque bias to reduce this. The interior is well-finished and nicely appointed. The power-operated leather Recaro racing-style seats are supportive and comfortable. Wagon and convertible versions are available. Crash-test results for the sedan are excellent. The S4 is less reliable than the A4.