Audi B7 A4 2.0T Quattro
Not really a supercar this time, but since I've got this rental A4 for some days, I'd give it a quick try at a simple review.
Specifications
Engine - I4 turbo, 1984 cc
Power - 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
Torque - 280 Nm @ 1800 rpm
Weight -
Fuel Tank - 60 liters
Max Speed (declared) - 235 km/h
Acceleration (declared), 0-100 km/h - 7.7 s
Fuel economy (out of town / town / mixed) - 7.3 / 13.5 / 9.5
Tranny - 6 gears auto
Seats - 5
Doors - 5
Lenght / width -
Height -
Boot -
Exterior
Meh... to be honest, I loved the B5 A4, a bit less then B6 and can't really get used to the B7 in lesser forms than the S or RS :bah: it looks too long, too heavy, you know, not as fluid as it used to be, except from some angles.
And this one has winter wheels which look bi-dimensional, not pretty at all.
Interior
Top stuff, just perfect. Great quality, every button seems so spot on, all the gadgets you'd need in such a car are there, with some S-line bonus added like the sporty steering wheel and seats. There isn't a single thing wrong in here, really.
How does it drive?
Well, pretty well. These days as you might know, my daily drive is a B5 A4 2.8 Quattro. This car really feels like the son or nephew it is. So similar, yet so newer and brisk. The new 2.0 TFSI, compared to the old NA V6 I am used to drive really has a good delivery and can stretch its legs from 1500 rpm all the way to the redline like a sportcar. Straightline performance is very honest, with a sub 8 sec 0-100 kmh. You feel the 200 hp despite the weight of the car.
Traction is just great, as any other Quattro. To feel some understeer you really have to push in a corner or mis-judge entry speed. But even in such moments, you never have the impression it could go wrong. It's like being on rails and this A4 feels as sure as every other!
The usual complaint about the light and "electric" steering can be applied to this model too: really nothing coming through it honestly.
The soundtrack isn't inspiring but if you lower the window you can hear some Turbo hissing from time to time :bah:
Anyway, I had to cover lot of km on the highway with this car and it's just perfect, comfy and still funny when you need to overtake somebody.
What are the most positive features of the car?
Comfy
Gadgets
Long distance capability
What are the most negative features of the car?
Probably boring after a while
How do you think this car compares to its direct competition?
We know it: Audi finally managed to close the gap with BMW and Mercedes and is now one of the best manufacturers in Europe. When you need an allrounder with AWD, the A4 is the way to go, and a BMW or Merc wouldbe justified only if you really stress on having a RWD or just another badge, but this aside, the A4 can really be seen as the segment leader IMO.
Conclusion
I am having lot of fun with it, as I always have with rental cars, but can't wait to have the B5 back with its lovely V6 soundtrack
BTW, sorry the uninspired pics, but after a couple of hours doing a photoshoot with a GT3, it was kinda depressing having to take pics of the A4 LOL
Audi B7 A4 2.0T FSI Quattro
Linear Mode
