Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £19,900 to £32,700
Style, interior quality, space, huge boot.
V6 cars feel nose-heavy, handling not as entertaining as some of the competition.
Meets expectations in almost all areas - problem is it doesn't exceed them.
The A4 has class-leading interior space, which sounds impressive until you realise that it's much bigger than the competition on the outside too. It's huge - a whopping 12cm longer than the car it replaces. Rear passengers get most of the benefit, with plenty of head and shoulder room, although sitting behind a tall driver will still remain a squeeze. Boot space is excellent, with more than 480 litres available.
A4s will be available in three trims: standard, SE and a UK-specific S-Line trim that is currently being perfected by the engineers. It lowers the suspension by 30mm, adds 18" alloy wheels and a styling kit, and will add about £1,700 to the price.
Standard equipment is par for the class: 16" alloys, stability control, six airbags and an excellent three-zone climate control system.
Upgrading to SE gains 17" alloys, a 10-speaker sound system, a leather multi-function steering wheel and rear parking sensors.
For further comfort features you will have to hit the options list. Watch out for the fan-cooled Climate Comfort seats that cost an exorbitant £3,940.
On the road the A4 makes for a relaxing and quiet cruiser, with some wind noise around the large wing mirrors and a little road noise. All models have a ride that's on the firm side, but the smaller, lighter engines and smaller wheels give a comfort advantage.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Audi A4
wrote on 23 09 2007
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wrote on 17 07 2006