But not everything is quite right with the A4 and its price point, particularly considering several option packages, provides more than one reason to consider other manufacturers' offerings.
My test drive was the 2007 A4 sedan 2.0 T quattro AT6. It featured a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower, DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The A4 is handsome, with its attractive body style and exterior color (ocean blue pearl) combining to attract a good share of attention. Add the platinum-colored interior to the mix, and the Audi is among the nicest looking sedans on the road.
Audi's other signature is its aforementioned superior steering and handling. Every time I drove the car, I was impressed with Audi's engineering and the savvy permanent all-wheel drive system (quattro). In short, the The A4 quietly grips the road.
One major issue is that A4 is classified as a four-passenger sedan. The Audi has a rather deep and extended trunk, and as a result, even regular-sized rear seat passengers are pressed into tight quarters. There's minimal head and leg room, the rear cabin is cramped and the entry/exit areas are tight.
The A4 has a long list of impressive standard features, but the vehicle doesn't have seat warmers. While that may seem like a small complaint, many cars with base sticker prices $10,000 less have heated front seats as standard equipment.
My test vehicle included nearly $8,500 in options, including Convenience ($1,900), Premium ($1,900) and Audio ($1,000) packages. Add $750 for premium paint, $500 for Bluetooth technology, $250 for sport suspension and $720 for the standard destination charge and the A4 exceeds $40,000.
There are many reasons why the A4 is Audi's best-selling line. But it's hard to justify the A4's price tag and its costly options when interior space and a simply feature like seat warmers are not available at any price.
Audi A4, 2007 Facts & Figures: Safety Features – Dual front, side and side curtain side airbags; Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 22 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway); Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles; (24-hour) roadside assistance program, 4 years/50,000 miles. Base Price – $31,540.
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