A4 1.8T info (was pricing information)

[Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>]

> From: Scott Stiles <scottst@microsoft.com>

> FYI, I happened to be windowshopping at my local Audi dealer and
> stumbled
> across ~5 A4 1.8Ts. These were marked "press car" and the salesmen
> weren't
> able to drive them (or even unlock them) but I did glean a bit of info:

For those contemplating options on prospective a A4 1.8T here's
my 3 pennies worth:

I purchased mine in April 96 and have now travelled 10500kms

> - - comes with 15" rims from the A6
> - - no wood on the dash, it is a "carbon look"
> - - still has the climate control
> - - sport package consists of: 16" rims, sport wheel, jacquard cloth
> seating and
> two very Recaro-like much-adjustable sport seats!
> - - got the impression that the front of the car rides a bit higher than
> on the 2.8,
> you don't think they're using the same springs do you?
> - - car is ~100lbs lighter than the 2.8

The 15" rims combined with standard suspension give the car a very non-
sporty high riding look. The factory sports suspension is 35mm lower and 
when combined with the 16" rims improves the handling enormously. 
The  steering is much sharper and much less roll, better damped but 
without being overly harsh. I drove one with a german aftermarket suspension 
upgrade which seriously lowered the car a further 35mm but this car was very
jiggly and uncomfortable in comparison. The local dealer has returned all
these kits as being unsuitable.

The sports seats are a big improvement. Lateral support is great although 
perhaps they are a -little- too hard for long trips.
The sports steering wheel is great - smaller diameter (no prob as the A4
steering is very light) and looks heaps better than the standard wheel which
is IMHO rather ugly and cheap looking.

> - - from the literature, I think the 1.8 is missing the center storage
> console

Ditto - I've found these centre consoles in other cars are great for collecting
useless junk and not much use.

> - - leather is not avail. in the 1.8

The Jacqaurd trim is top quality, looks and feels great.

> FYI, sunroof is $1100! no thanks.

Very personal this one but not for me thanks, especially at the price.

My only other comment would be that I feel that, especially if quattro is
desired, the car is underpowered (150hp vs 172 for the 12V V6 or 192
for the 30V 2.8). If performance is important to you I strongly suggest you
check out engine upgrades or wait for the 30 valver. The turbo is easily 
(if rather expensively) tweaked and power outputs up to 286hp with factory
warranty retention are available in other markets. E-mail me for further info
if you wish or search the list for MTM options.

I suspect the power output has been kept low for marketing reasons (so as not 
to compete with the V6 engines and to allow for future model improvements) - 
leaving real performance to come from approved aftermarket suppliers such as 
MTM. The basic motor is capable of tolerating 286hp without any internal 
mods and with factory warranty so must be built overspecced to hell at 150hp!!!

-- 
Greg Spark                          '96 A4 1.8Tq
sparkg@wave.co.nz                   MTM 187hp
Hamilton, New Zealand