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Audi A4 1.8T Information
Just subscribed back to the Quattro Digest after a long time. The last time I subscribed was when I had a 1990 V8 Quattro and sold it for a 1993 BMW 325is. The BMW was nice but I really missed my Audi.
I visited my local Audi dealer (Atlanta) and checked out the new A4 1.8T. Didn't take the test drive, however. Came away impressed with the build quality, considering the $23, 200 base price. For all you interested folk here's information I retrieved from the Edmunds web site (http://www.edmunds.com)
I would like to hear comments from Audi 1.8T owners on their experiences with this new car. I am considering purchasing this car in the near future. BTW, there were at least 15 1.8T's on the lot, all of them w/ automatic transmissions.
Thanks in advance,
-Vikram Kumar
vikram@mindspring.com
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WHAT'S NEW FOR 1997
A cheaper Audi A4 1.8T debuts, featuring a 150-horsepower 20- valve turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a base price in the low 20s. The 2.8 gains a revised decklid and expanded central locking features. All models have new cloth upholstery, and the console and armrests are trimmed with the same fabric as the seats. Three new colors debut for 1997.
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
Artful bodywork, outstanding handling, luxurious interior, optional Quattro all-wheel drive system, bargain price
Cons:
Rear leg room, fussy stereo controls, suspension float
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EDMUND'S REVIEW
Buy this car. Audi's A4 is sleek, sophisticated, and speedy, and has won praise from the worldwide automotive media. Small but safe, the A4 scored best in its class in the 35-mph offset crash tests performed in Europe, and performed brilliantly in stateside crash testing. For U.S. buyers, this translates into a competent and crashworthy alternative to the BMW 3-Series, Acura TL-Series, and Volvo 850, among others.
For 1997, two versions will be available; the 1.8T and the 2.8. The 2.8 is powered by a 2.8-liter V-6 engine putting 172 horsepower through the front wheels. New is the 1.8T, which features a turbocharged, 20-valve inline four-cylinder engine good for 150 horsepower. The 1.8T is available in the same configurations as the 2.8; front- or all-wheel drive with a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic.
The A4 features a multi-link front suspension that virtually eliminates torque steer, according to Audi. We've tried a front driver, and their claims have been substantiated. Quattro all- wheel drive continues as a stand-alone option, reasonably priced at about $1,600, up one bill over last year. The automatic transmission is available with the Quattro system. Dual airbags and anti-lock brakes come standard. Purchase an A4 and enjoy free maintenance for three years and 50,000 miles.
Audi's new 1.8T model features fresh alloy wheels, a unique Sport package, and a base price starting in the low 20s. All early- build A4 1.8T models will be automatics. Standard equipment on the more expensive 2.8 includes automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and fog lights. A power driver's seat with lumbar support is exceptionally comfortable. Leather upholstery is only available on the 2.8. A theft alarm keeps thieves from making off with the radio or anything else left in an unattended car.
A short options list reveals that almost everything you need comes standard on the A4 2.8. With prices starting near $28,000, this means that you can get a status car that is comfortable, well equipped and costs less than it does to send your kid to college. We think that Audi has a winner with the A4, and the addition of the even more affordable 1.8T will do nothing but enhance Audi's image with less affluent buyers.
COMPETING MODELS
Acura Integra GS-R Sedan
Ford Contour SE
Honda Accord EX V6
Mazda 626 ES
Pontiac Grand Prix GT
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WARRANTIES
.Basic: 3 yr./50000 mi. .Drivetrain: 3 yr./50000 mi. .Rust: 10 yr./unlimited mi. .Roadside Assistance: 3 yr./unlimited mi.
For Edmund's recommended best deal on an Extended Vehicle Service Contract from Warranty Gold for up to 7 years, click here.
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SAFETY FEATURES
.Anti-Lock Brakes: Standard .Driver Air Bag: .Passenger Air Bag: .Side Air Bag: NA .Integrated Child Seat: NA .Traction Control: Standard
Crash Test Results
.Driver: Rating = very good .Passenger: Rating = good
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PERFORMANCE DATA
.Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8 sec. .Braking Distance (60-0 mph): 134 ft. .Roadholding Index: 0.76 .Base Number of Cylinders: 4 .Base Engine Size: 1.8 liters .Base Compression Ratio: 9.5 .Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5700 rpm .Torque: 155 lbs./ft. @ 1750 rpm
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CAPACITY DATA
.Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.4 gal. .Luggage Capacity: 13.7 cu.ft.
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FUEL EFFICIENCY
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.4 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates:
.Manual: City = 24 mpg Highway = 32 mpg .Automatic: City = 21 mpg Highway = 30 mpg
Range in Miles:
.Manual: City = 394 mi Highway = 525 mi .Automatic: City = 344 mi Highway = 492 mi
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DIMENSIONS
Exterior:
.Length: 178 in. .Width: 68.2 in. .Height: 55.8 in. .Weight: 2877 lbs. .Wheelbase: 103 in.
Interior:
.Front Headroom: 38.1 in. .Rear Headroom: 36.8 in. .Front Shoulder Room: 54.7 in. .RearShoulder Room: 53.4 in. .Front Hip Room: NA .Rear Hip Room: NA .Front Leg Room: 41.3 in. .Rear Leg Room: 33.4 in. .Luggage Capacity: 13.7 cu.ft.
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PRICES (MSRP AND DEALER INVOICE) AND EQUIPMENT
(All Prices in US Dollars)
A4
8D25I4 Sedan 1.8T 4-Dr 5-speed Manual
Invoice = $20,246
MSRP = $22,990
Destination Charge: $500
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Dealer Holdback: None Click here for a brief explaination of dealer holdbacks.
Check Edmund's list for currently available incentives and rebates for this vehicle. Be sure to take any incentives/rebates into account when calculating an appropriate price for the vehicle.
[Advertising Charges: All vehicles carry a legitimate manufacturer advertising fee equal to one to three percent (1-3%) of the MSRP, depending on geographic region. This fee is passed on to the consumer without dealer markup, and is non-negotiable.]
Standard Equipment (if appropriate, differences between alternative models are listed):
A4 1.8T: 1.8-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine, engine/automatic transmission oil coolers, 5-speed manual transmission, EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) system (functions as an electronic traction assist), rack and pinion power steering, gas-charged shock absorbers, front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, 7J x 15" 8-spoke alloy wheels, 195/65R15 H speed-rated all-season tires, power 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, body-color outside mirrors, body-color door handles, body-color bodyside moldings, 3-way halogen headlight assembly with variable focus reflectors and polycarbonate lenses, front fog lights, rear fog light (integrated in left rear light cluster), retractable high pressure headlight washer system, fuel cap hanger feature, foldable windshield wipers, 5-mph bumpers, right outside convex mirror, velour seat upholstery, front comfort seats with manual height adjustment, aluminum trim on dashboard and door panels, fold-down rear center armrest with storage bin, full-length center console with fold- out can holders/storage bin, front head restraints, partially retractable rear head restraints, dual front air bags with knee bar, height adjustable front seatbelts, automatic seatbelt tensioners, rear and right front passenger belts with automatic locking (ALR) for child seats, folding overhead assist handles, individual passenger reading lamps, front seatback storage pockets, tachometer, trip odometer, outside temperature gauge, analog clock, driver/passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, illuminated glove box/trunk/ashtray, retained accessory power for windows and optional sunroof, interior lighting with courtesy delay feature, ignition key with integrated light, front/rear floor mats, pre-wiring for Motorola telephone and 6- disc CD changer, tilt and telescope adjustable steering column, anti- theft vehicle alarm system, fully automatic climate cotnrol system with sun intensity control and pollen filter, rear heat and AC ducts, tinted glass, rear window defogger with automatic timed shut-off feature, cruise control, power windows with child safety lock, pinch protection and one-touch down feature for all windows; one-touch up feature for front windows, dual power outside mirrors with defog feature, power central locking system (incls trunk and fuel filler door), selective unlocking trunk with driver master switch, child safety rear door locks, AM/FM stereo cassette radio (includes anti-theft coding RDS [displays station format and call letters], GALA [varies volume based on vehicle speed], CD changer operation capability and key-off function), 6-speaker sound system with active rear speakers, rear window antenna with signal booster, 2-speed wipers with intermittent mode, gas strut supports for hood and trunk lid, 60/40 split-folding rear seatback with individual locks
Optional Equipment and Accessories:
Option Code Option Name Invoice MSRP
8RY Audi/Bose Audio System $574 $660
Includes 8 speakers
--- Paint -- Pearlescent $496 $570
QTR Quattro All-wheel Drive System $1,600 $1,600
2PV Sport Steering Wheel $139 $160
INCLUDED in Sport Package on 1.8T
PCC Power Sunroof $1,035 $1,190
Includes remote locking
--- Automatic Transmission $925 $975
9Q2 Trip Computer $218 $250
--- Leatherette Seats $0 $0
PAW All Weather Package (1.8T) $609 $700
Includes heated front seats, heated
driver's side door lock, heated
windshield washer nozzles, expandable
ski/storage sack, temperature gauge
2PV Leather-wrapped Steering Wheels $139 $160
(1.8T)
--- Paint -- Cool Shades $400 $460
--- Paint -- Metallic Mica (1.8T) $400 $460
PSP Sport Package (1.8T) $870 $1,000
Includes front sport seats with Jaquard
satin cloth upholstery, sport steering
wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, P205/55R16
all-season tires
OLM California Emissions $0 $0
1QE Massachusetts Emissions $0 $0
NYE New York Emissions $0 $0