Audi A4 Avant 1.8 T Quattro S Line

Advantages: Ride, Build Quality, Image, Looks, Equipment
Disadvantages: Rear Legroom, Running costs, Dull Handling

...Here's my first ever review (again - sorry for posting it in the wrong section before!) I've had my 1998 Audi A4 1.8SE Auto 4 door for 4 months now and it still puts a smile on my face. Whether it's the solid 'thunk' of the doors closing, or the gorgeous tone of the superb 'Concert' stereo, the Audi continues to be a car I will never regret buying. I purchased privately from a family who had cherished the car - it came in superb condition, with low mileage, and a full Audi service history. The light green (Jasper Green) really looks great when I've thrown the sponge on it, and the standard 16" alloys do a good job of setting the car off. It's by no means a perfect car though. The rear legroom is really poor, and the boot openning isn't too clever either - I'd have had an Avant if I could have afforded one. The handling... Read review

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Advantages: Looks, performance, price
Disadvantages: ummm, nope, still can't think of any

...Thought it was time for an update seeing as I've had the car for over 6 months... I'd always had a thing about Audis, I'd love an S6 but the budget won't stretch, so the A4 was an obvious choice. Looking at the range I had the choice of the entry-level 2.0 of the 1.8T in either 2 wheel drive or Quattro. Comparing the performance the 2.0 pushes out 130bhp with the 1.8T raising this to 150bhp, simple choice then. Comparing this with the 3 series, the 318 offers only 112bhp, with the 320 jumping upto 170bhp, though the new model increases capacity to 2.3 litres. After test driving both variants I decided on the 2 wheel drive, though the brochure gives the same 8.4sec 0-60 time, the 2 wheel drive seems quicker, probably as the Quattro has the power being put out to all 4 wheels. I must say though that the Quattro definitely has the edge... Read review

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Advantages: Acceleration (V6, S4), Automatic-transmission performance (CVT), Steering/handling, Ride (base suspension), Interior materials, Available AWD
Disadvantages: Rear-seat room

...The vast majority of A4s are sold with quattro. Quattro A4s with 4 cyl and automatic transmission feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, while manual-transmission V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. Lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy from a stop. Test 1.8T CVT sedan did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph; test V6 CVT Cabriolet did 7.8. Seamless CVT acts much like conventional automatic, but requires use of manual mode for best performance. Manual transmissions controlled by precise shifters. S4's V8 strong at all speeds; test sedan did 5.6 sec 0-60. Averages for manual-transmission test models: 1.8T sedan, 24.8 mpg; 1.8T Avant, 21.5; V6 quattro sedans,18.3-21; S4 sedan, 15.6; S4 Avant, 15.9; S4 Cabriolet, 14.1. Audi says CVT is 10 percent more fuel efficient... Read review

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