Vehicle Tested
2011 Audi A4 2.0T Premium quattro 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo AWD 8-speed Auto)
Driven On
9/7/2011
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
The Audi A4 resides squarely in the middle of the comfort-to-sport spectrum with a commendable balancing act of performance-efficiency and ride-handling. Understatedly stylish, not as concerned with headlines as it is with being sufficient and satisfying, if you want the ultimate sport sedan, look elsewhere.
B
Performance
Outright performance is not the A4's strength. Acceleration is modest, braking is sufficient, and handling is likely better than most customers will ever explore.
| Acceleration |
C
|
With a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, acceleration is invigorating, but below-average in this highly competitive class dominated by 6- or even available 8-cylinder engines. |
| Braking |
B
|
Tire choice as well as surface conditions affect braking performance, however, the A4's brakes average for the class. |
| Steering |
B
|
The steering is precise and informative in all situations, however, effort quickly builds up to an unnatural level. |
| Handling |
A
|
Handling is sure-footed, sporty, and with a flat attitude, near the top of its class. The all-wheel-drive system is seamless and works well. |
| Driveability |
B
|
The addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission has helped tremendously in this category. Steering effort might be burdensome in some situations. |
A
Comfort
Unlike some other cars in its class, the A4 doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance. Seating, ride and noise intrusion are all tuned to soothe rather than challenge.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
Standard leather, power front seats are supportive and well contoured, optionally heated. Rear seats are surprisingly accommodating for this class. |
| Ride Comfort |
A
|
Only slightly biased toward "sporty," the A4 offers a ride/handling balance that is perhaps at the top of it's class in this regard. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Wind and road noise are well isolated, however, there's some engine noise when it's revved. |
B
Interior
Often a benchmark for other manufacturers in terms of design and materials, the A4 stumbles with some interior usability details.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
The A4's center console-mounted MMI controller is a challenge and unnecessarily complicated. All controls have a steep learning curve, but offer many redundant systems. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Typical compact-sedan sized doors allow easy entry/exit. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
The A4 feels larger inside than its competitors and the rear seats have a surprising amount of room, but only for two people. Three rear passengers is too tight. |
| Visibility |
B
|
Good front and rear visibility aided by the thin pillars. Parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring and a reverse camera are optional. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Trunk has decent size (12.4 cu-ft), but isn't as big as it appears. A low loading height is convenient. Split-fold rear seatbacks are optional to increase cargo-carrying ease. |
A
Value
With the exception of an average warranty, the Audi A4 represents a strong value in a highly competitive segment: Generous standard features, quality materials and solid manufacturing at a fair price.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
Standard leather seats are rare in this class, and materials and finish are top-shelf. Solid build quality with only a few minor interior panel gaps, otherwise, a benchmark. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
Considering all of this trim level's standards such as a ski-weekend-friendly turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and so on, it arrives well equipped for the money. |
| Cost |
B
|
We feel that $25,000 is a very good price for a car this well built and packaged. |
| MPG |
A
|
Others marques offer V6s with more power, but the A4's fuel economy is very good at 24 mpg in typical mixed driving--about 15% better than competitors. |
| Warranty |
B
|
Both the basic and drivetrain are covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty which is average for the class. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Roadside assistance is covered for 4 years/unlimited miles but only the first scheduled maintenance visit is free. |
B
Fun To Drive
As far as enthusiasts are concerned, there are more thrilling sedans. And that's fine for some, but Audi owners likely find fun elsewhere.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
The A4 resides squarely in the middle of the comfort-to-sport spectrum with a commendable balancing act of performance-efficiency and ride-handling. |
| Personality |
B
|
Understatedly stylish, not as concerned with headlines as it is with being sufficient and satisfying, if you want the ultimate sport sedan, look elsewhere. |