What is it?
2002 Audi A4
What's special about it?
When the Audi A4 debuted in the United States in 1995, it set forth the revitalization of the Audi brand. We've been impressed with A4 since that time and have enjoyed driving the sedan, Avant wagon and the high-performance S4 and S4 Avant. At the 2001 New York Auto Show, Audi held a North American debut of its all-new 2002 A4 sedan. The car is more sharply styled than before, with clear glass headlights, dual exhaust and a high waistline being this car's key identifiers. Inside, the new A4 offers more legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Ergonomic design looks to be similar, but new features include an in-dash six-disc CD player and dual-zone climate control with a sun sensor and an active charcoal filter. OnStar, General Motors emergency and concierge service, will be offered as an option. Safety is addressed by such features as front airbags, redesigned side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags.
Hidden from view are a stiffer body structure (by 40 percent, according to Audi) and a new fully independent aluminum rear suspension. Engine choices continue to be a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6. As with the 2001 A4, the 1.8T makes 170 horsepower. It also meets ULEV emissions requirements. The new 3.0-liter V6's output is 220 horsepower. Quattro all-wheel drive will be an option. Rounding things out is "multitronic," a new continuously variable transmission available on front-wheel-drive cars that promises quicker acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
Why should you care?
Audi's A4 is one of the best sport sedans available, but it was also in danger of getting outflanked by newer competitors like the Lexus IS 300, Acura TL Type S and BMW 3 Series. While the A4's changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, they should keep the A4 near the top of the list for potential upscale sedan buyers. Expect to see the 2002 A4 sedan at dealers in October with wagon versions debuting at a later date. -- Brent Romans
2002 Audi A4
What's special about it?
When the Audi A4 debuted in the United States in 1995, it set forth the revitalization of the Audi brand. We've been impressed with A4 since that time and have enjoyed driving the sedan, Avant wagon and the high-performance S4 and S4 Avant. At the 2001 New York Auto Show, Audi held a North American debut of its all-new 2002 A4 sedan. The car is more sharply styled than before, with clear glass headlights, dual exhaust and a high waistline being this car's key identifiers. Inside, the new A4 offers more legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Ergonomic design looks to be similar, but new features include an in-dash six-disc CD player and dual-zone climate control with a sun sensor and an active charcoal filter. OnStar, General Motors emergency and concierge service, will be offered as an option. Safety is addressed by such features as front airbags, redesigned side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags.
Hidden from view are a stiffer body structure (by 40 percent, according to Audi) and a new fully independent aluminum rear suspension. Engine choices continue to be a turbocharged four-cylinder and a V6. As with the 2001 A4, the 1.8T makes 170 horsepower. It also meets ULEV emissions requirements. The new 3.0-liter V6's output is 220 horsepower. Quattro all-wheel drive will be an option. Rounding things out is "multitronic," a new continuously variable transmission available on front-wheel-drive cars that promises quicker acceleration and better fuel efficiency.
Why should you care?
Audi's A4 is one of the best sport sedans available, but it was also in danger of getting outflanked by newer competitors like the Lexus IS 300, Acura TL Type S and BMW 3 Series. While the A4's changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, they should keep the A4 near the top of the list for potential upscale sedan buyers. Expect to see the 2002 A4 sedan at dealers in October with wagon versions debuting at a later date. -- Brent Romans
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