Audi A4 Worth Every Penny
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Occasionally an automaker will introduce a vehicle based on the platform of a “lesser” model. Usually this plan is used when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The concept is the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the standard one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can pull it off. For Audi, the advent of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s permitted the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize auto from its EU cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a temporary move. Let’s have a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the pinnacle of German automobile excellence.
For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller autos in Audi’s line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would have to be modified with the 2 digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model not possible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the first Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.
Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their various Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their prime quality and successful standard brands.
Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the latest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW three Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac’s Swedish built BLS.
So, what does today’s Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:
A choice of 3 models including a sedan, a truck, and a cabriolet
Two engine decisions : a 2.0L I4 and a powerful 3.2L V6
Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
A multitude of transmission selections including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters
Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes
12 way power seat for the driver
Leather, aluminum, and dress appointments
Premium ten spokesperson sound system
16 in., 5 spoke alloy wheels
Base costs start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet ; all costs are barely lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.
Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn’t holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving heavy examination. Irrespective of the final for the last choices, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep abreast of the competition. This is superb news for those wanting a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
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