I've never been crazy about the A4 in non-S form. It wasn't particularly exciting to drive and seemed overpriced for such a compact car, top notch interior notwithstanding.

For 2005.5 Audi has revamped the A4, updating its styling and engines and including steering and suspension components from the S4. Both dealers I visited claimed the changes make a huge difference. I took a 2.0T quattro for a test drive to find out. But this test drive proved inconclusive. So I took a second test drive, this time without a salesperson along and incorporating my favorite test roads. Both cars were equipped much the same, with a six-speed manual, Premium Package, 17-inch wheels, and no Sport Package. Both times I drove the A4 back-to-back with the recently introduced A3. My impressions follow.

Styling

Many people, especially if they're not into cars, likely won't notice that anything about the A4's styling has changed. Those that do notice might, like me, find the results mixed. For decades Audi has been known for its ultra-clean designs. But lately, like other German automakers, it has been grafting trendy and even bizarre details onto its cars. The revised A4's more aggressively shaped headlights lend character to the front end. I suppose the new enlarged grille that is being applied to all Audis does as well, but it's much less to my liking. I'd prefer if Audi retained a clear separation between the upper and lower openings. The taillamps have also been given a more complex shape, but my impression here is, "So what?"

Inside the A4 remains much the same aside from a new steering wheel whose hub is shaped like Audi's big new grille (and is about equally attractive). Meaning the A4 still has the highest quality, richest-looking interior in the segment. Want to know why the A4 costs thousands more than the A3? Much of the car's extra cost is in its interior. Where you'll find hard plastic in the A3 you'll find aluminum, wood, and padded trim in the A4. As a result the A4 feels like a much more expensive car.

Accommodations

I prefer the driving position and seats in the A3 to those in the A4. You sit lower behind a taller dash in the more expensive car. And the A4's seats are firmer; as before you sit on them more than in them. The sport package helps a bit here (the car I drove lacked it), but for truly awesome seats you want the S4. Audi should offer that car's Recaro seats elsewhere in its lineup.

The A4's seats do include one feature I really like: four-way power adjustable lumbar.

In back the A4 remains tight. The average adult will just fit. The less expensive A3 has as much space. Most of the A4's competitors, including the new BMW 3-Series, provide more.

The A4's trunk is about average in size. Unlike in most competitors a folding rear seat is standard.

On the Road

The new 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four is significantly more refined and powerful than the 1.8 it replaced. Boost lag is negligible; aside from the whine of the turbine it isn't readily identifiable as a turbo. Noise levels are low, even at full throttle. It's far too easy to cruise down the highway in third. The same engine feels significantly more energetic in the front-wheel-drive A3, but it should provide enough urge for most buyers in the A4 quattro.

Audi's shifters have been improving, but are still far from my favorites. I'd rate them "acceptable." Throws could be shorter, and shift feel more precise and direct. Clutch travel remains on the long side.

The first time around I drove the A3 with Sport Package. The second A3 had no options. In terms of steering and handling the non-Sport A4 falls between the two. It feels less agile than the A3-Sport, but sharper than the regular A3.

The A4's revised steering feels satisfyingly quicker, sometimes even too quick just off center. At parking lot speeds it's way too numb, but provides a decent level of feedback from about 25 MPH on up.

The A4's main problem remains its nose-heavy weight distribution. Quattro enables power to be put down in turns, and a judicious right foot can help balance the car. Yet the outside front tire still cries uncle well before its rear counterpart. Unless tire squeal doesn't embarrass you, you won't want to push the A4 hard. At least not on the non-Sport 17-inch tires. I suppose it's possible that better tires will do a better job of counteracting the laws of physics.

Even then this would be a car that reacts best to a heavy rather than a deft hand. Like traditional American iron the A4 likes to be thrown through turns, preferably sideways. I believe fans euphemistically label this the "quattro drift." Combine such a heavy hand with a heavy foot and no doubt the A4 would be a lot of fun on the right road. But on public roads in inhabited areas? I don't think so.

Beyond its weight distribution issues, the A4 at roughly 3700 pounds is very heavy for a compact, and feels as heavy as it is. Some people like a heavy-feeling car. Me, I prefer the opposite. Bottom line: this is a heavy car with too much mass ahead of the front axle.

Even in non-Sport form the A4 rides more firmly and busily than the A3-Sport. The tires don't clomp as loudly as they did in the last A4 I drove, but they still clomp more than the average car's. Also, that previous car had the Sport Package; with it the revised A4 might challenge the eardrums just as badly. Even with the Sport Package the 2006 3-Series has a more composed, more luxurious ride than the regular A4. The Audi just about matches the BMW in terms of wind and engine noise, though.

Audi A4 Price Comparisons and Pricing

A3 vs. A4 Avant: the A4 is about $2500 more after an $800 adjustment in its favor for additional features

A4 vs. 325i: the A4 is about $2400 less after a $600 adjustment in the BMW's favor.

If you just look at window stickers the A4 will seem even more expensive than it is because most (at least around here) have all-wheel-drive and the Premium Package.

Prices change frequently, and differences will vary based on feature level. To quickly generate these and other comparisons with the specific features you want, visit my Web site, www.truedelta.com. (It's the only site that provides true "apples-to-apples" price comparisons.)

TrueDelta's page for the A4:

http://www.truedelta.com/models/A4.php

Last Words

The steering and handling of the A4 have improved, but I still prefer the BMW 3-Series and even the cheaper Audi A3. The new engine is very good for a four, and the steering has a nice quickness to it, but the A4's chassis lacks the brilliance of the BMW's. It both rides and handles worse. Not long ago people overlooked these shortcomings because Audi alone offered all-wheel-drive. These days nearly everyone days. So, unless you put a very high priority on interior ambiance there are many better choices.

A Note on Audi A4 Reliability

I cannot practically cover reliability within the context of this review. However, many people are interested in such information, so I've started collecting my own data. Results, once they are available, will be posted to my site, www.truedelta.com, with updates every three months.

Unlike other sources, TrueDelta will clearly identify what difference it will make if you buy an A4 rather than another vehicle by providing "times in the shop" and "days in the shop" stats (among others). You will be able to specify the number of years, annual miles, and types of repairs to include in Audi A4 reliability comparisons.

Before I can report results, I need data on all cars--not just the A4--from people like you. To encourage participation, those who help provide the data will receive free access to the site's reliability information. Non-participants will have to pay an access fee.

For the details, and to sign up, visit www.truedelta.com.

Until I have better data, I'm personally very wary of any VW or Audi. Too many people I know have been burned by one too many times. I recently came across an S4 at a good price, and asked if reliability was really all that bad at audiworld.com, an Audi forum. The response from Audi owners: if you're concerned about reliability, don't buy an Audi.

A link to this website and alphabetized links to my other vehicle reviews can be found on my profile page.

Some of my reviews of related vehicles:
Audi A3 review
Acura TL review
Acura TSX review
BMW 3-Series review
Cadillac CTS review
Infiniti G35 review
Lexus IS 300 review
2006 Lexus IS review
Mercedes C-Class review
Saab 9-3 review
Volvo S60 review
Amount Paid (US$): 35000
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: 2.0T quattro six-speed with Premium and Lighting Packages