2007 Audi A4 Sedan
2.0T Quattro MT6
"More
Power Under More Control"
Reviewed by Susan Frissell
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SPECS
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The Audi A4 has always been a favorite, fun car to drive and the new 2007 is no exception. In fact, probably even more fun. The 2007 A4's styling has been updated with a more stylish, high-tech look that includes a single frame grille and clear glass headlights. Sporting a more aggressive face, the A4's front-end styling resembles the Audi Nuvolari Quattro concept car.
For 2007, the A4's interior gets an updated look featuring a "wrap around" effect. Seating is very comfortable hugging the driver/passenger and the lines extend from the door trim around to the center console. Designed to resemble an aircraft cockpit, the A4's controls are located front and center, and are easily reached and operated. Dual automatic climate control, audio system and optional navigation system are located here. Those A4's manufactured for the U.S. and Canadian markets feature a size-adjustable dual cup holder arrangement located in the middle console, along with an extra 12-volt power outlet.
Awarded Interior of the Year in 2005 by Ward's, A4's interior has a nice feel about it, creating a real performance atmosphere. Located under both driver and front passenger seats are storage spaces offering more space to store "stuff." The trunk is 13.4 cubic feet and is more than adequate for toting luggage and groceries.
A unitary steel structure with integrated aluminum components makes up the A4's body. Audi makes use of high strength sheet metal panels resulting in a vehicle that offers a very comfortable ride, easy handling and active safety. Rack-and-pinion steering is standard and features Audi's speed-dependent power assistance Servotronic that offers a combination of sporty steering, precision and improved steering comfort. Consequently, the A4 maneuvers effortlessly, especially when trying to navigate a tight parking space. Minimum effort is needed when positioning the A4, making it a pleasure to drive under most circumstances.
Safety is paramount at Audi and the A4 has a long list of safety features, including ESP, ABS and Electronic Brake pressure Distribution, and hydraulic brake assist, a feature that automatically increases brake power when the driver applies the brakes in an emergency. Audi's traction control system-ASR-is also standard, as is electronic differential lock.
New two-stage front airbags and SideGuard head-level airbag system are standard. A4 also comes equipped with standard front and side airbags and full-size front airbags. Standard RearGuard head restraints on the front seats automatically adjust in the event of a crash. A seatbelt reminder system is also standard, and an annoyance, we might add! Wishing we could figure out how to deactivate the seat belt reminder system, the annoying dinging went on for minutes as my passenger tried to clasp her belt. At best, it's difficult to secure the seatbelt into the clasp; perhaps because there isn't a lot of room between the seat and the center console.
As expected in a midsize luxury sedan, the A4 comes equipped with plenty of standard features, including such things as ABS, automatic brake disc wiping, full-size spare, automatic dual-zone climate control, front and rear power windows with one-touch and pinch protection, electronic cruise, power central locking system, power driver's seat 60/40 split folding rear seat, 4-spoke leather wrapped sport steering wheel with multifunction controls, heated side mirrors and windshield wiper nozzles, auto door locking, and anti-theft vehicle alarm system, among other goodies.
Options on our A4 2.0T Quattro included the Navigation Plus system ($2,100), Convenience Package (Homelink, Auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, power passenger seat, trip computer, rain and light sensor, Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive front lighting, $1,900), Premium Package (Sunroof, leather seating surfaces, 17-inch Double Spoke Wheels and all-season tires, $1,900); Audio Package (Bose Premium Sound System, Sirius Satellite Radio, $1,000); Bluetooth Phone Prep, $500; Heated front seats, $450; and Sport suspension, $250.
For 2007, consumers can choose from a couple of new interior colors and five different alloy wheels on 16, 17 or 18-inch wheels. The standard interior on the 3.2 is Brown Walnut with Vavona wood inlays. Wood-segmented steering wheels and shift knob are also standard. The center console in the 2.0T is alum-optic inlay.
Audi's Navigation plus system features a 6.5-inch color display with map and pictograms, and two slots for SD memory cards (located behind the flip-down LCD screen). MP3 music files stored on the memory cards can be played through the A4's audio system. A unique nav system, Audi's offers menu and spoken route guidance in five different languages. An in-dash 6-disc CD changer is located in the glove compartment and CD's can be enjoyed coming from the A4's 10-speaker sound system. Sirius Satellite radio prep is standard. Bose is optional.
We had some difficulty operating the Sirius satellite feature. We couldn't figure out how to select and save stations. After consulting the manual, which is fairly complicated and lengthy, we gave up.
A feature we found very welcome is Audi's adaptive lights including Bi-Xenon headlights that swivel. Activated from 7 miles-per-hour up, the road ahead is illuminated as the headlight unit twists and turns. Daytime-running-lights (DRL) are standard and can be deactivated.
The 2.0T turbo charged 4-cylinder engine has plenty of punch. Audi is the first to combine turbocharging with the FSI concept. At 200 horsepower and 207 lb. Ft. of torque, the 2.0-liter engine is great fun to drive.
Two front-wheel-drive options are available on the A4: six-speed manual and CVMT and Quattro versions with either six-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission.
There is much to like about the 2007 A4. It took a while, though, to warm up to the new styling. Somewhat resembling the VW Passat, the A4 is a solid, well-built sedan and for those who prefer a performance vehicle, it is hard to beat.