2006 Audi A4 2.0T

Sometimes it gets to you. In a moment of hair pulling, stop-the-insanity madness, you can no longer take the term "new." And let's not forget its neighbors: completely new, all new and totally new. One of the biggest offenders? Carmakers.


We can't completely blame the manufacturers from calling each year's model new—they want to call attention and bring you into the showrooms. In the ultra-competitive auto market, today's hotness becomes yesterday's lukewarm in the blink of an eye. But we have seen some flimsy excuses for "all-new" models being indicative of as little as a new audio system or available faux wood interior trim. So, what about the 2006 Audi A4—is it "all-new" from the ground up? Nah. Audi says around 60 percent. On the other hand, though, it does have some significant changes—a new exterior look that really captures the eye and a few interior tweaks that probably won't. Most importantly, there are some substantial improvements in the performance department and, with the A4's already impressive fun-to-drive quotient, that's big news indeed.

Style

The A4 lineup is pretty diverse. You have a choice of a handsome 4-door sedan, sleek wagon (Avant in Audi-speak) and sublime 2-door convertible. You also get a choice of 4-cylinder and V6 engines, front and Quattro all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions—some with the ultra-smooth CVT continuously variable transmission. And if that isn't enough, there are the V8-powered S4 and RS4 super performance models. Basically, you tell Audi your space, speed and budget requirements, and they'll find an A4 perfect just for you. Our tester was an A4 Sedan 2.0T with Quattro all-wheel-drive and a 6-speed manual transmission.


We were a little concerned with the news that Audi had recently freshened the exterior of the A4, as it was already one of the most handsome small sedans on the road. The most noticeable change is the front end with the new large grille opening that has now become Audi's corporate face for all its vehicles. While it appeared too big on the A3 we recently tested, on the A4, the prominent proboscis fits in quite handsomely. Flanked on both sides are clear headlamps at a suggestive angle that makes the front end of the car look aggressive.


A new contour line on the A4's sides sharpens the profile, while new taillamps are wider, extending over the trunklid. All in all, Audi did a masterful job—our bright red test car looked more muscular and purposeful than the previous model, which compared to the more overt designs of the new BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS 350, enjoyed a classic, refined look that we think will please any owner's eye for years to come.