Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Sedan with Tiptronic. It rank’s 6 out of 13 upscale small cars based on published reviews and test drives as well as reliability and safety data according to US News. Comforting news but time is the test of all things that age and need repair.
As you likely know I owned a foreign car repair shop in California for many years and the older models of Audi were troublesome for owners. But the performance has always been wonderful and when you push a car to the limits it is likely to brake from time to time. Everyone loves a fine tuned well performing car, and few do it better than the Germans. No getting around that.
At the same time, German makes are more expensive to own and maintain, but the thrill of excellence in a car is hard to put a price on. So, if you’re like my friend who makes a barrel of money his BMW 7 Series at $140,000 is pretty cool. Repair bills don’t faze him even a little and they are a lot. But that is the case with anything bigger and arguably better. . . it just takes more to keep it that way.
General Information: Parts: US/Canadian 1%, Germany 65%; Hungary 16%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany. It is Assembled in – Neckarsulm, Germany. Class – Compact
Cars from Audi – A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS, S3, S4, S5, S6, S8, SQ5, TT
Handling & Performance:
Spectacular handling and in large measure that is because of AWD (All Wheel Drive). The Turbo 4-cylinder engine is responsive and downright fast when you need it. This A4 on the mountain road course is like driving on rails at Disneyland or 6-Flaggs Magic Mountain. Yep, it is a sheer magic driving experience.
Styling:
All Audi’s in my opinion are beautiful cars outside and inside and even the less expensive models are elegantly appointed. Nice job Audi.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
Competitive with similar cars. So it’s important that if you’re looking for performance you will not be dissuaded because of a bunch of thousands more than others you could settle for.
Conveniences and comfort:
Consumer Recommendations:
If you are an Audi owner send me an email to give me your opinion of the year and model you drive. Tell me about repair bill experience, and general satisfaction with anything you care to talk about.
The noted competition is amazingly all priced the same and so since I have not included all that could be considered close, these are performance cars worthy of mention. I like them all and enjoy driving such capable cars. I have to say Cadillac is a favorite of mine and it too will light your hair on fire. The WRX is NOT a favorite and while I enjoy the performance it’s a “Kids” car so I wouldn’t be interested but then I’m much older and performance alone doesn’t lite my fire.
Recognized Competition:
Audi A4 $38,000, Cadillac ATS $38,000, Volvo S60 $38,000, Subaru WRX $38,000.
Good News:
Excellent handling and performance, luxury at any level, good fuel economy in class.
Bad News:
n/a.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder 170 horsepower engine, 8-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic, 17” wheels, stability control, speed sensitive power steering, tire pressure monitor, power sunroof, xenon headlights, heated power mirrors, 8-way power front seats with 4-way lumbar adjustment, leather seating, 60/40 split folding rear seat, climate control, AM/FM/SAT radion with SD card reader, Sirius satellite with 3-months subscription, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, Bluetooth prepared, front seat mounted side and curtain airbags, LATCH child safety system.
Gas Stats:
$3.49/ Gal avg. March 8, 2015
for more information.
21 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $37,600