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4.6

Audi A4

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$32,500
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New 2012 Audi A4
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Key specifications

Highlights
Turbocharged Gas I4
Engine Type
22 City / 30 Hwy
MPG
211 hp
Horsepower
5
Seating Capacity
Engine
258 @ 1500
SAE Net Torque @ RPM
211 @ 4300
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0L/121
Displacement
Turbocharged Gas I4
Engine Type
Suspension
Not Available
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Not Available
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Trapezoidal Link
Suspension Type - Rear
5-Link
Suspension Type - Front
Weight & Capacity
N/A
Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
17 gal
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
Not Available lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
Not Available lbs
Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
Safety
Standard
Brake Assist
Optional
Backup Camera
Entertainment
Optional
Bluetooth®
Electrical
140
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
N/A
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)
Brakes
Not Available
Drum - Rear (Yes or )
11.8 x -TBD- in
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
12.6 x -TBD- in
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or )

Notable features

Available eight-speed automatic transmission
Sedan or Avant wagon
FWD or AWD
Available LED daytime running lights

Engine

258 @ 1500 SAE Net Torque @ RPM
211 @ 4300 SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM
2.0L/121 Displacement
Turbocharged Gas I4 Engine Type

Suspension

Not Available Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.)
Not Available Suspension Type - Front (Cont.)
Trapezoidal Link Suspension Type - Rear
5-Link Suspension Type - Front

Weight & Capacity

N/A Aux Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
17 gal Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx
Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
Not Available lbs Wt Distributing Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
Not Available lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Tongue Wt.
Not Available lbs Dead Weight Hitch - Max Trailer Wt.
3,505 lbs Base Curb Weight

Safety

Standard Brake Assist
Optional Backup Camera

Entertainment

Optional Bluetooth®

Electrical

140 Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps)
N/A Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary)

Brakes

Not Available Drum - Rear (Yes or )
11.8 x -TBD- in Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
12.6 x -TBD- in Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness
Yes Disc - Rear (Yes or )
Yes Disc - Front (Yes or )
N/A Brake ABS System (Second Line)
4-Wheel Brake ABS System
Pwr Brake Type

Photo & video gallery

2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4 2012 Audi A4

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Maintenance
1 years / 5,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first)
Dealer certification
125-point inspection

The good & the bad

The good

Torque-rich turbo engine
Interior materials quality, fit and finish
Comfortable front seats
Gas mileage

The bad

Minimal steering feedback
Tight backseat for adults
Grabby brakes
Folding backseat not standard

Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 50 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

Reliable, fast, good acceleration, very smooth!!!!

Very reliable our’s has 102,000 miles never had a problem with the engine! Very smooth, fast, good acceleration AC is ice cold, water drips on humid days from AC, that is normal for it to drip water.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 3.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
23 people out of 23 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

A very good car for its age and mileage

I’m a fan of the Audi vehicles in general and this older model hasn't let me down. The high mileage (120,000) is a concern but she has met most of my test so far. The body has some minor dings but overall in great shape. The interior is impeccable. The previous owners obviously took good care of this Audi as I can see as well as service records from Carfax.
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
Comfort 5.0
Interior 5.0
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
Photo of Mike Hanley

2012 Audi A4 review: Our expert's take

By Mike Hanley

Editor’s note: This review was written in March 2011 about the 2011 Audi A4. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. To see what’s new for 2012, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

With sales more than double any of its brand siblings, the Audi A4 entry-luxury sedan is effectively Audi’s ambassador in the U.S. The R8 supercar might grab more publicity, but the A4 is the car that average customers are most likely to encounter.

After driving the sporty A4 with its refined interior, it’s clear that it’s not entry-level: it’s near the top of its class.

I tested an A4 sedan with Quattro all-wheel drive and the new-for-2011 eight-speed automatic transmission. This version starts at $34,500, but with options our as-tested price reached $43,220. To see a side-by-side comparison of the A4 and some of its competitors, click here.

Turbocharged Power
Audi has wrung quite a bit of performance from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which powers all versions of the A4. Whether accelerating from a stoplight or merging on the highway, the engine feels bigger than it is, bringing you up to speed more quickly than its specs suggest. There’s even a little power in reserve on the highway when a burst is needed. All in all, it feels just as strong as the BMW 328i with its inline-six-cylinder engine. Credit the turbo four-cylinder’s healthy 258 pounds-feet of torque at a low 1,500 rpm.

Our test car had the newly optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite the high gear count, the transmission doesn’t seem overly busy, and that’s partly because of its relatively seamless shifts. However, one editor noted that the transmission had a tendency to hesitate under light acceleration.

Downshifts come quickly enough with a jab of the gas pedal. If it needs to, the transmission will skip a few gears to get to the one it needs, rather than step down one at a time. A Sport mode holds the transmission in lower gears longer, and there’s a clutchless-manual mode for driver-controlled shifts.

The A4 gets better gas mileage with the new transmission, which is especially welcome because the car requires premium gas. The all-wheel-drive A4 is rated at 21/29 mpg city/highway with the eight-speed automatic, which represents a 2 mpg improvement in highway fuel economy compared with the six-speed 2010 model. Meanwhile, the front-wheel-drive A4 with a continuously variable automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 22/30 mpg.

The A4’s four-wheel disc brakes quickly shed speed, but the brake pedal doesn’t offer the greatest feel. I thought the brakes were a little grabby, while another editor commented on the lack of pedal linearity when braking.

Ride & Handling
The A4’s regular suspension (a Sport suspension is optional) is stiff, which keeps body roll in check, but the tuning isn’t so firm that driving on rough pavement is jarring. There’s no question the emphasis is on sporty driving, but Audi wisely realizes that a car like the A4 also has to keep its occupants comfortable during daily commutes. With the regular suspension, it does.

It’s worth noting that our test car had winter tires. While appropriate for the conditions, they likely affected the car’s character compared with the all-season tires it normally wears. Winter tires have softer rubber compounds for better grip in cold weather — along with more aggressive tread patterns — which affects handling, acceleration and road-noise levels, among other things.

While the firm suspension tuning is common among German luxury cars, the steering feels like it’s been sourced from Lexus. At low and midrange speeds, the wheel turns easily and with little effort. Unfortunately, there’s also little feedback. However, a pronounced change occurs when you reach highway speeds, where the steering firms up and feels sharper.

The A4’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system features rear-biased torque distribution for improved dynamics. Even though it powers out of corners without feeling nose-heavy, it’s still not as engaging as a rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G37.

A Classy Cabin
Audi cabin quality has long been among the best in the industry, and the A4’s interior continues that trend. What distinguishes Audi interiors isn’t just the use of high-quality materials, like real aluminum accents, but also the finish of the various trim pieces and the way they fit together well. Then you have the little touches, like a center armrest that not only slides forward and back, but also ratchets up and down.

In the past few years we’ve seen more attention to interior quality from brands like Cadillac (with its CTS) and Infiniti (with the G37), but the A4’s cabin remains one of the nicest spaces in the class.

The front bucket seats are finished in standard leather upholstery. By comparison, many competitors like the 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and CTS make do with simulated leather upholstery in base models. The A4’s firm seat cushions provide good support and comfort, and the front of the cabin is big enough for my 6-foot-1 frame.

The backseat, though, is a little cramped. Just getting into it is difficult for taller adults, because the door opening isn’t very large. Once seated, I didn’t have much room to spare with the driver’s seat adjusted for me, though indentations in the backs of the front seats provide some extra knee clearance. Taller people sit with their knees elevated some, which doesn’t bode well for long-drive comfort. Still, it’s more comfortable than the backseat of a 3 Series sedan.

The A4’s trunk measures 12 cubic feet, which is similar to what competitors offer. The trunk has a nice rectangular shape for fitting luggage, and the split-folding backseat — previously standard but now optional like it is on the 3 Series and C-Class — creates a sizable opening for carrying longer items. 

Safety
The A4 was recognized as a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received the highest possible overall score from IIHS — Good — in frontal-offset, side-impact, roof-strength and rear-impact testing.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows of seats, and an electronic stability system. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional.

For a full list of safety features, check out the Standard Equipment & Specs page.

A4 in the Market
One of the A4’s biggest strengths is that it appeals to luxury shoppers in a number of ways. If you’re concerned about gas mileage, it’s comparatively thrifty. If you like fine furnishings, the cabin will feel like home. Plus, there are a number of available high-end features to interest technophiles. It may not offer the pure driving experience of a 3 Series, but in the areas that matter most in this part of the luxury segment, the entry-level A4 stands tall.

Send Mike an email  
Read more

Editor’s note: This review was written in March 2011 about the 2011 Audi A4. Little of substance has changed with this year’s model. To see what’s new for 2012, click here, or check out a side-by-side comparison of the two model years.

With sales more than double any of its brand siblings, the Audi A4 entry-luxury sedan is effectively Audi’s ambassador in the U.S. The R8 supercar might grab more publicity, but the A4 is the car that average customers are most likely to encounter.

After driving the sporty A4 with its refined interior, it’s clear that it’s not entry-level: it’s near the top of its class.

I tested an A4 sedan with Quattro all-wheel drive and the new-for-2011 eight-speed automatic transmission. This version starts at $34,500, but with options our as-tested price reached $43,220. To see a side-by-side comparison of the A4 and some of its competitors, click here.

Turbocharged Power
Audi has wrung quite a bit of performance from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which powers all versions of the A4. Whether accelerating from a stoplight or merging on the highway, the engine feels bigger than it is, bringing you up to speed more quickly than its specs suggest. There’s even a little power in reserve on the highway when a burst is needed. All in all, it feels just as strong as the BMW 328i with its inline-six-cylinder engine. Credit the turbo four-cylinder’s healthy 258 pounds-feet of torque at a low 1,500 rpm.

Our test car had the newly optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite the high gear count, the transmission doesn’t seem overly busy, and that’s partly because of its relatively seamless shifts. However, one editor noted that the transmission had a tendency to hesitate under light acceleration.

Downshifts come quickly enough with a jab of the gas pedal. If it needs to, the transmission will skip a few gears to get to the one it needs, rather than step down one at a time. A Sport mode holds the transmission in lower gears longer, and there’s a clutchless-manual mode for driver-controlled shifts.

The A4 gets better gas mileage with the new transmission, which is especially welcome because the car requires premium gas. The all-wheel-drive A4 is rated at 21/29 mpg city/highway with the eight-speed automatic, which represents a 2 mpg improvement in highway fuel economy compared with the six-speed 2010 model. Meanwhile, the front-wheel-drive A4 with a continuously variable automatic transmission gets an EPA-estimated 22/30 mpg.

The A4’s four-wheel disc brakes quickly shed speed, but the brake pedal doesn’t offer the greatest feel. I thought the brakes were a little grabby, while another editor commented on the lack of pedal linearity when braking.

Ride & Handling
The A4’s regular suspension (a Sport suspension is optional) is stiff, which keeps body roll in check, but the tuning isn’t so firm that driving on rough pavement is jarring. There’s no question the emphasis is on sporty driving, but Audi wisely realizes that a car like the A4 also has to keep its occupants comfortable during daily commutes. With the regular suspension, it does.

It’s worth noting that our test car had winter tires. While appropriate for the conditions, they likely affected the car’s character compared with the all-season tires it normally wears. Winter tires have softer rubber compounds for better grip in cold weather — along with more aggressive tread patterns — which affects handling, acceleration and road-noise levels, among other things.

While the firm suspension tuning is common among German luxury cars, the steering feels like it’s been sourced from Lexus. At low and midrange speeds, the wheel turns easily and with little effort. Unfortunately, there’s also little feedback. However, a pronounced change occurs when you reach highway speeds, where the steering firms up and feels sharper.

The A4’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system features rear-biased torque distribution for improved dynamics. Even though it powers out of corners without feeling nose-heavy, it’s still not as engaging as a rear-wheel-drive BMW 3 Series or Infiniti G37.

A Classy Cabin
Audi cabin quality has long been among the best in the industry, and the A4’s interior continues that trend. What distinguishes Audi interiors isn’t just the use of high-quality materials, like real aluminum accents, but also the finish of the various trim pieces and the way they fit together well. Then you have the little touches, like a center armrest that not only slides forward and back, but also ratchets up and down.

In the past few years we’ve seen more attention to interior quality from brands like Cadillac (with its CTS) and Infiniti (with the G37), but the A4’s cabin remains one of the nicest spaces in the class.

The front bucket seats are finished in standard leather upholstery. By comparison, many competitors like the 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and CTS make do with simulated leather upholstery in base models. The A4’s firm seat cushions provide good support and comfort, and the front of the cabin is big enough for my 6-foot-1 frame.

The backseat, though, is a little cramped. Just getting into it is difficult for taller adults, because the door opening isn’t very large. Once seated, I didn’t have much room to spare with the driver’s seat adjusted for me, though indentations in the backs of the front seats provide some extra knee clearance. Taller people sit with their knees elevated some, which doesn’t bode well for long-drive comfort. Still, it’s more comfortable than the backseat of a 3 Series sedan.

The A4’s trunk measures 12 cubic feet, which is similar to what competitors offer. The trunk has a nice rectangular shape for fitting luggage, and the split-folding backseat — previously standard but now optional like it is on the 3 Series and C-Class — creates a sizable opening for carrying longer items. 

Safety
The A4 was recognized as a 2011 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received the highest possible overall score from IIHS — Good — in frontal-offset, side-impact, roof-strength and rear-impact testing.

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags for both rows of seats, and an electronic stability system. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional.

For a full list of safety features, check out the Standard Equipment & Specs page.

A4 in the Market
One of the A4’s biggest strengths is that it appeals to luxury shoppers in a number of ways. If you’re concerned about gas mileage, it’s comparatively thrifty. If you like fine furnishings, the cabin will feel like home. Plus, there are a number of available high-end features to interest technophiles. It may not offer the pure driving experience of a 3 Series, but in the areas that matter most in this part of the luxury segment, the entry-level A4 stands tall.

Send Mike an email  
Read more

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Audi A4 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
4/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
3/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
5/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.9%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
4/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
5/5
9.9%
Risk of rollover

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