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The German auto manufacturer Audi AG is welcoming the remaining years of the ’90s with an all-new Audi 90.

The 1993 Audi 90 sedan is an upscale compact that sports a decidedly different personality than its larger sibling models. Yet the car has most all the attributes of bigger Audi motorcars.

The 90, which is available in S, CS, and CS Quattro Sport form, is a luxury sedan that exhibits the versatility of a sports sedan. The car has been given power and nimbleness without sacrificing the attributes associated with a four-door automobile.

It would appear that the designers of the 90 started from the ground up, going from a chassis reflecting excellent handling characteristics to a styling theme that accommodated aerodynamics and then to an engine with the muscle to take advantage of other design parameters.

Audi has been renowned over the years as a driver’s car that can explore the outer limits of roadability at speed and under adverse driving conditions while providing a comfortable ride and safety. The company’s engineers have enhanced these facets by mating precision steering with front-wheel drive, a body structure that has its torsional rigidity increased by 23 percent, and a wider track and longer wheelbase.

With the 90 CS model that Britt Killinger, general manager of Giganti Porsche-Audi-Volkswagen-Lotus, provided for a test car, all these features came into play.

Tires grip road in fast turns

When going through fast turns, the sedan planted all four tires firmly against the asphalt. There was no wander to the automobile, with the pinpoint-accurate steering needing only a light touch to keep the car on a given line. Its front-wheel drive imparted a feeling it wasn’t going to play tricks on a driver and make some sort of unexpected move.

Control was enhanced by a new torsion-beam rear suspension that contributed to the consistent handling characteristics. And Audi states that this consistency remains present over the entire speed range of the car and under all road conditions.

Styling always is a matter of taste, but it seemed to be the consensus that the new 90 is a pretty good-looking automobile.

Aerodynamics are a must for an auto manufacturer today, not only for the aesthetic values but for creating a structure conducive to good gasoline mileage. The less drag on the body there is, the less work that the engine must do. In addition, reduction in turbulence as air flows over the body reduces wind noise.

The upscale CS test car gets good marks on all counts here, as the curving body surfaces gave the four-door a sleek appearance, and in motion the wind noise level was at a minimum even when going fast. The 90 series cars are rated in the compact category by the Environmental Protection Agency, and as such their styling punches a fairly narrow hole through the air.

Engine is new to 90 series

The car has an engine that is new to the 90 series model. An overhead-cam, 2.8-liter V-6 that develops 172 horsepower, the power plant was first introduced in the Audi 100. It is a major step forward in versatility, giving the 90 a 32 percent increase in horsepower over the previous model

The V-6 was silky smooth in operation, and possessed instant throttle response. The test car was equipped with an optional electronic-controlled four-speed automatic transmission rather than a standard manual five-speed. But the engine is refined to the point that there is but fractions of a second difference in 0- 60 miles per hour acceleration times between the two transmissions.

With 172 horses in hand and a moderate curb weight of about 3,410 pounds depending on equipment, the car would move off the line with dispatch or eat up the distance in a quick pass.

That the CS is in the luxury class was borne out by a sticker price of $30,000-plus. For that, the buyer receives an automobile that offers the comforts andrefinements found in expensive motorcars that are much larger.

Entrance and exit were easier than to and from some big cars, as the upper door sills are cut well into the roof. There was no tendency to bump one’s head when climbing behind the wheel. Interior has luxury touches

The CS had a first-cabin atmosphere to its appointments, with leathers and woods the order of the day for interior decor. The car was a five-passenger as dictated by a front center console, but I would speculate that on a long trip two adults would be more comfortable than three in the back seat.

The toggle switches and control stalks had a bit of a Teutonic flavor to them, although all had international markings and were easily identified.

Instrumentation in front of the driver was the standard speedometer, tachometer, coolant temperature and fuel gauge group. But when designers decided to add oil pressure, manifold vacuum and voltage gauges, they either turned off their computers or maybe ran out of ideas as to where to put them.

These three gauges were almost at floor level, and if you wanted to read them you had to turn your head, look down, and take your eyes completely off the road.

The 90 in standard form is a personalized sedan with sporting overtures, and in CS form even more so. An array of power accessories, including a tilt-and- slide sun roof, added to the pleasure of driving the car. For those who want something extra, Audi offers an all-weather package that includes heated front seats.

Everything adds up to an all-luxury package in compact form, testimony to the fact that it doesn’t always have to be bigger to be better.

1993 Audi 90 CS Base price: $28,700.As tested: $30,265.Type: Front-engine, front-drive, five-passenger, luxury compact sedan.Engine: V-6, 2.8 liters, 12 valves, fuel-injected, 172 horsepower, 184 foot-pounds of torque.Mileage: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway.Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.Length: 180.3 inches.Wheelbase: 102.8 inches.Curb weight: 3,410 pounds.Options: Factory preferred package, automatic transmission, all- weather package.