The Detroit News's view

If you’re lucky enough to be shopping in the segment that includes the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it’s probably smart to check out what might be a surprising competitor — the all-new 2002 Audi A4.

Audi executives insist the new A4, which starts at $24,900 for a base model, is positioned to become a legitimate contender to those powerful German marques.

Anita seems sold on that argument that the A4 has crossed into true luxury territory. But Paul is less convinced. We tested the A4 with the 1.8T CVT engine and a sticker price of $29,950.

She: Hmmm, let me guess. The guy who FedExed me a box of his dirty laundry from the West Coast this week is about to make the argument that the A4 is too expensive. Whatever happened to scrounging up a quarter and finding a Laundromat?

He: Honey, I didn’t know how else to send you that bar of soap that I swiped from the hotel room. But I have to tell you that a sister vehicle of the A4, the Volkswagen Passat, offers more car for less money. The most important thing for long-legged guys like me is room. There’s just not enough of it in the A4, either in the driver’s seat or the rear.

She: Yes, but the A4 is such a gorgeous piece of machinery. I love its clean, uncluttered look with touches like exposed dual exhausts, fender flares and an angular rear end. And Audi widened the A4’s track. It looks substantial without appearing overweight or bulky. Don’t forget you can order one with Quattro all-wheel drive, too. We drove the front-wheel-drive model with the new continuously variable transmission. The base A4 is aimed at thirty-somethings who make about $80,000 a year. Audi describes them as “self-directed high achievers.” The company doesn’t talk about their FedEx habits, however. But I bet when they send packages to their significant other, they don’t include sweaty socks.

He: Oh, don’t try to soft-soap me. That CVT is pretty interesting. It’s an automatic transmission with an infinite variety of gear ratios, so you’re always in the right gear, no matter what the engine or vehicle speed. With the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, we noticed a slight lag when you first step on the throttle, but the engine/transmission combination otherwise is pretty smooth.

She: I was impressed with the standard safety features on the A4, especially side air bags for the front passengers, as well as side air curtains. You can also order side air bags for the rear. One of the best safety features, of course, is all-wheel drive. But even our front-wheel-drive model comes with standard ESP, which stands for electronic stabilization program. In other words, stability control, which keeps the vehicle from sliding or fishtailing in bad weather or on slippery pavement.

He: If you’ll allow me one more small gripe, I really like the soft red backlighting at night on the instrument panel. But now that my eyes are starting to age, I find it a little more difficult to decipher all those tiny switches and dials in the center console when it’s dark.

She: Almost as difficult to see as those little boxes on the FedEx receipt. We had several options on our test vehicle, including heated front and rear seats which seem well worth the extra $525. Our test vehicle also had the $1,000 sport package, which includes 17-inch performance tires, alloy wheels and specially tuned suspension. I thought the ride was a little harsh, but the A4 seemed really nimble and easy to maneuver.

He: Like all Audis, the A4 is really a driver’s car. And this new one is a pleasure to take out on the open road. It looks beautiful inside and out, and it’s one of the most responsive sport sedans in the class. I’d prefer the standard five-speed manual transmission — a six-speed if you order the A4 Quattro with the 3.0-liter V-6 — and I could do without the $1,000 power sunroof. Otherwise, this is pretty much how I’d spec out my car if I were ordering an A4.

She: I’m crazy about Audis because they’re just a little bit different from the mainstream. Classy and high-tech and yet comfortable. The A4 is one of the most intriguing sedans of the 2002 model year — a great buy in the under-$30,000 category.

2002 Audi A4

Anita’s rating: (World class)

Paul’s rating: (Above average)

Likes: Gorgeous new exterior design mimics the family look of the A6. CVT is smooth. Crisp steering, nimble handling. Great safety features, including standard side air bags and air curtains. Turbo engine is peppy and fun. Optional heated rear seats and rear air bags.

Dislikes: VW Passat offers more car for less money (Paul). Not enough leg room for driver or rear passengers. Too many small switches and dials on center console, difficult to decipher at night. Ride is slightly stiff and bouncy.

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan.

Price: Base, $26,050; as tested, $29,950 (inc. $575 destination charge).

Engine: 1.8-liter I-4; 170-hp; 166 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,190 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage, driving record.)

Where built: Germany