2008 Audi A4 review

[torres]

"Audi opens up new horizons. The A4 is a sporty car with superb presence on the road; it takes Audi forward into a new dimension on the midsize car market. The engines that power the saloon, both TDI and spark-ignition, in all cases with direct fuel injection, combine effortless power with high efficiency. The dynamic running gear and the use of many technologies taken direct from the large-car category are evidence of the brand’s lead in technical know-how. The new Audi is a new way to drive. It will reach the market at the end of November 2007, at a basic list price of about 26,000 Euros in Germany..."

This is from a new review on the 2008 Audi A4, from Top Speed. It includes info on the design, safety and performance of the model, as well as other features.
Also available is a video and wallpaper / photo gallery.





Here is the link to the full article:
2008 Audi A4 - Top Speed

And the link to the picture gallery:
2008 Audi A4 wallpapers and high resolution photos - Top Speed

[A4ontheA6]

I like the front and interior but the rear looks like the new 3 series.

[Tiesto]

I like the front and interior but the rear looks like the new 3 series.

Can we not turn this into another "it looks like a 3 series/civic/benz/a6/a5" dicsussion?

[Anthony]

Moving to the new B8 A4 Forum, along with the rest of em.

[A4_cabrio]

Until Audi gets their act together and have an automatic transmission that actually shifts when you want it to - I'll pass.
that's my only complaint with the current car - the Tiptronic is crap compared to offerings from BMW or Lexus. Those are the ones I tried and I can compare.

[[ESO.TERIC]]

$35,400 dollars ( 26,000 euros) i think its way too much for the base model.

[b6onboost]

^when you consider the price of A3s as a lower model, and 3 series as a direct competitor, 35k seems approrpiate if it comes with some decent base equipment.

I like it, regardless of what it looks like in certain areas. It will be the next hot car on AZ to have. Wait until some people take delivery and start throwing rims and suspension on them...everyone will come around.

[phEight]

I feel that in these pictures I see a distinct front end that I love, and then I see a very distinct show of the back-end which I don't like so much.. but I've got a feeling when I see the car in real life in all dimensions it will flow very well and look great all around. I hope. =)

[DELUX]

What is with these ugly-ass rear ends on the B7, and B8 platforms?! I do NOT like the direction that Audi is taking with these stupid rears. They don't look German.

The front is hot though, and I love the lines on the car WAAAAY better than the awful lines on the A5. The interior looks sweet too. I wouldn't buy it just because of that ugly ass though. My B6 has a more stylish rear than that.

[DELUX]

P.S. that center instrument cluster is an amazingly blatant BMW rip-off...

[phEight]

Until Audi gets their act together and have an automatic transmission that actually shifts when you want it to - I'll pass.
that's my only complaint with the current car - the Tiptronic is crap compared to offerings from BMW or Lexus. Those are the ones I tried and I can compare.

Lexus tip tranny blows. At least the one on the IS350 does. As bad as my tip is Id take it over the IS350's. Theres been times I flicked the paddle twice to upshift cause I thought I might've not to applied even pressure.. then it actually shifts two gears (in the IS). lol

[DELUX]

TIPs suck period. If you want an automatic, drive it like an automatic. Don't expect to be able to change gears like a manual, because you wont, unless you have a dual sequential gearbox.

The only TIP I would say is an exception is BMWs version. I don't ever use the TIP in our X5, but I've tried it before and it's pretty damn responsive.

[phEight]

TIPs suck period. If you want an automatic, drive it like an automatic. Don't expect to be able to change gears like a manual, because you wont, unless you have a dual sequential gearbox.

The only TIP I would say is an exception is BMWs version. I don't ever use the TIP in our X5, but I've tried it before and it's pretty damn responsive.

Porsches TIP is faster than it's manual. Hmm probably not fair to compare a P-car.

[Tiesto]

^when you consider the price of A3s as a lower model, and 3 series as a direct competitor, 35k seems approrpiate if it comes with some decent base equipment.

I like it, regardless of what it looks like in certain areas. It will be the next hot car on AZ to have. Wait until some people take delivery and start throwing rims and suspension on them...everyone will come around.

That's more than 7k over the B7. It better come with a lot more standard features.

[DELUX]

Porsches TIP is faster than it's manual. Hmm probably not fair to compare a P-car.

But that's a DSG isn't it? Which is like a $7000 option...

[ungucpho]

you cannot do a simple currency conversion to get the base price

if you look at a 6speed 2.0t quattro at Audi website in Germany, the base price is 34,050 euros, which would convert to $46,300, when the base price in the US is really $31,000

$35,400 dollars ( 26,000 euros) i think its way too much for the base model.

[47Ronin]

the pricing is based on demand etc - so yeah you can't convert

also if you're saying the new b8 a4 is a direct competiton for the 3 series - wtf are you smoking

335 is direct competition for the s4 lol not the a4

the 328 will smoke a stock a4 - k thanks

[A4Pike]

okokok, isn't this an '09??? I just ordered my '08, and it didn't look like that... OR, did I just get royally screwed...

[AudiGuy666]

But that's a DSG isn't it? Which is like a $7000 option...

huh ?

No Porsche has DSG and it's not even close to being 7k on any car.

The tip is only faster on the 997TT..

[raulg_usa]

the pricing is based on demand etc - so yeah you can't convert

also if you're saying the new b8 a4 is a direct competiton for the 3 series - wtf are you smoking

335 is direct competition for the s4 lol not the a4

the 328 will smoke a stock a4 - k thanks

I just don't see the 328 smoking anything, is nothing great about that engine/setup. 335i is another story indeed, would be very comparable to the B8 S4.

[Tanner]

Well while people think the design is a blatant ripoff from other manufacturers, or the interior looks like crap, look up some old images of the Audi Nuvolari. Layout of the interior is strikingly similar, albeit the interior today in the A5 and new A4 have evolved since then and flows better. Rear lights, well, again a bit of the Nuvolari design but evolved a bit too. So while we say that audi copied them, I tend to think it's the other way around.

[raulg_usa]

Well while people think the design is a blatant ripoff from other manufacturers, or the interior looks like crap, look up some old images of the Audi Nuvolari. Layout of the interior is strikingly similar, albeit the interior today in the A5 and new A4 have evolved since then and flows better. Rear lights, well, again a bit of the Nuvolari design but evolved a bit too. So while we say that audi copied them, I tend to think it's the other way around.

Agree. I always said Audi was the source of inspiration for BMW and Honda in a few spots on their cars. Did once a search for pics for a lot different years and always Audi was having some exterior/interior "features/design" before BMW.

About navigation, they didn't copy anything from BMW, they are just using the design AUDI HAD for YEARS in their A8. The screen is much better positioned for reading without taking the eyes from the road too much (not like before/my car), also the MMI center/buttons are much easier to reach/control while near the stick shift, compared to what I have know: I have to move my entire body to reach the buttons for navi/radio/tel/etc .. While that won't cause any accidents I've noticed how easier is to do the same thing in an A8/A6 without any body movement. For me it's just the best move, I was praying for those buttons and it looks like somebody was listening :)

[DELUX]

huh ?

No Porsche has DSG and it's not even close to being 7k on any car.

The tip is only faster on the 997TT..

Right... that's what I was thinking too. Porsche engineered DSG technology, yet has never actually implemented it on their cars. I heard that the 997 might get it so I thought maybe that's what he was referring to. And if Porsche did offer it, it would be 7k for sure, but who would get a Porsche without a 6 speed? Not me.

[4-tified]

TIPs suck period. If you want an automatic, drive it like an automatic. Don't expect to be able to change gears like a manual, because you wont, unless you have a dual sequential gearbox.

The only TIP I would say is an exception is BMWs version. I don't ever use the TIP in our X5, but I've tried it before and it's pretty damn responsive.

BMW's version is bit more responsive, but once warmed up it too lacks and isn't much better.
For true slush box automatic trannies that allow decent "manual" control with speed, MB has the market. MB does automatics VERY well. Their manuals suck.

The BEST "auto" operating real manual trans is the DSG.
Mitsubishi will have a variant in the new EVO X. It'll be interesting to see/feel how it operates as Mits used the DSG as their Muse.
BMW has one on the way as well. It's "supposed" to be an improvement on the DSG, but that seems more BMW marketing hype. The truth will only be known once real production models get in the hands of drivers.
So, at this point VW/Audi have the BEST true manual that operates in manual mode.
I'm just amazed that Audi dropped the ball on bringing the new B8 A4 without having a DSG variant.
I do read that Audi has improved the tiptronic auto trans, so maybe it will be more like BMW's and hopefully more like MB's.

[4-tified]

the pricing is based on demand etc - so yeah you can't convert

also if you're saying the new b8 a4 is a direct competiton for the 3 series - wtf are you smoking

335 is direct competition for the s4 lol not the a4

the 328 will smoke a stock a4 - k thanks

If you are comparing actual performance potential, then 'maybe' that comparison can be drawn.
But then you'd have to include the Mustang V8 as a direct competitor to the S4/RS4 and M3 cars.
In the real world of car class and sales the 3 series IS the DIRECT competitor to the A4.
Just because Audi lacks the top engine power output does not mean it's not the comparable car. Unfortunately, for Audi, BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti have upped the game when it comes to power output.
Still, the A4 competes with the offerings from those makers cars, which are; 3 series, IS250/350, G35.

The S4 is an odd placement for Audi as it costs as much as the M3, $51,085 and $50,595 respectively, but it's power performance lags the M3.
Also, the S4/RS4 are sedans whereas the M3 hasn't been offered in a sedan form since the model previous the E46 chassis.
Rumors are that BMW will offer a sedan variant of the M3, maybe.
To get better performance than the M3 Audi builds the RS4, but it's price point is nearly $70,000 for the base car, way beyond the price of the M3.

Also, the E90 328i will NOT smoke the base A4. The cars are very close in power performance numbers. The AWD variant of the 328i has actually lost to the A4 2.0T quattro in all around testing.
The RWD 328i is a bit quicker to it's RWD config and lighter weight.
Audi needs to bring the B8 A4 2.0T power up to better compete, but it's really close now.

Audi's problem is the 335i variant, which boasts a very impressive 300hp/300lb ft. Audi NEEDS more power in the A4 V6 variant.
However, still the A4 IS the DIRECT competitor to the 3 series.
LOL.

Now, go back to whatever it is you were smoking.

[Tanner]

Right... that's what I was thinking too. Porsche engineered DSG technology, yet has never actually implemented it on their cars. I heard that the 997 might get it so I thought maybe that's what he was referring to. And if Porsche did offer it, it would be 7k for sure, but who would get a Porsche without a 6 speed? Not me.

You sure about that? Audi had DSG a long time ago, in their Audi S1 rally car. They never used it in their production cars until now due to reliability issues and cost.

[4-tified]

Well while people think the design is a blatant ripoff from other manufacturers, or the interior looks like crap, look up some old images of the Audi Nuvolari. Layout of the interior is strikingly similar, albeit the interior today in the A5 and new A4 have evolved since then and flows better. Rear lights, well, again a bit of the Nuvolari design but evolved a bit too. So while we say that audi copied them, I tend to think it's the other way around.

The only thing that strikes anything similar to the E90 3 series is perhaps the odd "skinny" new trunk of the B8, but that's because the exhaust pipe valance is dark in color and so big. Audi needs to paint it body color to keep that nice plump Audi rear end. Also, that odd line along the bottom of the B8 that sweeps upward as it goes towards the rear to meet the rear bumper line. Other than that any resemblance to the E90 is way out.
The B8 interior looks NOTHING like the E90. How anyone would think so shows a lack of understanding design. I guess all white sneakers would look alike to that person as well.

The A4/A5 look fantastic with the A5 a bit more elegant on the outside.
I just hope Audi paints the rear exhaust valance same as the body color on the S-line, at least that's what I would want.
I do have a photochop of that simple addition and it makes the rear look a LOT better. I just can't figure out how to post a pic.

[4-tified]

You sure about that? Audi had DSG a long time ago, in their Audi S1 rally car. They never used it in their production cars until now due to reliability issues and cost.

I believe that's the same issue with Porsche too.
They had some 80's race cars (956 and 962) that used a dual clutch design.
Audi had the Quattro S1 that coupled AWD with a dual clutch. Audi (Borg-Warner really) created the "DSG" and brought it to the commercial market. Porsche is saying they will bring a version as well.
Mitsubishi has a dual clutch in the new Evo X.

[Tanner]

Dual clutch is all the rave now, believe it'll eventually replace automatics, but not anytime soon. Correct, Borg Warner developed the DSG for AUdi back then and still do. In fact, Audi gets quite a bit of things done by them, including the 2.0T.

As for the rear-valence, I prefer it black, adds a bit of contrast to the whole car vs everything in the same colour. Personal preference of course.

[DeMOROlized]

Also, that odd line along the bottom of the B8 that sweeps upward as it goes towards the rear to meet the rear bumper line. Other than that any resemblance to the E90 is way out.

That odd line is family resemblance to the current generation A6, which came way before the E90.

[1781cc]

you cannot do a simple currency conversion to get the base price

if you look at a 6speed 2.0t quattro at Audi website in Germany, the base price is 34,050 euros, which would convert to $46,300, when the base price in the US is really $31,000

Thank you!


Any idea when the B8 will land in the states? I know the models typically launch in Europe roughly a year ahead...will this be a 2008.5 like the B7 was MY change? Maybe a straight late 2008 launch as a 2009 model. We'll see

[Cassmoney]

I really hope this hits during Summer 08.
I remember reading it was supposed to Europe this Winter, so it might not be too optimistic to think they can release the car 6-8 months later in the U.S.

[Tiesto]

What is with these ugly-ass rear ends on the B7, and B8 platforms?! I do NOT like the direction that Audi is taking with these stupid rears. They don't look German.

The front is hot though, and I love the lines on the car WAAAAY better than the awful lines on the A5. The interior looks sweet too. I wouldn't buy it just because of that ugly ass though. My B6 has a more stylish rear than that.

I'm sick of B6 owners with their girlish curvy taillights insulting the B7/B8. The rear is the biggest reason why I avoided the B6.

[Krendor]

ZF makes BOTH BMW and AUDI tips


looks nice, esp interior....needs some HP

[Maverick]

the rear is a bit busy looking