Audi Adds Front-Wheel Drive, Manual A4

Audi is introducing two new trim levels for its entry-level A4 sedan, along with pricing. The new 2.0T FrontTrak is basically a front-wheel-drive version of the base A4, which comes with a 211-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The FrontTrak is now the base trim level and will start at $31,000.

That's more than its closest rival, the Acura TSX ($28,960). However, that price does make it cheaper than the Lexus IS 250 ($31,155), Mercedes-Benz C-Class ($32,900) and BMW 328 ($33,400) — though those all come with six-cylinder engines. The base A4 gets 23/30 mpg city/highway, which tops the TSX's 20/28 mpg.

The Audi A4 Quattro all-wheel-drive sedan will also now be available with a six-speed manual transmission in the 2.0T trim level. With the manual, the Quattro (Audi-speak for all-wheel drive) has a price tag of $31,850, which is $3,000-$4,000 less than all-wheel-drive variants of other entry-model luxury cars.

Both models come with typical luxury amenities such as a sunroof, leather seating and satellite radio standard. The new trim levels should reach dealer lots early in the new year.

Comments

[JM]

the A4 may come with a 4 cylinder engine, but you also need to take into account the differences in horsepower and torque.

The A4 was 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

the 328i has 230 hp, which does beat the A4 by 19, but only has 200 lb-ft, 58 less than the A4.

the C300 has 228 hp, 17 more than the A4, but it only has 221 lb-ft. that is a 37 hp deficit.

the IS250 is the worst performer. despite the fact that it has a V6 engine, it barely makes 200 hp- only 204. that is 7 hp less than the A4's 4 cylinder engine. even more pitiful is the 185 lb-ft of torque, which gives the A4 a 73 hp advantage.

the A4 is also more efficient than all of these other sport sedans, partly because ti can make do with a small 4 cylinder engine and still offer better performance.

[Adrock]

I'd like to know when the A3 2.0T Quattro will be available with the 6-speed manual. Gone are the days of Americans wanting speed with their luxury and safety only.

[KP]

How about the Saab 9-3 2.0T? Does it compete with the A4?

[Colin B.]

KP: The Saab does compete with the A4. The list comparison isn't supposed to be comprehensive -- they're just examples of more expensive and less.

The 2.0T would be more expensive than the A4 at $31,710 w/automatic.

The 2.0T XWD is $36,395

[YOING]

Is Saab still in business? How many cars did they sell this year, 50? 100?