Driving the Audi A4 1.8T

Audi’s compact A4 is a looker, but you already knew that. With its chiseled flanks, gaping grille, and classy interior, you know that it is a special kind of car, the kind that turns the driving experience into something poetic and every copy writer’s masterpiece. It’s the type of car you imagine carving a mountain road, with perhaps Brad Pitt behind the wheel, orchestral music playing in the background, on the way to the mountain villa to save the world with Angelina Jolie by his side. Something like that.

But one look at the badge on its rump and, well, visions of Pyrenean mountain passes and to-die-for looks (yours or Angelina’s) come crashing down to Earth faster than you can say "1.8T". What’s going on here? You’re spending the equivalent of a small house for a car and all you get is a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine? When you’re equating displacement with desirability, 1.8 liters does seem paltry for this semi-preciously priced car. That might be fine for a Civic, but one that costs more than three of those? Hmm...

But there, you see, is Audi’s big secret. So what if it’s got a small motor? This is the classic case of the little engine that could, because Audi’s little zinger is boosted with a low-pressure turbocharger. So equipped, it’s rated at 163 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and a truck-like torque range of 22.5 kg-m from 1,950 rpm to 4,700 rpm. While motorheads might point out that Audi’s other turbocharged 4-banger, the 2-liter with direct fuel injection rated at 220 horsepower and 30 kg-m of torque, is the one we should be raving about, ask yourself just how much power do you really need in this traffic-clogged country? Over the course of four days, our 1.8T test unit performed docilely in traffic and was satisfyingly brisk when the road opened up.

Equipped with the continuously variable transmission technology which Audi calls "Multitronic", we’re quickly becoming converts to this kind of transmission. No, that’s not right: this is the best automatic we’ve ever tested. In the normal "D" and "S" positions, the transmission is in full-auto mode, biased towards fuel economy in "D" (Drive) and to performance in "S" (Sport).

But, two paddle shifters behind the 9 and 3 o’ clock steering wheel spokes can instantly override those two settings if you need to, like if you need a quick downshift to overtake, for example. After a certain period of time when the computer notes that you haven’t been manually shifting, it reverts back to full-auto mode. Or, you can push the shift lever to the manual "+,-" gate and toggle shifts via the lever or the steering wheel.

Why the redundancy? On a twisting road where you’re turning the steering wheel past a 90-degree angle with hands shuffling over the rim, it might be more comfortable to use the lever rather than the paddles. Or maybe you’re a traditionalist who likes the tactile sensation of tugging and pushing a lever rather than a Playstation-style set of paddles. Whatever your preference, the Multitronic gives you all your options, and does so smoothly and transparently, with never a missed shift or the sensation of shift shock.

In concert with the (lightly) boosted motor, the A4’s drivetrain makes for a willing accomplice for hooligan-style driving. Mash the throttle to the floor, toggle the paddles F1-style with eyes glued to the road and soon you’re surging through the road like a scalded cat, listening to that motor sing to the redline with velvety smoothness. Driver sightlines are good all-around, the brakes inspire confidence, and the firm suspension is absorbent over the rough stuff. The front-wheel drive platform means it’s not as nimble as a BMW 3-Series at the limit, but generally the car has a nice, neutral-handling demeanor that any driver respectful of the laws of physics can master. Once you’ve gotten familiar with the engine’s characteristics and the car’s dimensions, you’ll be slicing in and out of traffic and forgetting that, well, this is one of those expensive cars that might cost an arm and a leg to repair if you break something. And since you don’t get rich by burning your money, would-be buyers will be happy to know that our lead footed driving still merited fuel economy of 9 kilometers per liter.

But then again, this is not a car you need to drive quickly to have a good time. When you’re not savoring the drivetrain’s can-do demeanor, you’re just as likely to be enjoying the cabin’s upper-class ambience, from the fine grain of the dashboard to the fragrant aroma of leather to the superb sound system. Or maybe you’ll be standing outside, savoring every inch of the taut sheetmetal, wondering how you could possibly make it look better, and then conceding that you probably can’t.

It’s one of those designs that’s sporty and timeless at the same time, in typical Audi fashion looking like it had been carved from a solid block of granite. With a price tag that’s aimed at very well-heeled buyers, and an engine badge that’s not designed to excite the ignorati, the A4 is not for everyone. Just for the sensible enthusiast who wants a competent driving partner and a feel-good ownership experience in one package.

THE GOOD: So classy you’ll always feel under-dressed. Sweetheart of a motor. Eager-to-please CVT. Firm, yet comfortable ride.

THE BAD: Tight backseat space. Mildly complicated cockpit controls. Those nagging concerns about Audi reliability.

THE VERDICT: A sensible sports sedan that’s eager to please whether you’re in traffic or on the open road.