[car fanatics]

Car Fanatics
Photo credit: Audi
July 6, 2012
By: Theodore Hicks III

2013 Audi A4

Five very similar vehicles with very different characteristics. They all theoretically feel the same until the occasion calls for each special trait to shine. To start, the A4 is business first, with a fun side. You'll definitely notice how comfortable the vehicle is supposed to be just by hopping in the front seat. The interior is very Audi casual; black with aluminum and chrome, slight amount of wood grain and an excellent amount of tech brought about over the cabin. The seats are nice and supportive, albeit not the best in this segment. Nevertheless, the interior is very solid. Rear seat room doesn't leave much to brag about, but I figure, who buys this thing for the back seat? The front is all that matters, right? Plenty of soft, quality grain materials are used along with a generous amount of leather found throughout the interior. The inside as a whole speaks greatly about form and function flowing very well together.

On the outside, it's the usual Audi affair; very similar, but the differences are definitely appreciated. First thing that would potentially catch your eye are those magnificent headlights. Instead of typical Audi fashioned LED daytime running lights, Audi went with an even more striking tubular design in the shape of a structured and angled G. The tubular design goes right onto the back as well. As far as the rest of the exterior, it's your typical Audi theme, and instantly recognizable as one (not a bad thing).

As you start the engine, you'll see a clever map layout on your screen. That's the new MMI system matched with Google Maps. I'll say it, this is the BEST user interface system I've used, ever. Everything is so easy to use and very functional, even the cool little rotary knob. Both the 4 and 6 cylinder motors start quick, with just a hint of exhaust burble. Drive either the auto or manual, though, and both these power trains come to life within seconds.

The 4 especially surprised me with just how much torque it had. No, the Quattro system won't allow a burn out of any sorts, but the car pulls like a freight train in the 2k to 5k RPM range. Unfortunately, any higher than that will easily remind you, you're hampered with 211 horsepower, but a quick early shift at around 5500 keeps you in the torque band. I feel as if going any higher than that is pointless. Disclaimer though, I drove this car through the mountains of Colorado, so I could easily be wrong about lower altitude situations. Normal and highway driving with the manual, even with a bit of enthusiasm, will surprise the typical customer.

The auto makes the 4 feel very comfortable. Gearing is absolutely sublime, coupled with the generous amount of torque makes the car's need to be in the highest gear possible that much more tolerable. Even in 8th gear, the 4 pulls considerably well. The S4, though, tells a different story. This application, even in higher altitudes, wants to run, whether you like it or not. And my will it run! With just a hint of lag from a complete stop, the 3.0 supercharged V6 has gobs of power everywhere.

In seconds, it feels like as soon as you shift, you're right back at redline. Obviously to get a better 0-60 time, though, I'm not complaining, it's quite the rush. Throw this in 6th at 50 mph and youll be at 80mph before you can say 'I hope the cops aren't out'. 333 horsepower has never felt better than this; though, I hoped for a better engine sound. BMW, Cadillac and Infiniti motors sound so much better under pressure. It feels as if this drivetrain is a bit too mature for the type of driver it's intended for.

The only actual difference between the A(S)4 and A(S)5 are ground height and width, which becomes even more evident taking a turn. I can attest to that. Even though the A(S)4 surprises during a turn, the A(S)5 definitely feels more fit for one. Taking sweepers at over 80 mph is no match for the A(S)5 and it's Quattro affiliate. The tires dig so deep in the tarmac and the Quattro system plays the assist so well, you'd think you were in a legit sports car. Until you leave the corner. The 3 definitely exits a corner much smoother than the Audi brothers; weight maybe? Turn in is exceptional though, and the steering is right on the money during any given situation.

I can't get over the balance Audi has found with these cars. Ride comfort is always top notch, even hustling hard through the twisties the car feels composed. Small infractions in the road do minimal harm to the linear behavior these cars exude. Call me crazy, but this balance is better than BMW. Ok, maybe not as a whole, but newer competition from Beemer. With Audi being second on the global charts, I'd find no doubt in former BMW owners taking home a new Audi because of how much better they feel.

2013 Audi A4












2013 Audi S4












2013 Audi S5 Coupe














2013 Audi A5 Coupe

[REVolution]

Nice job, Nell! I'm sure it was a blast driving those things around.

[Gixser995]

I also noticed I missed a couple errors.

[REVolution]

Nice job, Mr. Editor.

[Gixser995]

I'm already fired, aren't I?

[nell_z]

Thanks. I would've edited them myself, but time is not my best friend.