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| Audi A4 |
The 2012 Audi A4 is both larger and less expensive than many other upscale midsize cars. If you’re drawn to the 2012 A4’s combination of all-wheel drive and luxury, there are a few noteworthy contenders.
Like the 2012 A4, the BMW 3-Series is also available with all-wheel drive and starts at $36,600, which is $3,300 more than the base quattro-equipped A4. The A4’s high-performance variant, the Audi S4, starts at $47,300 and is reviewed separately. Audi engineered the 2012 A4 for precise handling and balance, not pure speed. Front-wheel drive models come with Audi’s Multitronic continuously variable transmission, while A4’s with quattro all-wheel drive are available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. According to the EPA, the 2012 Audi A4 gets 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway when equipped with front-wheel drive and the Multitronic transmission.
The 2012 Audi A4 receives very good scores from the federal government, earning a top score of five stars in side crash and rollover tests, as well as the second highest score of four stars in frontal crash tests. As a result, the federal government gives the 2012 Audi A4 four stars overall for safety. The 2012 Audi A4 has a variety of standard safety features. Anti-lock brakes, front, front seat-side and side head-curtain airbags are all standard.
The sexy A4 Avant station wagon is available solely with all-wheel drive, but base sedans can be had with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. Four-wheel-drive models come with a six-speed stick, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (S4), or an eight-speed automatic (A4.) Audi's A4 and S4 head into 2012 with only trim and options changes.
Dual-stage front, side, and side curtain air bags; ABS; traction and stability control; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters; and rear seatbelts with force limiters are standard. Power windows have pinch protection. Adaptive cruise with brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and rear side air bags are optional.
Premium Plus models feature S line exterior styling, 10-spoke 18-inch wheels, a memory feature for the driver's seat and a power liftgate on wagon body styles. MMI is a knob-based control system that shares similarities with BMW's iDrive and Mercedes-Benz's Comand system. The available navigation system includes HD radio. The base sedan comes with front-wheel drive and Audi's multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system in this application has a torque split of 40/60, front to rear.
