Audi A4 Cheaper Than Mercedes But Still As Good
Infrequently an automaker will introduce a vehicle based upon the platform of a “lesser” model. Typically, this plan is used when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The concept is that the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can doubtless pull it off. For Audi, the arrival of the all-new Audi A4 in the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to take advantage of the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize car from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a brief move. Let’s have a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the top of German automotive excellence.
For years, the Audi 80 defined the smaller vehicles in Audi’s line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was desiring updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model very unlikely. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 upon the successful VW Passat.
Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors regularly spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their various Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their prime quality and successful standard brands.
Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is now in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the newest Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised squarely to do battle with the BMW three Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac’s Swedish built BLS.
So, what does today’s Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:
A choice of 3 models including a sedan, a truck, and a cabriolet
Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a robust 3.2L V6
Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive
A multitude of transmission selections including manual, automatic, and manumatic shifters
Major safety initiatives including power assisted safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes
12 way power seat for the driver
Leather, aluminum, and clothe appointments
Premium ten spokesman sound system
16 in., 5 spoke amalgamate wheels
Base costs start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet ; all costs are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.
Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn’t holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are underway. The newest model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving heavy examination. Irrespective of the final decisions, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep abreast of the competition. This is excellent reports for those needing a vehicle incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
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