Review: 2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan
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SEE ALSO: Audi Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS 2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan The 1995 A4 led Audi out of a serious sales slump, and helped revitalize the company. But 1995 was a long time ago, and the entry-luxury market in which the A4 resides is fiercely competitive. Despite that, 2001 A4 sales were anything but anemic. The A4 aged well. But Audi is taking no chances, and 2002 sees an all-new A4. It's larger, especially inside. It features increased structural rigidity for improved handling and lower noise levels. The previous 2.8-liter V6 engine has been replaced by a physically smaller, lighter, more efficient, and more powerful 3.0-liter V6, and the 1.8- liter turbocharged four-cylinder has significant upgrades as well. As always, the new A4 is offered in front-wheel drive ``FrontTrak''(r) and all-wheel drive ``quattro''(r) form. Sedans were the first variety available, but Avant (wagon) and cabriolet versions have been recently introduced. Audi's corporate motto ``Vorsprung durch Technik'' translates to ``advancement through technology.'' And the new A4 incorporates innovative technology in the form of the ``multitronic''(r) continuously-variable transmission (CVT). It has a wider range of gear ratios than conventional manual or automatic transmissions, and works by varying the size of two split pulleys (called ``variators'') connected by a strong link-plate chain. It incorporates state-of-the-art electronics and hydraulics to give the best driving characteristics. A six-speed ``Tiptronic''(tm) manual- shift mode is possible thanks to preprogrammed variator positions. A motorcycle-type multi-plate wet clutch is automatically disengaged when the car comes to a stop, and re-engaged upon starting. I've been driving a multitronic-equipped A4 1.8t for the past week, and it has been very interesting. The transmission's lack of shifting makes the car feel like it is powered by an electric motor. It's wonderfully smooth and quiet, with no negative effect on performance - acceleration is the same as with the five-speed manual up to 60mph, and better above that. The redesigned and larger interior is a definite improvement, too. Audi has taken a benchmark car and made it even better. APPEARANCE: The 2002 A4 is still a rounded Audi, but with a slightly more angular shape than the previous model. The longer, more formal roofline and angular taillights show kinship to the luxury flagship A8, while the long hood and relatively short rear deck echo A6 styling. A high, sharp shoulder line and flared wheel arches give good definition to the sides. The new front styling boasts revised headlights. A more rectangular chrome-trimmed grille and matching lower intake below the bumper together look like a large grille bisected by the bumper. All styling elements work together to give a sporty and luxurious appearance. COMFORT: By U.S. standards, the old A4 was snug, especially in the rear seat. No longer. The new A4 has just enough extra width, length, and height inside to remove the major criticism of the first- generation car, and its excellent design makes it seem even bigger. My test car was the base model, meaning leatherette instead of leather, and manual, not power seats. No loss of comfort or convenience. The two-tone gray-over-tan color scheme dispenses with windshield glare and adds visual space, and the textured aluminum trim looks better than the artificial wood commonly found in this class. Supportive seat design, a good instrument panel, and a tilt-and-telescope adjustable steering wheel aid the driver, and rear-seat occupants are no longer second-class citizens. There is noticeably more rear space, especially for knees and legs, and optional heated seats include the rear outboard positions, which get the same wonderful seven-position heaters as the fronts. The rear seatback is split 60/40 for times when the trunk isn't enough, but those times should be rare - there is plenty of accessible trunk space, and a full-size spare is found under the trunk floor. SAFETY: All 2002 Audi A4 models have a safety cell around the passenger cabin, with front and rear crush zones. Front and front side and head curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, and ESP stability control are standard. ROADABILITY: All new A4s, FrontTrak and quattro, have a new independent trapezoidal link rear suspension and a refined version of Audi's four-link front suspension. More lightweight aluminum components are used, for less unsprung weight, and chassis rigidity is significantly higher. The result is even better handling, improved ride comfort, and a quieter driving experience. The regular suspension tuning is supple and compliant. The sport suspension fitted to my test car is firmer, with less body roll, and will please the enthusiast driver. PERFORMANCE: Power, performance, and good fuel economy are not mutually exclusive with the upgraded Audi 1.8-liter turbocharged engine and the multitronic CVT. The intercooled 20- valve four-cylinder benefits from a number of internal improvements that result in lower emissions (now at ULEV levels) and better gas mileage. With 170 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque from 1850 to 5000 rpm, it offers the sort of easy, ``shifting optional'' performance that makes for pleasant driving with any transmission. The non-shifting CVT is in a class of its own. It keeps engine revs in the heart of the torque curve for the most efficient operation, and simulates keeping the engine in a lower gear for maximum power ascending or engine braking when descending hills. Acceleration is immediate - Audi took care of turbo lag years ago, and the multitronic adjusts variator ``gear ratios'' more quickly and smoothly than a regular automatic can shift. The shift lever can be put into ``Tiptronic''(r) manual shift mode, with a choice of six ``ratios'' programmed into the transmission's software to keep revs up in performance driving, but I rarely felt it necessary to do so. The multitronic's smoothness also adds to the A4's luxury feeling, and acceleration is better than with the five-speed manual gearbox. CONCLUSIONS: In the new A4, Audi has made a good car even better. SPECIFICATIONS 2002 Audi A4 CVT Sedan Base Price $ 26,050 Price As Tested $ 29,950 Engine Type dual overhead cam 20-valve inline 4- cylinder Engine Size 1.8 liters / 109 cu. in. Horsepower 170 @ 5900 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 166 @ 1950-5000 rpm Transmission electro-hydraulic controlled continuously-variable Wheelbase / Length 104.3 in. / 179.0 in. Curb Weight 3362 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 19.8 Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal. Fuel Requirement 91 octane premium unleaded gasoline recommended, 87 octane regular acceptable Tires P235/45 HR17 Dunlop SP Winter Sport Brakes, front/rear antilock vented disc / solid disc Suspension, front/rear independent four-link / independent multilink Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 20 / 29 / 24 0 to 60 mph 7.8 sec 1/4 mile (E.T.) 15.9 sec OPTIONS AND CHARGES Dolphin gray pearl effect $ 450 Glass power tilt and slide sunroof $ 1,000 Sport package - includes: 17-inch 5-spoke cast alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, ultra-high performance summer tires $ 1,000 Heated front and rear seats $ 525 Premium package - includes: Homelink (r) remote transmitter, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors $ 350