Test drive Audi A4 B5 1994 - 2001 sedan

Evolution

Recently, several automakers immediately launched on sale models with a bright ultramodium design of the same New Beetle or PT Cruiser, for example. But no matter how frantic success such cars are used at first, the demand for them is not too long.


The dominant trend in the automotive industry remains evolution. And the new Audi A4 model, which debuted in Paris and is already sold in Europe, is just an example of an evolutionary approach to design. The car is intended for those whose tastes change extremely. Moreover, the creators themselves emphasize this with pleasure.


We deliberately preferred an unmary design. We wanted to be sure that the new A4 will attract as many buyers as possible and will live for a long time. And trendy models usually become obsolete quickly, said the chairman of the board of directors of Audi Franz Joseph PEFGEN.


Indeed, the design of the car does not contain anything radical. Outwardly, A4 seems to be a slightly reduced version of a larger A6 sedan. And in the chassis they have a lot in common. But the developers argue that the machine is completely new, and its platform is not used in any other Volkswagen car car (Passat is based on the previous generation A4 platform).


Before starting work on a new model, they conducted an interview of the owners of the Audi A4. It turned out that they would like to get a car with a more spacious salon and more comfortable. Well, if you want ...


The car grew 67 mm long and 33 mm wide. The wheelbase was also pushed by 35 mm to quite decent 2650 m. The cabin increased by 32 mm in length and became wider in the shoulders (11 mm) and elbows (17 mm in front and 29 mm behind). The place over the head increased (15 mm). The legs for the legs of the rear passengers increased in length by 41 mm according to PEFGEN, the new Audi A4 is the most spacious in its class.


The trunk also became larger (445 l), and the distance between the wheel arches as much as 1000 mm.


The new car is not only spacious, but also much safer than its predecessor. The body is 45% tougher and this despite the fact that many of its elements are made of alloy materials. Some suspension elements are also made of aluminum alloy. The subframes are reinforced, which made it possible to improve controllability and sound insulation.


A4 provides a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines, both 4- and 6-cylinder. Some of them on this model were not used before, for example, the most powerful 3 l V6 with five valves per cylinder, developing 220 hp. Both 300 Nm, or 2 L 4-cylinder engine with an aluminum unit with a capacity of 130 hp. The three-liter engine disperses the car (with front-wheel drive and 5-speed mechanics) to 245 km/h, and up to hundreds for 6.9 seconds. (With 2 l engine 212 km/h and 9.9 sec)


All motors are more economical than their predecessors. A curious detail: the volume of the tank is increased to 70 liters, and now the driver of a car with a diesel engine can drive without refueling, up to 1300 kilometers.


Together with a standard front -wheel drive option, a version with a constant full -wheel drive of Quattro will be produced. Transmission to choose from: five- or six-speed mechanical. In addition, an automatic Multitronic transmission is first proposed for modification with front -wheel drive as an option. (The company does not give details, reporting only that this is a unique unaccountable transmission that can transmit torque to 310 nm and work even with the most powerful 3 l V6 range. At the same time, it is stated that the dynamic characteristics of the A4 are even higher than with a mechanical box.)


The salon is completely updated, it became even more ergonomic, and the driver, according to engineers, should feel in it, as in a class suit, sewn by measurement. The lines of the side panels of the doors, smoothly flowing into the central panel, visually fit the driver and passenger, increasing the feeling of comfort. The effect is aggravated by an unusually high location of the waist line.


Passive security has also reached a new qualitative level. The Sideguard curtain system that covers the area from the front to the central racks in the event of an accident is provided in all trim levels. In addition, the front pillows are equipped with electronic sensors, which determine the operation mode depending on the seriousness of the collision.


In 1999, Audi A4 sales provided about a third of the company's income. According to the calculations of her leadership, the new generation should be even more successful.
 
Dmitry Polikarpov
 

A source: Motor magazine [January-February 2001]