Test drive Audi A4 B6 2001 - 2004 sedan

Let's listen to Audi

A4 will live its first six months in the editorial office
 
Every model popular on the market, which, undoubtedly, is the Audi A4, gives rise to a lot of questions. In particular, those who are going to make a choice. And these questions are about management features, operating costs, etc. - flock, inter alia, to the editor. Therefore, we decided not to abandon the opportunity to get a brand new, from a needle, a car to a long test, and honestly share our observations with readers.
 
It was a matter ...
 
Once the grandmother of the car received a few weeks ago - Audi 80 - saved my life. I can hardly forget, as that gloomy evening almost exactly exactly a crazy collector armored car at the Niva basis drove into the driver's door. Yes, so that Audi flew sideways 22 meters, hit the concrete block with the other side, and after that another 11 meters flew off. The numbers are accurate, from the police protocol. Thank God I survived, and, imagine, did even without a hospital bed. Although the left side was sick for a long time, and there was still a concussion. So, my eightieth did not have a single airbag, A4 has four - 2 front and 2 side. Of course, I would never want to test them. In addition, the new model, even compared to the previous one, not mention the Audi 80, has a tougher (45%) body, is equipped with various electronic systems that provide greater safety, including the electronic stabilization system (ESP).
 
From that case, I am free or not, I am about the brand with reverence. Which, however, did not stop me from going through all the past years on cars of other brands. Although Audi did not forget on duty. In a word, there is something to compare with. The current generation of A4, which first appeared on the market at the end of 2000, still attracts attention on Russian roads. The point is not only the recognition of the brand, but, of course, of a successful design. The combination of rounded shapes and sharp strokes is relevant now. You can’t say that the model looks too catchy, rather - elegant. In my opinion, the color is a purple mother of pearl, how the car taken on the test is different, gives it a special charm. And then to say, this color is twice as much as usual metallic.
 
In the cabin - a combination of luxury with sports, but without excesses. The seats are sheathed with black leather Buffalino, possibly a little rude, but solid. All adjustments are mechanical, but you can choose a convenient landing without problems. A small bagel is moved in diameter, as you like, and is equipped with an audio control buttons with a compact drive player. Audi Concert is, by the way, very, very good: a powerful and pure sound flows from nine speakers and one subwoofer in the rear shelf. And no extraneous sounds - noise insulation is simply magnificent. What else? Separate climate control system, parking sensors, heated front seats, stylish front panel finishing - with wooden inserts and chrome dials of dials.
 
Having carefully examined the salon - not one day a car, and sitting in the back seats, I was once again convinced that the term German quality makes sense. It was not possible to find flaws, the gaps are ideal, and inside - both in front and from behind - is very comfortable. Yes, another trifle pleasant to the driver is an algorithm for the operation of the rotation signals. Glorily press on the handle, the car will wink three times, and stops. In a dense city stream, with frequent restructuring - very convenient.
 
Under the hood
 
The test Audi A4 is equipped with a 2-liter power unit with a capacity of 130 liters. With. Transmission - 6 -speed Multitronic, or CVT (Continously Variable Multitronic Transmission), that is, a variator, but not cuneiform, but chain. When there is a desire to squeeze everything possible from A4, you can switch the programs manually, each time spinning the engine to more than six thousand revolutions. We still do not allow ourselves to do this, because we are sure that the car should pass the first kilometers in a sparing mode. But the dynamics already conquered: acceleration is very confident and even, the pickup is provided in the entire speed range. The suspension, from my point of view, can serve as a standard in its class. It eliminates the rolls in corners, that is, has sports settings, but provides quite decent comfort. A4 has a front -wheel drive, a rather sharp steering control with excellent feedback. Brakes are also at the level, although from habiting may seem too sensitive.
 
But the first results on the average fuel consumption. In heavy Moscow conditions, the on-board computer shows that 11.5 liters of the 95th are required per 100 km of run (or tortoise). With a tank with a capacity of 70 liters, the visits for gas stations are not tired at all.
 
Service and price
 
Very soon, with a run of 1000 km, you will have to visit the maintenance station for the first time. This is the regulation established by Audi. Masters should simply check the level of all liquids and the rigidity of the mounts in the suspension. We have already been warned of a possible, at first, oil consumption. According to the manufacturer himself, it can make up to 1 liter per thousand kilometers of mileage. But so far it was not required to add oil. The next visit is 15 thousand with a run.
 
And in conclusion about prices. Our Audi A4 costs 37315 euros. In the database, this model will cost cheaper, in 28399 euros. The difference of nine thousand is options. So, in addition to the already listed, xenon headlights are installed on A4, an automatically obscuring rear -view mirror, a proprietary anti -theft system and shiny moldings on the body. A car warranty - 2 years without mileage restriction.
 
Brief technical characteristics of the Audi A4 Multitronic
Engine volume, cubic meter. See: 1984
Number of valves per cylinder: 5
Power, l. With. at about./min.: 130/5700
Max. Torque, Nm/at about. min.: 195/3300
Acceleration to 100 km/h, p.: 10.2
Maximum speed, km/h: 205
Average fuel consumption l./100 km.: 7.9
Fuel tank volume, l.: 70
Dimensions, mm.: 4545x1770x1430
 
Andrey Osipov
 

Source: "Automobile Izvestia"