Test drive Audi A4 B6 2001 - 2004 sedan

Unity of style

At first there was a treshka BMW. Then Mercedes engineers rolled up their sleeves and released a C-class car to attract young buyers from those who had not thought about Mercedes cars before. Now here is the Audi A4. The competition between German manufacturers is aggravated.

 
So, the new Audi A4 ... With a cursory examination, the car is definitely read by A6. Almost everyone is mistaken. It is impossible to distract from the image of the six: both behind and from the side everything resembles A6, adjusted to dimensions. And already in front ... one face A3, A4, A6, A8. I'm not an adversary of corporate design at all, on the contrary, I am for the unity of style, but such a similarity among two models of different classes is too much ...

 
A noticeable external difference from the previous A4 optics with transparent dialivors, compared to them, the old block-framents look some kind of blind. I open the hood. Under it ... Under it, everything is closed by plastic casings, so only the flood neck and control probes remain available. There is nothing to look at. From the documents it follows that the covers hide a 150-horsepower 1.8 liter of a turbocharger. (In the range there are three more gasoline engines with a capacity of 102, 131 and 220 hp, as well as two turbodiesels 131 and 179 hp)

 
The door opens very widely, I get into the chair. It is tough in German, with decent lateral support, it allows you to easily find the optimal landing for a person of any height and physique, especially since the height adjustment has now become much more convenient to shake a small lever-lane, you can, without straining, put the seat to the desired level. The steering wheel simply asks for a combination of diameter and cross -section is almost perfect.

 
The steering wheel switches will only lead the wipers (with the adjustment of intensity), the turn signals and high light behind the overall lights and the near light are now responsible for the rotating handle to the left of the steering wheel, and if it is pulled on itself, the fog light will turn on. The turn signals, by the way, became smart: with rapid rebuilding, it is not necessary to click the steering wheel up and down, it is enough only to touch it, and the machine itself brings up a short series of outbreaks.

 
The instrument shield is beautiful and concise. The speedometer and a tachometer, decorated with chrome rings, is the display of the on -board computer between them, which produces all the necessary information up to the frequency of the receiver settings. Finally (may the Audi fans forgive me) abandoned the blood-red lighting of the devices, now it is pale blue, almost white, the shooters are bright red. All other elements are still highlighted in red.

 
The Audi Concert audio system is located on the middle console (by the way, very worthy of sounding) and a microclimate control system with separate adjustments for the driver and passenger. It works flawlessly once set the necessary temperature regime and do not touch it anymore. In front of the front passenger is a very voluminous glove compartment, and not a tiny glove box, as on most modern machines equipped with airbags. However, on A4 they also take place, moreover, in addition to the front pillows, the lateral pillows are also side.

 
Three may well sit in the rear seat, but at the same time the average will not be very conveniently shaped for two and it will hunger in the middle. The two will be quite comfortable, even if basketball players are shed in front (thanks to the additional 50 mm base, which went just to increase the rear space). In addition, there is a folding armrest with a proprietary first -aid kit inside.

 
Since the same platform is used for the front and all-wheel drive versions of A4, the cardan shaft tunnel noticeably bulges, in this case is useless. Hence the hump in the back seat.

 
The trunk is large enough, but for transporting long items it is not suitable, since the back of the rear seat does not lay out either for entire or parts. You will have to either buy the trunk on the roof, or pay the folding seats for the option. Under the rug, on a strict basis, there is a full -size reserve, as well as a jack and other tools in plastic containers.

 
A significant difference from the previous model is the rear suspension. Previously, a simple beam was put on the front -wheel drive machines, but now a multi -link design is used, as on a full -wheel drive version. In this case, unification fruits were sweet.

 
I start the engine, the tachometer arrow freezes just below the mark of 1000 r./Min. Only a light rustle is heard in the cabin, and no vibrations. I release the clutch, the car moves smoothly and confidently, despite the idle turns. Let's go ... Only now it became clear that there are some problems with visibility. Press the low-hanging upper edge of the windshield and wide racks, because of which in the bend it is quite possible not to notice the obstacle. With a view of the back is not better, mainly due to the high stern and head restraints of the back row of seats. External mirrors straighten the situation a bit, especially since the right (finally!) Now also full.

 
To press the gas pedal, the car does not respond too dynamic, but confident acceleration. With an increase in revolutions, it increases, and by 3000 rpm. A powerful capture follows the turbocharged work, and the machine is rapidly accelerating until the limiter is triggered.

 
I squeeze the clutch and at the same time throw off the gas to switch the motor without load roar, and the car tears to the second with slipping. I did not understand, I try again, then all the same. What is the matter?

 
I stop and, promoting the engine to 5000 rpm., I abruptly throw gas. Here it is: I have already removed my leg, and the motor continues to gain momentum. Perhaps the point is the setting of an electronic gas pedal or engine control unit ... I couldn’t get used to it, and on fast accelerations I looked like a kettle that could not be correctly sorted through the gears. Otherwise, everything is in perfect order, the programs are turned on clearly, with short moves and good fixation.

 
Moderately, a hard suspension and sensitive steering allow you to lead an active life both in the city stream and outside the city, and also not to strain much about small pardy. With inadequate speed in the turn, the ESP stabilization system will intervene, which will not allow the car to leave the intended path. If you suddenly want to fully show your racing talents, ESP can be disabled by a button on the console.

 
The brakes were pleased with efficiency. Even at high speed, Audi besieges quickly, without screening, and ABS begins to act as late as possible. But the pedal has a very high sensitivity and a small move, because of this, the movement was initially accompanied by strong jerks during braking.

 
What are the conclusions? There was no revolution, the new A4 became only the development of the previous model. But development is serious. Modern rear suspension, more informative steering, convenient adjustments to the driver's seat, increased space behind and, finally, design (both external and internal) in the spirit of a more prestigious A6. In general, it is noticeably larger than the car for the same money.
 
 
 
 

Source: Magazine Motor