AUDI'S latest A4 is many things but, more than anything else, it's the car with arguably the best automatic transmission in the world. The multitronic continuously variable transmission is a revelation in how to extract the most from any given powerplant and is smoother than most could ever imagine. As for the A4 itself, it's an amalgam of finely honed styling, a touch of German interior design austerity and a driving experience that leans more towards sporty than cushy comfort. It is one particularly appealing car. Looking at the asking prices for most of its competition, the base A4 almost looks a bargain as well.
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Audi A4 1.8 sedan
Released: August 1995
Ended: June 2001
Family Tree: A4THE A4 sedan was one of the first new-generation Audis to reach Australian shores, arriving here in August 1995 as a replacement for the successful Audi 80. Its 92kW four-cylinder engine drove the front wheels, but turbocharged four, V6, quattro four-wheel drive and wagon models were soon added. The entry-level A4 sedan was renamed the 1.8 20V in October 1997 and received ellipsoid headlights in May 1999 before its eventual replacement in June 2001 by the current B6 version tested here.
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