Technical Features
Project A4 Avant: Introduction
By by: George Achorn, photos by author
Jul 7, 2003, 13:36

When the A4 exploded onto the automotive scene back in 1996, it redefined Audi as a serious player in the entry-level luxury car market. One year later, when the 1.8T version of the car debuted, it further redefined affordable performance. The 4-cylinder turbo ushered in an era where increased boost due to ECU remapping meant increased smiles for more and more owners. Sure, turbocharged Audis had taken the automotive world by storm before, but never in their most entry-level model.

In 2002, the A4 graduated and moved on to its second generation. The new car's rigidity and refinement are class leading and the car has come into its own as a very attractive alternative in the burgeoning entry-level luxury segment. The 1.8-liter turbo is still there in the model lineup, while the family heritage of quattro and the large dual grill reminiscent of Auto Union racing cars has been retained, though displayed in a new way.

Perhaps like many owners and readers who frequent this website, there are those on our staff who are graduating to another stage of their life. While thoroughly in love with the 1.8T motor, the want for a higher degree of luxury and the need to haul pets, children, furniture, etc. soon become a reality. At the same time, the sportiness most gearheads have become accustomed to is also a paramount concern.

With all of these priorities in mind, the perfect solution seems obvious. Recently we acquired a low mileage 2002 Audi A4 Avant 1.8T quattro. Silver with black leather isn't exactly unique; one of the more common color combinations with Audi and other manufacturers. Still, you can't deny the immediate sense of heritage there, hearkening back to Auto Union racecars of the 1930's and more recent racecars like the A4 touring car dominant in the 1990s and the current R8 prototype that has been so successful at Le Mans the last several years.

This particular car was basically loaded, and in particular came with the much lauded Sport Package with 17-inch wheels, Xenon headlights and no cost option Leatherette. From the factory, this car doesn't leave us wanting much. Real leather would be nice, but Audi's leatherette has gotten so good, it's hard to tell the difference. Navigation is also a nice toy that is unavailable on this particular car, though to be honest, the European version with full color screen mounted centrally on the dash is much cooler and would leave us wanting, even if we did have the North American configuration.



Since our car is a 2002 model, it also features aluminum interior trim; a much more sought after solution than the current and fairly cheap looking fiberglass trim offered in 1.8T cars rolling out of dealerships this year.

On the road, our new A4 is a great driving solution. The suspension is amazingly compliant for as taught as it is, making us think that whoever was in charge of dampening on this car might just be the MVP in its development. While still not enough for aggressive track use, the brakes are also an improvement over the original A4 's system.

Inside, the driving experience is also improved. Shift throws certainly feel shorter than the long motions needed to row through the gears on B5-based cars. Steering feel is better, as are the bolsters on the stock seats.

The car is also more luxurious than before. Our Project A4 1.8T Avant has come equipped with heated front and rear seats, Home Link, a 6-CD changer mounted in the dash, and an interior that leads its class.

At the same time, the small displacement and much loved 1.8T 4-cylinder remains another class leader in gas consumption.

As glowing as we are with the car, there are still some downsides. The trunk is big, but the coupe-like rake of the C-pillar prices space above the beltline at a premium. A certain German Shorthair Pointer that will be a regular in that space finds just barely enough room to make do.

From a power standpoint, the 1.8T, as good as it is, needs something more. For most owners, power is probably adequate, though it could use some more torque in high speed passing. The engine is good and well respected, but pulling the weight of the A4 and accounting for the additional friction of the Torsen-based quattro system, it would benefit greatly from some added boost.

Finally, as sporting as the A4 is, we feel you can always do better and who doesn't want to personalize their vehicle.

The plan for Project A4 1.8T Avant is a subtle upgrade that follows the burgeoning "OEM+" style of modification. The wagon will not deviate much from the line that "Audi could have built it themselves" should they have wanted to.



In essence, the idea of Audi's S-line of cars in Europe where small displacement and more frugal cars are built to a higher spec with an emphasis on Sport will be followed. However, we're going to go ahead and kick that up a notch.

Think of Porsche's philosophy where the 911 Turbo is traditionally the king of the 911 hill. However, the Carrera 4 S and earlier 911 wide-bodies with whale tails meant buyers could buy a Porsche with all of the sport of the 911 Turbo without paying the price of the king.

Our A4 is going to make heavy use of the Audi partsbin, from the higher spec S4 and A4 Cabriolet models in the US, to odd and interesting European market parts. Importation and sale of these types of parts is on the rise, and we want to highlight some of the great components available.

We'll also increase performance, and while we'll probably turn to the aftermarket for some of this, we're going to keep a focus on daily driveability and reliability. For instance, power delivery will be a higher priority than overall peak horsepower or torque figures. Usable torque in real-world traffic conditions will be of higher emphasis than quarter-mile times at the local drag strip.

Here at VWvortex, we're looking forward to our first Audi project car. The quality and potential of our new A4 has us salivating at the thought of the possible end result. Keep an eye open for regular updates on our first Audi.

© Copyright 2004 by YourSITE.com