gdt

Took my a4 in for a 52.5k service. While I was waiting decided to take a test drive in a new A4. First thing, the sales rep had to take me to a seperate lot to get the car. He took me in an S8, and I have to say what an incredible rocket ship that thing is, especially for such a big car, it rides rock solid.

Anyway the new A4 drive was interesting. This had just come from the factory and was tricked out with all the options, the sticker said $37k (they are getting into BMW territory now), 6speed, 3.0, quattro.

I like the new look, inside and out. I was never really completely happy with the backend of the older model, I love the new one. The only thing that spoils the outside is a new 'aerial' on the roof for telematics that looks like a shark fin, and its ugly.

Inside there is more room, most noticeably elbow room for me (Im 6'2). The controls and the cabin are just great (BMW should take note) I think Audi build the best cabins out there.

Driving the car, the stick shift is better than the old model, its a shorter throw and slicker but there is still room for improvement. The car handles great and doesn't feel bigger or heavier than the old one, but of course it is.

On the downside, even though there is more power, but the car doesn't feel any quicker, in fact I think the old 2.8 might be slightly quicker. The one thing that did really surprise me though is how bad the brakes were, maybe this was a 'Friday' car but the brakes definately needed more effort than my 2.8.

Overall, a better car, but it needs more power (or less weight) and they need to look at the brake issue. With everyone now out HP'ing Audi (and I am excepting the S models here) they really need to come up with a model between the 3.0 and the S4. They had an S4 in the showroom, gorgeous car but its 53k!!!

Personally I am looking to replace mine with a 2002/2003 S4, and I'll wait until Audi address the power issue on the current model or bring down the price of the new s4.

On a final note, they had an RS6 in the showroom too. Stunning car, if I had the cash.....

G.

2tuŽbos1mission

A4 3.0 is a decent chunk faster than the old 2.8.

gdt

I disagree. I just drove both back to back, plus I wasn't easy on the test drive, I redlined the thing. Even the salesrep after I pushed him admitted that the new cars were about the same because of the substantial weight increase.

ThirdEye

I find it hard to believe the brakes were that much worse, they are much beefier

gdt

Yeah I was surprised too, but they were very spongy, might've just been that car...