2005.5 Audi A4 (2005.5) New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005.5 Audi A4?
Freshened sheet metal and Audi's new horse collar grille adorn the 2005.5 version of the Audi A4. Two new engines are also available: a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with FSI direct fuel injection, and a normally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 with direct fuel injection. Underneath, the suspension has been revised, the stability control now allows drivers to shut off the traction control function, and a new feature periodically dries the brakes in wet weather. A basic navigation system is standard on the 2005.5 A4, with a DVD-based version available.

Advantages of the 2005.5 Audi A4:

• Front seat comfort
• Impressive handling when equipped with Sport package
• Available quattro all-wheel-drive system
• Convertible, sedan, and wagon iterations available
• Free scheduled maintenance

Objections to the 2005.5 Audi A4:

• Acceleration surges from a standstill with Multitronic CVT transmission
• Rear seat room is not generous
• Somewhat harsh ride with Sport package

Editor's Advice:
The original Audi A4 saved the company's skin when it debuted back in 1996, and today's model continues to serve as the German automaker's volume product. Trimmed in the highest quality plastics, woods, metals and leathers, the cabin is an inviting place to long highway jaunts. Handling with the optional Sport package is impressive, though a toll is taken in terms of ride quality. Watch out for herky-jerky starts with the Multitronic CVT transmission, which can take some getting used to, especially when accelerating hard. Otherwise, there's much to like about the 2005.5 Audi A4, not the least of which is its available all-weather quattro all-wheel-drive system.