Whether as a sedan, Avant wagon, or Cabriolet convertible-the 2008 Audi A4 is available with a choice of two direct-injection engines: a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (designated 2.0T FSI) making 200 horsepower, and a 3.2L V6 (designated 3.2 FSI) making 255 horsepower.

The A4 sedan can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive; front-wheel-drive versions come with either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), while "quattro" all-wheel-drive versions come with either the manual or a six-speed Tiptronic automatic.

Sedans and wagons have a 60/40-split folding back seat, and wagons also have a tailgate light that illuminates the area directly behind the car, plus a storage compartment hidden below the cargo floor and an extra 12-volt outlet. Both the sedan and wagon have storage spaces under the front seats.

The Cabriolet is available with the same range of engines and includes more attention to safety than most convertibles, with special side-sill reinforcements, stronger, impact-absorbing doors, specially designed side-impact air bags, and two pop-up rollover bars at the back of the cabin. The folding soft top also has more thermal and sound insulation for year-round driving, especially when equipped with quattro. The Cabriolet also has a different gauge appearance and leather upholstered sport seats, along with available walnut or birch wood trim.

The sporty S4 model adds a 340-horsepower, 4.2L V8 engine and a choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Manual-transmission versions get a performance-oriented version of the quattro all-wheel-drive system that reverts to a torque split of 60 percent to the rear wheels during normal driving. As with all versions of quattro, torque is still sent to the wheels with the most traction as needed.

S4 models also get numerous visual cues, including quad exhaust pipes and various interior and exterior trim changes. S4 sedans get an integrated trunklid spoiler, while S4 Avants get distinctive aluminum roof rails.

The S4 sedan also has an available sport package that adds a more aggressive look, with front and rear carbon-fiber lip spoilers along with rear-bumper side scoops.

All A4 and S4 models come with standard ESP stability control with anti-lock brakes and brake assist, and the Sideguard head air bag system, which offers full head protection even when the car rolls over after a primary collision. In the front seats, there are RearGuard head restraints aimed at preventing whiplash injuries.

The A4 interior stands out with its walnut wood inlays on V6 models and aluminum inlays on four-cylinder models. Notable options include a DVD navigation system with a large 6.5-inch screen and SD-card sound-system input, and a dynamic cornering system which helps illuminate into corners with swiveling bi-xenon beams. The optional Audi Parking System (APS) provides an audible signal while backing toward a vehicle or object.

Model Strengths

Powerful direct-injection engines; assured handling; attractive interior; all-weather traction with quattro.

Model Changes

The 2008 Audi A4 and S4 line carries forward with minimal changes. A number of S-Line visual features are now standard (bumpers, door sills, grille), as is a tire pressure monitor. The sedans and Avant wagons now have a standard sunroof as well. Models with the 3.2L engine now ride on 18-inch alloy wheels as opposed to 17s, and the front seats are heated. An iPod glovebox interface is a new option for the 2008 model year.

Model Value

Audi spans a very wide array of uses-and prices-with its 2008 A4 family. The A4 can range from an affordable, economical four-cylinder sport sedan or wagon to the sunny-day Cabriolet model, all the way up to performance-oriented S4 models. The availability of quattro all-wheel drive with any of the body styles and with any of the engines can turn each of these variants into a safe all-weather vehicle, and the Cabriolet ranks as one of the safest convertibles on the market.

The Audi A4 is a compact executive car produced by the German automaker Audi since 1994. It is the replacement of the Audi 80 and Audi 90.

Audi debuted the first-generation A4 in 1995 on Volkswagen Groups B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat. Like the Passat, it had a longitudinal engine and standard front-wheel drive, although the vast majority of A4s Audi sold in North America came optioned with their quattro four-wheel drive system. The A4 was initially introduced as a four-door saloon the Avant estate arrived a year later.

A wide range of engines were available to European customers, between 1.6 and 2.8litres, and a 1.9L Diesel available with VWs new pumpe-dse technology, capable of achieving a then-high power value of 110PS,although Audis 2.8L V6, carried over from the old 80/90 was the only engine option in North America until 1997.

The Audi A4 was the first model in the Volkswagen Group to feature the new 1.8L 20V motor with five valves per cylinder, based on the unit Audi Sport had developed for their Supertouring race car. A turbocharged version produced 150PS and 210Nm of torque. This technology was added to the V6 family in 1996, starting with the 2.8L V6 30V, which now pumped 193PS .

Audi also debuted their new Tiptronic transmission on the B5 platform, based on the unit Porsche developed for their 964-generation 911. The transmission is a manumatic, meaning it offers the driver a choice of driving the car as either an automatic or a clutchless manual.

The B5 A4 is arguably a watershed model for Audi. Previously regarded as somewhat of a bit-player in the luxury car segment, the massive improvement in quality and engineering with the B5 A4 made buyers realize that there was now a marque other than BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Combined with the radical TT concept,Audi emerged as a strong player in the luxury car market.

Audi refreshed the model in the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning in Europe in