FULL REVIEW: AUDI A4 B5 1.8i 20v SEDAN

Model release dates: 1995 - 2001 (1996 to 2002 in Malaysia)


SOURCE:

1) GLASS GUIDE AUSTRALIA http://glassguide.goauto.com.au/mellor/mellor.nsf/story2/5B65C532E4AEAA94CA256A2400088B6C

2) Picture source: http://www.audiforums.com/models/a4/

OVERVIEW:


A STRONG competitor for the BMW 3-series since its launch in 1995, the Audi A4 still holds its own today despite upgrades and new models from its main protagonists. It offers a wide range of configurations from front-wheel drive to four-wheel drive and four-door sedan or station wagon. Performance in the base 1.8-litre engine is adequate only while the suspension offers a good combination of comfort and road-holding. Four-wheel drive and turbo versions add to the dynamics, and the price. Disadvantages are the tight back seat and slightly over-assisted power steering.

THE CAR:

(REAR VIEW OF THE CAR)

Smooth, integrated shape results in a competitive aerodynamic Cd figure of 0.29
The A4 is up to 45kg lighter than its 80 series predecessor.Four-link front suspension design is based on the luxury A8 series
Geometry of the front suspension is designed to eliminate front-wheel drive kick-back at the steering wheel. A simple, lightweight torsion beam axle is used at the rear.


Five-valve-per-cylinder technology means greater valve area for improved gas flow and better fuel economy compared to four-valve heads. The long stroke engine design of 1.8-litre, 20-valve, four-cylinder is used to promote torque output across the rpm range

All A4 models come with climate control air-conditioning, central locking and power steering The sedan's boot is actually larger than the A4 Avant with rear seats in place. Dual front airbags are standard on all A4 models

THE A4's base engine is the 92kW, 1.8-litre, 20-valve, four-cylinder with five-speed manual transmission (The subject for this review). With only 173Nm of torque available, at a fairly high 3950rpm, constant revs are required for brisk progress. There is also the optional four-speed automatic featuring 'DSP' that varies gear up-shift points according to driving style.

Arguably the best version of the A4 is the 110kW turbocharged 1.8T. It is available in five-speed automatic form and is fast, economical and refined. The 30-valve, 2.8-litre V6 quattro version is a well- equipped alternative to the rear-driven BMW 328i.

The A4's interior features high standards of build quality and an attractive, ergonomically-designed dashboard. The instrumentation is clear and easy to read although the red back-lighting may not be to everybody's taste. Some of the darker interior hues also make the A4 seem somb reThe A4 is a little tight for space in the back seat, suiting its maker's classification as being a "sports sedan" rather than a family-style conveyance.

The Avant station wagon came in late 1996 but its meagre carrying capacity makes it more like a five-door hatch.


SOURCE: - Automotive NetWorks 03/02/1999

ADD-ON article:
SOURCE: http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/96-01a4.htm

Second Opinion

Early A4's were attractive yes, but buyers expecting an Audi alternative to a BMW 3-Series will be disappointed. The A4's handling is good, but softer and not as well balanced as the rear-drive 3-Series. As well, the A4's steering is lighter, vaguer and less responsive. But equipped with quattro all-wheel-drive and a good set of tires, the A4 will run rings around a 3-Series in the snow.


The A4's interior is impeccable, but rear seat legroom is cramped. Its exterior styling has held up amazingly well over the years, and a nicely-kept A4 will look like a new car sitting in your driveway. - Greg Wilson - editor (Canadian Driver)

Consumer Reports has included the 1996-2001 Audi A4 1.8T on its list of used vehicles to avoid, principally because of a worse than average record with respect to engine repairs, but engine cooling, electrical and brake problems also caused concern. Not enough data was collected from owners to evaluate 2.8 V6 models.

Despite this lack of support, the Audi A4 has relatively few service issues identified in the service bulletins - the major ones being noted above. Recalls have been issued for the tie rod problem and a warranty extension should cover 1.8T engine problems due to sludge build-up.

But the issue does underscore the need for a thorough vehicle inspection before buying an Audi A4 1.8T, or any used car for that matter. Never take a seller's word on maintenance. Have the vehicle checked by an independent automotive service technician first and be sure there are no problems before you buy.

And speaking of buying - the A4 is a desirable used car buy, particularly for performance-oriented enthusiasts. So prices have held up reasonably well, despite the age of these vehicles.


RECALLS (!!!)

1995, 1996, 1997: Transport Canada Recall Number 1997176. Units affected: 1997. A discharge of static electricity could activate the driver's side air bag. Dealers will install a ground wire.

1996, 1997: Transport Canada Recall Number 2000238. Units affected: 2767. The plastic ignition switch housing may fracture. Ignition switch will be replaced.

1996: Transport Canada Recall Number 1996092. Units affected: 168. Improper grounding of the horn may cause intermittent operation. A ground contact spring will be installed.

1997, 1998, 1999: Transport Canada Recall Number 1999095. Units affected: 9000. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 degrees F. A vacuum by-pass system will be installed on affected vehicles.

1998, 1999: Transport Canada Recall Number 1999195. Units affected: 4900. On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. Tie rods will be replaced on affected vehicles.

1998: Transport Canada Recall Number 1998126. Units affected: 1437. An engine backfire during cold start could damage an air screen loosely seated in the air flow metre, which could prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position. A screen retaining ring will be installed and damaged screens replaced.

1999: Transport Canada Recall Number 2002104. Units affected: 2853. On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. Tie rods will be replaced on affected vehicles.


We like (+ve)
Solidity, grip, build quality, equipment

We dislike (-ve)
Bottom-end engine performance, remote driving experience

DID YOU KNOW?

1)All Audi models feature a- fully galvanised body for effective rust protection
2) Audi is the FIRST with Quattro (4 wheel drive) fitted in a 3-box passenger car back in 1980.
3) Audi A4’s a FRONT WHEEL DRIVE with engine mounted like a rear wheel drive (vertically), for 50/50 weight distribution. Also, Audi claimed that this setup minimizes power loss by torque converter (in Auto gearbox).


HOW MUCH?

In Malaysia, there’s only 2 engines.
1) 125hp 1.8i 20v NA.
2) 1.8T 20v turbo 150hp.

The pricing in Malaysia as at December 29 2007 are (1.8T in bracket):

1996: RM28,000 (-NA-)
1997: RM35,000 (48,000) 1998: RM39,000 (55,000)
1999: RM45,000 (60,000) 2000: RM50,000 (65,000)
2001: RM56,000 (72,000) 2002: -NA- (RM80,000)


Note that for 2008, pricing depreciates 10% for Audi A4 8 years old or newer. After 8th year is all based on Condition as well as Supply and demand (ie. Buyer’s market). Why? It’s because difficulty to get Bank Loan hence potential buyers are mostly personal loan or cash buyers. My prices for 1999 and older’s based on Pro-rata (average).

SPECIFICATIONS:


ENGINE:
* 1.781-litre DOHC 20-valve front-mounted transverse in-line four-cylinder
* Power: 92kW at 5800rpm
* Torque: 173Nm at 3950rpm
TRANSMISSION:
* Five-speed manual/four-speed automatic
SUSPENSION:
* Front: independent by four-link system, coil springs, anti-roll bar
* Rear: torsion beam, coil springs, anti-roll bar
STEERING:
* Power-assisted rack and pinion
* Turning circle: 11.1 metres
PERFORMANCE:
• Top speed: 203km/h (127mph)/ (200km/h Auto (125mph))
• 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs. (10.7secs Automatic)
DIMENSIONS:
* Length: 4479mm
* Width: 1733mm
* Height: 1415mm
* Wheelbase: 2617mm
* Kerb weight: 1205kg

FUEL CONSUMPTION
-NA-. Anyone can contribute?