Audi A4 Cheaper Than Mercedes But Still As Good

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Occasionally an automaker will introduce a vehicle based on the platform of a "lesser" model. Usually this plan is employed when costs need to be cut to realize real savings. The idea is the shared platform can be tweaked enough to distinguish the upscale model from the ordinary one. Add in leather, a taut suspension, and upgraded powerplant options and you can most likely pull it off. For Audi, the introduction of the all-new Audi A4 during the mid1990s allowed the German automaker to capitalize on the success of the Volkswagen Passat, a midsize vehicle from its European cousin. The plan worked, but it was only a brief move. Let's take a look at the Audi A4 and its surge to the head of German car excellence.

For years, the Audi eighty outlined the smaller cars in Audi's line up. By the early 1990s, the aging model was in need of updating and the name itself would need to be changed with the two digit alphanumeric model designation recently adopted by Audi. Cost pressures, made the development of an all-new from-the-ground-up model impossible. Instead, Audi tapped Volkswagen and based the original Audi A4 on the successful VW Passat.

Platform sharing has been common amongst automakers for generations. General Motors continually spreads it platforms across brand lines while Toyota and Honda have learned that their various Lexus and Acura luxury makes could share much with their high quality and successful standard brands.

Still, the wheels of autodom are always turning and the original Audi A4 is in its fourth generation and is built on its own platform. Indeed, the most recent Audi A4 shares nothing with its VW cousin and is poised precisely to do battle with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class, the Volvo S60, and Cadillac's Swedish built BLS.

So, what does today's Audi A4 owners get for the money? Quite a lot! Read on:

A choice of 3 models including a sedan, a truck, and a cabriolet

Two engine choices: a 2.0L I4 and a powerful 3.2L V6

Front wheel drive or Quattro all wheel drive

A plethora of transmission selections including manual, automated, and manumatic shifters

Major safety initiatives including power helped safety restraints, head and side air bags, antilock brakes

12 way power seat for the driver

Leather, aluminum, and dress appointments

Premium ten spokesman sound system

16 inch, 5 spoke amalgamate wheels

Base prices start around $28,000 for the sedan and climb to just over $37,000 for the cabriolet; all prices are slightly lower than competing models from Mercedes and BMW.

Fortunately for Audi A4 lovers, the German automaker isn't holding still and plans for a fifth generation Audi A4 are in progress. The most recent model may switch to rear wheel drive and a coupe is receiving serious scrutiny. Regardless of the final choices, Audi A4 owners know that their favored model will keep up with the competition. This is superb news for those needing a car incorporating German engineering without the Mercedes or BMW price tag.
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