- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Competent dynamics
- CVT provides economical, seamless performance
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Firm seats can be uncomfortable
- Steering lacks feel
Overview
Released in July 2001, the Audi B6 A4 was a compact executive sedan. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, the A4 range initially consisted of the 1.8T, 2.0 and 3.0 variants; in 2002, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 2.4 variant. The A4 Avant (wagon) was released in September 2002, but its range was initially limited to the 2.0 variant, with 1.8T variants following in 2003, the 1.8T. The full range is given in the table below.
| Variant | Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A4 | 1.8T quattro | 1.8-litre AVJ turbo I4 | 5sp man. | 2001-02 | 110 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-4600 rpm |
| 1.8-litre BFB turbo I4 | 5sp man. | 2002-03 | 120 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-4600 rpm | ||
| 1.8-litre BFB turbo I4 | 6sp man. | 2003-05 | 120 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-1950 rpm | ||
| 1.8-litre BEX turbo I4 | 6sp man. | 2003-05 | 140 kW at 5700 rpm | 240 Nm at 1950-4700 rpm | ||
| 1.8T | 1.8-litre AVJ turbo I4 | CVT | 2002 | 110 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-4600 rpm | |
| 1.8-litre BFB turbo I4 | CVT | 2002-05 | 120 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-4600 rpm | ||
| 2.0 | 2.0-litre ALT petrol I4 | 5sp man., CVT |
2001-05 | 96 kW at 5700 rpm |
195 Nm at 3300 rpm | |
| 2.4 | 2.4-litre BDV petrol V6 | CVT | 2002-05 | 125 kW at 6000 rpm | 230 Nm at 3200 rpm | |
| 3.0 | 3.0-litre BBJ petrol V6 | CVT | 2001-05 | 160 kW at 6300 rpm | 300 Nm at 3200 rpm | |
| 3.0 quattro | 3.0-litre BBJ petrol V6 | 5sp auto | 2001-05 | |||
| A4 Avant | 1.8T quattro | 1.8-litre BEX petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 2003-05 | 140 kW at 5700 rpm | 240 Nm at 1950-4700 rpm |
| 2.0 | 2.0-litre ALT petrol I4 | CVT | 2002-05 | 96 kW at 5700 rpm | 195 Nm at 3300 rpm |
Body and dimensions
Compared to the Audi B5 A4 , the B6 A4 sedan was 68 mm longer (at 4547 mm), 33 mm wider (1766 mm), 13 mm taller (1428 mm) and had a 33 mm longer wheelbase (2650 mm). Relative to the sedan, the B6 A4 Avant was 2 mm shorter (at 4545 mm), though the other dimensions were unchanged. Furthermore, the Audi B6 A4 bodyshell achieved a 45 per cent increase in torsional rigidity through the increased use of high-strength and very high-strength sheet-metal panels.
Suspension
The Audi B6 A4 had four-link front suspension with unequal length wishbones and independent, self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension.
quattro and electronic differential locks
The quattro system for the Audi B6 A4 and A4 Avant consisted of a Torsen Type 2 centre differential which provided a default front:rear torque split of 50:50. If traction was lost, however, two-thirds of the engine’s torque could be directed to either axle.
The quattro system also included a rear differential lock – in addition to the front differential lock which was fitted to the front-wheel drive B6 A4 and A4 Avant – which could brake a spinning wheel to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer) at speeds of up to 80 km/h. For front-wheel drive models, the electronic differential lock operated at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi B6 A4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Audi B6 A4 received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 30. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s upper legs and chest was marginal, while chest protection for the front passenger was adequate. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features
Standard features for the A4 2.0 included 15-inch alloy wheels with 195/65 tyres, ten speaker ‘Chorus’ stereo with CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and an immobiliser
The a4 1.8T was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 tyres, leather upholstery, contoured sports seats, power adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and a driver information system with in-car computer.
Beyond this, the A4 2.4 featured bucket leather seats, a multi-function steering wheel, brown walnut interior trim and aluminium exterior highlights. The A4 3.0 was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres, ‘Symphony’ sound system, power adjustable front seats, xenon headlights with cleaning system, rear parking sensors and auto-dimming rear view mirror; the 3.0 quattro added contoured sports seats.
Audi A4 S-Line edition
In November 2003, S-Line editions were released of the 1.8T quattro models. In addition to being fitted with a more powerful engine (peak power and torque of 140 kW at 5700 rpm and 240 Nm at 1950-4700 rpm), the S-Line editions were distinguished by their 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres and sports suspension, six-disc CD player, Alcantara interior trim, sports bumpers, rear spoiler and ‘S-Line’ decals.
May 2004: Audi A4 update
In May 2004, the A4 and A4 Avant were fitted with additional standard features –
- 2.0 variants gained 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a multi-function steering wheel;
- 1.8T variants gained 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, automatic headlights, auto-dimming interior mirrors and ‘coming home and leaving’ lights, while S-Line editions were further equipped with xenon headlights; and,
- 2.4 variants gained 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension, automatic headlights, auto-dimming interior mirrors and ‘coming home and leaving’ lights.
Visually, the post-May 2004 models could be identified by their colour-integrated bumpers.
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