2013 Audi A4 Preview

Interior Features

The steering wheel and the instrument cluster of the 2013 Audi A4 have been slightly redesigned, and the MMI infotainment system has been revised. The Premium trim level of the A4 includes leather upholstery (available in black, grey, beige, and brown), sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker CD audio system. The Premium Plus trim adds upgraded lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, automated 3-zone climate control, and heated front seats. The Prestige trim adds keyless ignition and entry, a navigation package, Audi Side Assist, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. The trunk provides 12.4 cubic feet of storage space; with rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 34 cubic feet.

Optional Features

The A4's optional 18-inch wheels feature lower-profile tires. The Sport package (available on the Premium Plus and Prestige trims) includes a firmer suspension, sport seats with power lumbar support, and a sport-derived steering wheel. The S line package (available with the Prestige trim) includes sport suspension, front and rear alloy wheels, summer tires, high-pressure headlight cleaners; S line bumpers and doorsills; Alcantara upholstery, and a premium headliner. Several styles of wood interior trim are available on all A4s. Many features that are standard on the upper trims are available (mainly in packages) on the lower trims. A power rear window sunshade and manual rear side door shades are available with the Prestige trim.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Audi A4 offers three different transmissions: a 6-speed manual, 8-speed Tiptronic automatic, and a Multitronic continuously variable automatic. The Tiptronic transmission allows the driver the option of switching from automatic to manual shifting. The optional Audi Drive Select enables adjustment of steering effort, throttle response, and transmission shifting style on the fly. The 2013 A4 is powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 211 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard; Quattro all-wheel drive is available.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2013 Audi A4 are 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg in combined driving. The A4 requires premium fuel.

Safety

Standard safety features on the 2013 Audi A4 include anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, front-seat and rear-seat side air bags, front knee air bags, and side curtain air bags. Many other safety features are optional. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2013 A4 5 (out of a possible 5) stars for overall, front, side, and rollover protection. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the A4 received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for all safety tests.

Technology

Audi MMI Navigation Plus features a 7-inch screen, voice control, CD and DVD compatibility, and dual SD memory card slots. New features for 2013 include Bluetooth streaming audio and Audi Connect, which adds Google search and Google Earth map overlays. Audi's proprietary Quattro all-wheel-drive system combines with electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering. Also, the Dynamic Cornering lights pivot to provide optimum illumination on turns.