The 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro stands out primarily for its exceptional handling, a characteristic largely attributed to Audi’s renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system. While the audio quality from the premium sound system is commendable, the A4 largely offers a collection of features that are generally good, rather than exceptional, in their respective categories. However, this compact sedan demonstrates impressive agility in both city driving and highway cruising, providing an engaging driving experience, even with the six-speed automatic transmission featured in our test model.
The Upsides
The superior handling of the 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro makes it not only enjoyable but also a safer vehicle to operate. The integration of Bluetooth for cell phone connectivity is seamless and user-friendly, complemented by a voice command system that enhances convenience.
The Downsides
A notable drawback is the CD changer’s inability to play MP3 CDs, a feature that could have been easily incorporated with a minor update. Additionally, the navigation system’s interface feels somewhat outdated and less intuitive compared to contemporary systems.
The Verdict
The 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro excels in providing a thrilling driving experience with its remarkable handling capabilities. Audi offers a comprehensive suite of optional in-cabin technologies, including navigation and Bluetooth, although some of these features show their age in terms of interface and functionality.
Audi’s early adoption of technology in their vehicles has historically garnered positive feedback, particularly from a tech-centric viewpoint. Features like navigation, premium sound systems, and Bluetooth cell phone integration were once considered cutting-edge and contributed to the appeal of Audi models. However, the automotive industry’s longer product cycles mean that the technology praised in the 2005 models remained largely unchanged in the 2007 A4. Consequently, the navigation interface in the 2007 A4 feels somewhat clunky, and the glove box-mounted CD changer lacks MP3 CD support, highlighting areas where the vehicle’s technology lags behind newer offerings.
Navigation and Multimedia Interface
Stepping inside the cabin of the A4 reveals a well-constructed interior, characterized by high-quality materials and a pleasing color scheme, consistent with Volkswagen’s premium brand ethos. While the interior space is adequate, it leans towards the smaller side for its class, necessitating a compact layout for the electronic controls in the center stack. Unlike the Audi Q7’s console-mounted MultiMedia Interface (MMI) controller, the A4 features a smaller MMI controller positioned to the right of the car’s LCD screen. Despite its size, the MMI system is user-friendly and easy to master. It employs a push-button knob for selection and scrolling through on-screen options, accompanied by four buttons that correspond to functions displayed in the four corners of the screen.
The MMI system serves as the central control for navigation, audio, Bluetooth-paired cell phones, and various vehicle settings. While the MMI’s operational logic is generally appreciated, the navigation interface itself could benefit from improvements in intuitiveness. For instance, some menu labels are not immediately clear. To input a destination, users must press the ‘Route’ button, which then leads to a submenu labeled ‘Destin’ – an unnecessary abbreviation of ‘destination’ considering the available screen real estate. Furthermore, the navigation system’s age is evident in its points-of-interest database, which lacks listings for retail stores, although it does include essential categories such as restaurants, gas stations, and other practical locations.
Despite these interface quirks, the navigation system performs effectively in its primary function. The map display is clear and readable, and the route guidance is accurate, providing timely prompts for upcoming turns. However, it lacks text-to-speech functionality, a feature that vocalizes street names, commonly found in more advanced navigation systems. When veering off the calculated route, the system recalculates swiftly and discreetly, promptly guiding the driver back on course. The voice prompts for route guidance are also less intrusive compared to those in the Audi Q7 we recently evaluated. A significant limitation of the A4’s navigation system is the inability to select destinations directly from the map, requiring address or POI input instead.
Premium Audio Experience
Our test A4 was equipped with the optional Bose premium audio system, featuring a configuration of 10 speakers, including a subwoofer and a center channel. The audio quality delivered by this system is notably high, with well-balanced sound distribution that effectively fills the A4’s compact cabin, making it challenging to pinpoint individual speaker locations. While the bass response is not excessively pronounced, and some music genres, such as classic rock, can sound slightly muddled at higher volumes, acoustic music benefits from exceptional clarity and crispness.
The CD changer, however, feels antiquated. Located in the glove box, a placement that immediately signals inconvenience, it does not support playback of MP3 or WMA CDs. This limitation is specific to vehicles equipped with the navigation system. A silver lining comes in the form of two SD card slots, discreetly positioned behind the navigation LCD screen, which allow for the playback of MP3 files. With a couple of gigabytes of storage, these slots should satisfy the music needs of most users. Our test vehicle also included Sirius satellite radio, which was easily navigable through the MMI interface.
Seamless Bluetooth Integration
Bluetooth cell phone integration in the A4 is exceptionally well-executed, offering valuable features for accessing a phone’s contact list and recent call history directly from the car’s interface. Interestingly, while most vehicles readily paired with a Motorola V551 phone, this particular model encountered difficulties. Conversely, a Sony Ericsson K790a connected without issue. The vehicle also incorporates a voice command system, although its functionality is limited to telephone operations.
Quattro: The Handling Highlight
The true standout feature of the 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro is undoubtedly its handling. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system instills a remarkable sense of confidence, even when navigating sharp corners or executing high-speed lane changes. During spirited cornering, tire squeal was absent, reinforcing the impression that all four tires were working in unison to maintain optimal grip and propel the car through turns with remarkable agility. The Quattro system utilizes Audi’s Torsen center differential, which dynamically distributes engine torque between the front and rear axles, prioritizing the axle with the most traction. The resulting effect on handling is genuinely impressive.
Engine Performance and Drivetrain
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is well-suited to the A4’s size and character. Featuring direct injection and an intercooler, it generates 200 horsepower at 5,100rpm. This power output is sufficient to provide brisk acceleration and enable quick attainment of highway speeds. However, the turbocharger introduces a degree of unevenness in acceleration. When attempting to maintain a consistent speed, occasional and somewhat abrupt turbo boost engagement can be felt. Alternatively, the turbo boost might activate with a slight delay, leading to a surge of acceleration after the desired speed has already been reached, which can be unsettling in stop-and-go traffic.
While the A4 exhibits less pronounced acceleration hesitation compared to the Audi Q7 previously reviewed, it is still noticeable. Depressing the accelerator pedal from a standstill does not result in immediate wheel-spinning power. Although initial acceleration is managed to maintain composure, the acceleration feels less responsive when attempting to accelerate out of a corner. To achieve a satisfying power surge when exiting a turn, it’s necessary to apply the accelerator pedal preemptively. This hesitation is likely attributable to a conservative calibration of the traction control system, designed to ensure optimal tire contact with the road surface.
The A4’s six-speed automatic transmission contributes to commendable fuel economy and operates smoothly and efficiently. In normal Drive mode, upshifts occur at a relatively low engine speed, around 2,300rpm. However, Audi compensates for this with a Sport mode, which delays upshifts to approximately 3,000rpm. In Drive mode, the car cruises in sixth gear at 80mph with the engine speed at a mere 2,500rpm, enhancing fuel efficiency. A Tiptronic manual selection mode is also available, but Sport mode proves to be well-suited for both city driving and winding roads.
These low engine speeds during highway cruising contribute to impressive fuel economy figures. The EPA rates the A4 at 22mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. After predominantly city driving, the car’s computer indicated an average of around 14mpg. However, after spending time on the highway, the average climbed to 28mpg at speeds between 75mph and 85mph. The car’s computer employs a short polling interval for average mpg calculation, which may be less useful for long-term mileage tracking but provides insightful real-time feedback for more economical driving habits. The A4 also achieves a favorable emissions rating of ULEV II/BIN 5.
Practicality and Safety
The Quattro all-wheel-drive system not only enhances handling but also significantly contributes to the overall safety of the A4. An electronic stability program further augments accident avoidance capabilities. Our test vehicle was also equipped with adaptive headlights, which pivot slightly with steering input to improve road illumination during turns.
Airbag protection in the A4 is comprehensive, featuring dual-stage front airbags, side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear occupants. The A4 received safety ratings of four stars for driver and passenger front impact, rear seat side impact, and rollover, and a top rating of five stars for front seat side impact from NHTSA.
Audi provides a four-year or 50,000-mile warranty for the A4. Additionally, buyers receive complimentary first maintenance within 12 months or 5,000 miles and four years of roadside assistance.
Pricing and Value
Our test vehicle was the 2007 Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 T Quattro with a six-speed automatic transmission, which had a base price of $31,540. Notable options included navigation ($2,100), a Convenience package ($1,900) encompassing adaptive headlights, a trip computer, and other features, the Premium package ($1,900) with a sunroof and 17-inch wheels, the Bose stereo system ($1,000), and Bluetooth ($500). With these and other options, the total price of our test car reached $40,660.
Final Thoughts
The 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro proved to be a practical and enjoyable vehicle throughout our test period. With an understanding of the slight pause in acceleration, it becomes a manageable characteristic. The phone system is excellent, although phone compatibility might be a consideration for some users. Navigation and certain aspects of the audio system are somewhat less impressive – we have encountered superior navigation systems and nearly as engaging driving dynamics in vehicles like the 2006 Honda Accord. For those willing to invest a bit more, the 2006 Lexus IS 350 offers enhanced power and a better audio system. However, for drivers prioritizing confident handling and all-weather capability in a compact luxury sedan, the 2007 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro remains a compelling option.
