2002 Audi A4 Scion XB

Audi’s reworked A4 has a lot to offer, but the highlight is its available multitronic continuously variable transmission. Operating so subtly that the driver is hardly aware of its presence, multitronic does everything an automatic promises but simply does it without any gear changes. Passing response is excellent, and because CVT operation is so subtle, most drivers should quickly get used to the lack of actual shifting. The CVT’s “steps” that emulate actual gears is a clever idea. This provides a bit of engine braking that can be helpful when you’re driving on downgrades, but on level roads, this doesn’t add much to the experience — better to simply leave it in Drive and enjoy.