2006 Audi A4 Wagon SE

Volkswagen's luxury division redesigned its compact, entry-level A4 sedan and Avant wagon midway through the 2005 model year by giving them larger engines with direct fuel injection. A new, larger grille was similar to the one on the midsize A6 sedan., , Each body style comes in 2.0T form with a turbocharged four-cylinder or in 3.2 guise with a V-6. The A4 Cabriolet is still based on the previous design, though a redesigned version is expected for 2006. , , Sedans and Cabriolets are available with FrontTrak front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. The Avant wagon comes only with quattro., , Three new models have joined the 2006 lineup: a 3.2 quattro sedan, an Avant wagon with a six-speed-manual transmission and a 3.2 front-drive sedan with Audi's multitronic continuously variable transmission. A new S-line series includes a sport suspension, trunklid lip spoiler, sporty side sills and brushed-aluminum interior trim. A hill-hold function has been added to all CVT models., , Exterior, , "Unmistakably Audi" is how the German automaker describes its smaller series, flaunting the brand's sporty character. Clear-glass headlights have sweeping lower edges and an inward taper. Body-colored bumpers are said to accentuate the car's low center of gravity. Visibly flared wheel arches round out the picture., , Standard tires on 2.0T models measure 16 inches in diameter, but 17-inch tires are installed on models with the V-6 engine. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights, a moonroof and Parktronic rear parking assistance are available. Optional adaptive headlights can pivot 15 degrees., , Interior, , Sedans and wagons seat five people and have four-way power lumbar support. The seat cushions have prominent bolsters. Standard equipment includes automatic dual-zone air conditioning. Leather seating surfaces are included in 3.2 models. The available Audi Navigation Plus system has a 5-inch video screen., , Under the Hood, , A 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers 2.0T models. An aluminum 255-hp, 3.1-liter V-6 is installed in 3.2 editions. A six-speed-manual gearbox is standard in all models except the 3.2 FrontTrak. The multitronic CVT is available only in models equipped with FrontTrak, but sedans and wagons with quattro all-wheel drive can have a six-speed Tiptronic automatic that permits manual gear selection., , Safety, , Side curtain-type airbags deploy from above the side windows. Side-impact airbags for front occupants are standard, and rear-seat airbags are optional. Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program incorporates Brake Assist., , Driving Impressions, , In its redesigned form, the A4 is as solid and even more appealing than its predecessor. It joyfully tackles twisting roads, taking every turn in stride. Despite a taut suspension, the ride is magnificent on smooth roads and recovery is swift when you hit a bump. Ride quality is nearly as good with the available sport suspension., , Plenty of power hails from the V-6, in a civilized manner. Strong performance with the turbocharged four-cylinder is devoid of turbo lag, and it's a tad more spirited. The manual gearbox shifts easily, and Audi's automatic transmission works without any harshness., , Audi's ultra-smooth multitronic CVT works masterfully and subtly. After slight hesitation during takeoff, the car moves ahead with some haste. Passing attempts at low speeds, however, sometimes yield a shortfall of response.