Clyde on Cars
After a couple of disastrous years, Audi has introduced some interesting models that appeal to a driver’s fancy with a sleek look. As the brochure reminds you, turn the key and you’re outta there.
This year, the German auto manufacturer introduced the Audi A4 sedan. At a base price of $23,500, the new Audi 1.8-liter, four-cylinder sports sedan is one of the most affordable luxury sedans sold in North America.
You do see more Audis back east than you do in California, where Japanese models prevail. The new 1997 Audi provides a complete standard package for the driver. The A4 has a revolutionary four-link, front suspension with four power wheel disc brakes and an available new 1.8-liter turbo. The dynamic new styling has been turning heads all year.
For ultimate control, all 1997 A4 models can be ordered with the Audi’s all-wheel-drive quattro system as a $1,688 option.
Audi’s new powerful Delta radio with cassette player, power windows, central locking, power heated mirrors, tilt and telescoping wheel and anti-theft alarm are some of the features that are included in the A4.
Also new in the Audi line is the A6 wagon, a wagon that is an alternative to a sport utility vehicle. While the A4 is sexier, the A6 wagon is fairly quick, roomy and comfortable. It is also the only luxury car tested to score five stars for both driver and front passenger in U.S. Government crash tests.
The German-built wagon comfortably accommodates five adults in its normal seating arrangement. A fold-out rear facing seat in the cargo area that is standard is suitable for two children.
The A6 has a 2.8 liter, overhead-cam, 172-horsepower, V6 hooked to a quick-shifting four-speed automatic transmission. The A6 wagon provides good passing and merging abilities and feels as if it could cruise all day at high speeds.
The window sticker says the wagon gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, but I’ve seldom, if ever, got the same mileage as the sticker.
While not inexpensive at $35,000, the A6 wagon provides all the usual features one can expect from a high-speed German car.
