The 2006 Audi A4 comes in sedan and Avant (wagon) body styles. Two engines are available for the A4. The 2.0T models use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower. The 3.2 models have a 255-hp 3.2-liter V6. The S4 features a 340-hp 4.2-liter V8. Sedans are available with front-wheel drive, which Audi calls FrontTrak, or Quattro all-wheel drive. Avants come exclusively with Quattro. (A new convertible is expected within the next year or so.)
The 2.0T FrontTrak sedan offers a choice of six-speed manual ($27,640) or a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission ($28,550). The 2.0T Avant Quattro comes with a choice of six-speed manual ($30,450) or six-speed Tiptronic automatic ($31,650).
The A4 3.2 FrontTrak sedan is fitted exclusively with the CVT ($33,940), while the 3.2 Quattro sedan offers a choice of six-speed manual ($34,840) or the Tiptronic automatic ($36,040). The 3.2 Avant Quattro offers a choice of manual ($35,840) or automatic ($37,040).
Standard upholstery in the A4 2.0T is cloth. The A4 3.2 comes standard with leather. The A4 comes with a luxurious list of standard equipment: dual-zone air conditioning; cruise control; tilt and telescoping steering wheel; power 12-way driver's seat, power auto-heated outside mirrors, power central locking; driver-selected, auto-on running lights; multi-speaker stereo with six-disc CD changer, wired for satellite radio; and carpeted floor mats.
Options include Bose premium audio with Sirius or XM satellite radio ($1,000) and a DVD Navigation System ($1,950). Option packages add myriad features. Among them: The Premium Package ($1,850) comprises Homelink, power front passenger seat, rain sensor, heated front seats, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, auto-dimming and electrically folding exterior mirrors, and 17-inch wheels and all-season tires. A Sunroof Package ($1,400) also includes leather seating surfaces. Technology Package 1 ($1,275) offers bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive front lighting, memory for the driver's seat adjustment and exterior mirror positions and a color trip computer. Technology Package 2 ($1,775) adds Bluetooth and voice control to Package 1. A Cold Weather Package ($400) includes heated rear seats and a ski sack. Also available: dark walnut wood trim ($400), and polished Vavona light wood trim ($400). New for 2006, customers who place an order with the dealer and are prepared to wait can select from a broader selection of options and colors. These include a multi-function four-spoke wood and leather steering wheel ($500), rear Parktronic ($350), power rear and manual side sunshades ($400), headlight washers ($150), and special paint colors.
New for 2006 is the S-Line package ($3,000), which features firmer suspension components, 18-inch cast alloy wheels and performance tires, special bumpers, special badging, S-Line steering wheel and brushed aluminum trim. The Sport Suspension ($250) and 17-inch cast alloy wheels with all-season tires ($150) can be ordered.
Safety features include a comprehensive array of airbags and full-coverage side air curtains as standard equipment. Rear-seat side airbags ($350) are optional. Front-seat active head restraints are standard, and all seating positions have adjustable head restraints and three-point seatbelts. Antilock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution are standard. An electronic stability system designed to keep the car going where it's supposed to when the road goes bad or the driver pushes it too far also comes standard. A tire pressure monitor system ($250) is optional.
The most recent variant on the A4 platform is the S4, available as a sedan ($46,400), wagon or cabriolet. The S4 comes with a V8 making 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque and, according to Audi, is capable of 0-60 mph runs in the low five seconds through its standard quattro drivetrain. All three models come with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed Tiptronic transmission.