Perhaps my only gripe is with the styling-the new car appears more mature than its predecessor, but to me it looks too much like the A6. I guess I don't want to appear, er, older. And while the A4 feels a bit heavier than before (it's gained less than 100 lb). it's a superb touring vehicle, perfect for that cross-country trip or even more ambitious activities.
When I have the keys to our A4, I look forward to the drive home. I like staring at it from my second-story window. I feel good when I'm seated behind its wheel-maybe it's the faint smell from the leather interior or the red glow from the instruments. Maybe it's the quiet growl of the 3.0 V6-I don't know. I do know that the A4 works on many levels, whether it's slogging through rush hour traffic or flying up a mountain pass.
The A4 doesn't look particularly aggressive but it doesn't look like an easy target either. It's got this aura of understatement which is pure Audi.
The road home from LAX was virtually empty, and the A4 made short work of the washboard surfaces that comprise the L.A. freeway system. I put aside thoughts of dipping into the aftermarket for a stiffer suspension and just enjoyed the car's superb ride. Yes, the A4 sits a bit high, and yes, it's not an S4, but it works beautifully.
Honey, I'm home...[censored].