Audi’s A4, one of Europe’s most popular German-made sedans, adds a 3.2 liter engine for 2006 that uses innovative fuel straight injection (FSI) to instantaneously answer requests for power whether starting from a stop or accelerating while underway. FSI injects the precise amount of needed fuel directly into the combustion chamber for immediate engine response.

Combined with numerous electronic driving aids, the result is an excellent handling car - nimble and quick with superb driver control. Add Audi’s commitment to safety and its easy to see why the A4 has won the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s occupant protection award and is a Consumer Report magazine’s “Best Buy.” A4s, which are considered premium mid-size vehicles, come in sedan (with two engine choices), cabriolet (convertible) and Avant wagon models. The S4 is the high performance version of the A4s. Our test-drive 3.2 Quattro AT6 sedan used the larger 3.2-liter, V6 engine (the other sedan engine choice is a turbo 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine). While pricer than some of its competitors, like the Infiniti G35 or the Acura TSX, the A4 is also loaded with standard features often options on other models. Electronic driver aids include quattro, the four-wheel drive system that can distribute drive power to individual wheels depending upon the circumstances.

Quattro teams with electronic stabilization, brake-pressure distribution, traction control and differential lock to give drivers a sense of on-road grip and control similar to a race car on a high-speed track. Speed sensitive rack and-pinion steering with tight straight-ahead tracking makes the A4 a pleasure to drive. Rough pavement is neutralized by four-link front and sophisticated trapezoidal-link rear suspensions. Brakes are better than average, a nice antidote to the A4’s quickness. Inside the fit and finish is luxurious - leather seats, textured cloth ceiling liner, ergonomically perfect audio and temperature controls, glowing red dashboard gauges information panels and genuine wood trim. Fold-down 60/40 rear seats expand storage space, although the slope of the car’s rear inhibits a large tail-gate entrance.

Storage spots are plentiful, including trays under the front seats and pop out dashboard coin tray. The center storage console has a 12V outlet under the arm/rest center storage console.Interior safety features include child anchors and tethers, 3-point safety belts, side curtain airbags and dual stage front airbags. High-strength steel-metal panels comprise 45% of the A4s body and are used mostly in the front to absorb energy in a crash.