Do you love to lines of the stylish new Audi A4 but aren’t too keen on driving a car that shifts gears for you? Then the powers that be in Ingolstadt have got a fabulous New Year’s gift for you. A manual transmission option for the 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. Bring on the joy!
Audi also plans to introduce a front wheel drive variant of the A4 with a CVT transmission for fans of slushboxes that are prone to making “mooing” noises. Although CVT’s do sometimes make strange noises, this variant of the A4 will be the most fuel efficient yet with 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Those are pretty impressive fuel economy numbers. “Moo-ove” over Honda Accord!
According to Audi, the front wheel drive CVT A4 will be in showrooms by the end of December while fans of manual transmissions will have to wait until early 2009. Either way, both of these A4s will come standard with a sunroof, leather seating surfaces and SiriusXM radio. The se are all options on most every BMW 3-series. Advantage: Audi.
Our view? We are always supportive of manufacturers offering the option of shifting gears for yourself. As for the front wheel drive CVT A4, we are left to wonder, what is the point? If you buy an Audi, isn’t one of the major selling points the fact that your new car will have the security of Quattro all wheel drive? And that your new car won’t make like a cow and moo at you?