The
Audi A4 is a compact executive car produced by theGerman car manufacter Audi since late 1994. The initial generation A4 succeeded the four previous generations of the Audi 80. And just like its Audi 80 predecessor, the Audi A4 Automobile layoutconsists of alongitudinally orientated engine at the front, with
transaxle-type
transmissions mounted immediately to the rear of the engine, again, orientated longitudinally. Drive output is transmitted to either the front wheels, or on some models, utilising Audi's 'trademark'
quattro permanent four wheel drive system via a Torsen centre differential.
Since its inception, the Audi A4 has been available in four generations, based on theVolkswagen Group B series ofautomobile plataforms - usually known by the following codes - the initial B5, the subsequent B6 and B7, and the current B8.
Of the main body styles, it is (and always has been) available as a sedan, and an "Avant", which is Audi's name for an estate. The second (B6) and third generations (B7) of the A4 also had aCabriolet version, but the Cabriolet was not retained for the current fourth generation (B8), due to the introduction of the Cabriolet version of the related Audi A5
Additionally,higher performance versions directly related to the A4 include the Audi s4, and the limited availability quattro GmbH-developed very high performance Audi RS4.
This perennial Best Buy began its seventh design generation with all-new models, offering front side airbags as a first-time option. Interiors and trunks grew in size. Sedan and coupe body styles returned, but the Civic hatchback was gone--at least for a while. The Civic lineup consisted of DX, LX, and top-rung EX coupes and sedans. The LX coupe was new. A high-mileage HX coupe also joined the group, as did a low-emissions GX sedan that ran on compressed natural gas (CNG). The sporty Si coupe was dropped, but would return after a year's absence. Civic's previous 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines gave way to 1.7-liter derivatives with 9 more horsepower for DX and LX models. The HX engine gained 2 horsepower. Civic EX models were unchanged in power, but gained a little torque output. All models had longer oil-change and tune-up intervals. A five-speed manual transmission was standard. The extra-cost automatic was a conventional four-speed unit, except for the HX coupe, which again offered Honda's continuously variable transmission (CVT), with a belt-and-pulley system providing an infinite number of "gears." Wheelbases were unchanged, but overall length was marginally shorter and all models were taller with slightly larger cabins and trunks. The standard dual-stage airbags were designed to deploy with force appropriate to occupant size and weight. Front side airbags were a line-wide option and included a sensor that deactivates the passenger bag if the occupant is not positioned for proper protection. Antilock brakes were standard on EX models, but unavailable elsewhere. Civics competed against the Ford Focus, Mazda Protege, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta.
