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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Audi A4

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Audi A4

Overview

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2013 Audi A4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.6

Four years after its last major redesign, the Audi A4 gets a mild freshening for 2013. And that's plenty to keep it competitive in the tough entry-luxury sports-sedan class. With tasteful styling inside and out, efficient and powerful engines and generous interior space, the A4 Sedan and its high-sport cousin, the S4, offer buyers refinement, comfort and performance at a realistic price. The A4 comes in three trim levels – Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige – with three driveline choices: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with front-wheel drive (FWD), 6-speed manual with quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) and 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro. Though the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Cadillac CTS and Infiniti G37 have steadily improved, the Audi A4 more than holds its own.

You'll Like This Car If...

Fuel efficiency, excellent styling and a well-crafted interior are hallmarks of the 2013 Audi A4 line. Buyers searching for an attractive sports sedan with appropriate levels of standard equipment and a host of available technology will find it in the A4.

You May Not Like This Car If...

As is normal for German luxury vehicles, equipping the A4 with the full range of available options can quickly drive up the price to dizzying heights. If you need a top-of-the-line model, this one will cost you dearly.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.6
Driving Dynamics

8.1
Comfort & Convenience

7.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

7.1
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#15

out of 24

MPG

#14

out of 22

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.0 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Audi A4 gets a new hood and headlights, and inside, there's a new instrument cluster with simplified layout for the Multi Media Interface (MMI) electronics control. Electric power steering replaces the previous hydraulic boost. The A4 Avant wagon goes away with the arrival of the new Allroad.

Driving the A4

Driving Impressions The 2013 Audi A4 prioritizes precision over outright comfort on the road, though you won't hear us complain. The suspension finds a pleasing middle ground between the ride philosophies of...

Mercedes-Benz (typically a bit soft) and BMW (more stiff). Thus, the A4 is slightly sharper-handling than a C-Class if not quite as crisp as a 3 Series. The new-for-2013 electric power steering imparts notably better road feel than we usually find in such systems. With its responsive 211-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the A4 has more than enough horsepower and readily available torque. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) with front drive works okay, but doesn't feel nearly as competent as either the 6-speed manual or 8-speed Tiptronic (both with quattro all-wheel drive). If you must have more, the performance-focused S4 offers 333 horsepower from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and a considerably sharper chassis.

Favorite Features

TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
In a class dominated by 6-cylinder engines, the 2013 Audi A4 stands apart with a boosted 4-cylinder that delivers smooth and strong thrust as well as satisfying fuel economy.

S LINE PACKAGE
For buyers who want to maximize the 2013 Audi A4's sportiness without climbing into S4 territory, the S line Package includes 19-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, more aggressive suspension tuning, subtle exterior enhancements, upgraded upholstery, genuine brushed-aluminum trim and a racy 3-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel.

2013 Audi A4 Details

2013 Audi A4 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Audi has a reputation for crafting superb interiors, and the 2013 A4 shows why. Design, layout, materials and assembly are all first-rate, and the environment feels both upscale and businesslike. Standard equipment includes a handsome 4-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and a sportier 3-spoke design is optional. The broad range of interior-trim treatments includes aluminum or wood inlays and attractive red LED accent lighting in the headliner to illuminate the center console. Leather seating surfaces are standard and Alcantara inserts available, as are special sport seats with deeper body-hugging bolsters.

Exterior

Anyone who has seen an Audi lately will recognize the company's signature oversize single-frame grille and stylized LED accent lighting in the front of the 2013 A4. The body lines are clean and conservative but tastefully detailed, and the design still looks good after four years on the market. A variety of wheel options allows individualizing the appearance. The S4 has more aggressive body treatments befitting its sporting nature.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Audi A4 line is available in three trim levels. Base is called Premium, and there's very little basic about its standard-equipment lineup: 17-inch alloy wheels, power front seats, leather seating surfaces and Sirius satellite radio, as well as numerous other creature comforts. The Premium Plus designation adds Bluetooth connectivity, LED daytime running lights and many other worthwhile features. Finally, the Prestige trim adds navigation and an HD Radio paired with an impressive Bang & Olufsen stereo system.

Optional Equipment

The A4 Prestige package offers the further option of the S line group, which includes sport suspension, 19-inch wheels, different front and rear fascias, side skirts, unique doorsills and badging. A4 Prestige models also offer a Driver Assist package, consisting of adaptive cruise control (automatically maintains a distance from a vehicle in front) and adjustment of control dynamics, including steering effort, throttle response and transmission-shift characteristics.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Audi A4 is powered by an efficient 2.0-liter, direct-injected, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 211 horsepower and delivers impressive fuel economy. FWD versions of the A4 feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while those with Audi's quattro AWD system offer the choice of a 6-speed manual or the 8-speed Tiptronic automatic. Regardless of drivetrain, the A4 continues to be one of the most fuel-efficient luxury-branded sedans on the market, beating both the more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 and the slower C250. The sportier S4, meanwhile, boasts a powerful 3.0-liter supercharged, direct-injection V6 engine that offers V8 performance and still-impressive fuel economy.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
211 horsepower @ 4,300-6,000 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (FWD, CVT), 22/32 mpg (AWD, manual), 20/30 mpg (AWD, automatic)

3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500-7,000 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque 2,900-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 mpg (automatic), 17/26 mpg (manual)

Pricing Notes

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Audi A4 starts at $33,395 for a Premium trim with CVT and front drive. That same driveline in Prestige trim just tops $43,000. Move to the 6-speed manual with quattro AWD and prices range from just over $34,000 for the Premium to about $44,000 for the Prestige. The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic with quattro ranges from the Premium's $35,500 to over $45,000 for the Prestige. Load on the two packages available for Prestige (S Line and Driver Assist) and your A4 can close in on $52,000. The hard-charging S4 starts about $48,500 and can easily top $62,000. Be sure to check Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price to see what others are paying for the A4 in your area. In terms of resale value, the Audi A4 doesn't do as well as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or Lexus IS.

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2013 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 87 Ratings for the 2009 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.4/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Nice design and ride from Ingolstadt Germany

By Bamroz (GA) on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "CPO price/value, fun to drive, nice features"

Cons: "very small sunglass holder : )"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"This car has plenty of power and above avg fuel economy. Compare to the 2013 model and you'll see many of the features largely unchanged and a couple years ahead of other manufacturers. I have encountered a small oil consumption issue, but Audi service has been more than accomodating in fixing the problem. Sunglass holder is small. Did not come with auto-dimming/compass in mirror. In hindsight, I would recommend this vehicle and would buy again."

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Best all around vehicle that I have owned.

By John (CO) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Handling, fuel economy, style"

Cons: "Road clearance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is a great car which is fun to drive, has great handling characteristics, and good fuel economy. Highway driving in the mountains and to and from Denver, I always get at least 30mpg. Out of the mountains on the highway,I typically get 32mpg at 70+ mph. The 8 speed AT is amazing and I never feel it shift. Traction in snow, slush, ice and rain is great! The car with options is on the expensive side at first, but driving it always puts a smile on my face."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fantastic, well-engineered automobile

By MotownSailor (IA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,750

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability, Fun to Drive, Looks, Comfort, MPG"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a new, 2011 Audi A4 two years ago. This is, by far, the best automobile I have ever owned. Every aspect of this car feels "right." The German engineering is obvious, from the dials and buttons on the driver's console, to the layout of the steering wheel. This car is incredibly quick for a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine. I often find myself doing +80mph as I merge onto the expressway to go to work in the morning! This car drives like it is on rails. The automatic 8-speed tranny is absolutely wonderful. The dual-clutch system works flawlessly as you accelerate, and even as you slow to approach a red light, the transmission downshifts smoothly and at the exact right moment. The cost to maintain an Audi is a little higher than typical American cars, but I only need to bring it in every 10,000 miles. I haven't done the math, but it probably works out equally in the long run. This is my first turbo, and it did take a little getting used to. The car does suffer from turbo-lag when driving around the city... But this is a heavy four-door car, with a small 2.0 liter engine, so it is to be expected. The turbo kicks in after about a second (it feels like you are letting the clutch out in a manual) and when it kicks in, hold on! This is a terrific car, and I am now a devoted Audi owner!"

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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If you do your homework, you will see why it rocks

By Audi Nut (AZ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good Power, Sharp Looks, Comfortable, Quiet"

Cons: "If you get a base model, it is lacking"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is our 6th Audi, Audi has gotten progressively better since our 1st in 2001. Every 4 years we upgrade to the next gen. What an awesome car. Get to know you dealer! Get to know your service department. They will not steer you wrong. Audi leads the way in customer satisfaction and service. We cant say enough praise for this company."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I love this car!

By Barry (CA) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling is phenomenal; oozes class!"

Cons: "I really cannot complain. I did my research."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car. It handles so well, and it is a joy to drive. I bought this car in November 2012. Immediately took it upto the Bay Area to see my folks, and the drive was very smooth. I knew what I was buying, so I am aware of expected costs for maintenance and so forth. Thanks KBB for the information available. You made this purchase so much easier."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Funnest Car I've Ever Owned

By DropTop (GA) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun, comfy, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful"

Cons: "I'll let you know if I find any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2009 A4 Cabrio S-Line that I've owned for about a year and a half and have put about 28,000 miles on it. I bought it as a certified pre-owned, and I definitely recommend going that route if you can find what you want. What do I like about it? I find that it handles remarkably well for a FWD car. I took it on a drive through the hills/mountains of northern GA and had a blast. It is also very comfortable on long drives, more comfortable than my wife's Toyota Avalon and the Lexus that replaced the Avalon. The ergonomics are just perfect. It has plenty of power when I need it and very good highway mileage when I am just cruising - in level areas of the state I can log about 33 MPG HWY. Unlike a hardtop convertible, the A4's top leaves plenty of space in the trunk when it is down. I read plenty of other reviews that talked about the A4 burning oil. Well the owner's manual does say that it will burn a quart about every 1200 miles. I've found that number can fluctuate depending on how I drive. I use mine as my daily driver so I'm usually driving pretty sedately just getting to work and back. While I haven't been diligent in logging the events I have noticed that with such driving I get well beyond that 1200 miles before I need to add oil. On the other hand, I have had the opportunity now and again to rapidly and fully depress the accelerator with the shift lever in sport mode, and when I do I can see a bit of a blue cloud in my rear view mirror - but I lose sight of it quickly (varoom!) My brother says it is normal for that type of engine because it has low compression (words, words, words). Anyways, I check my oil regularly and keep a quart in the trunk (Why not? There's room.) and I've never had any problem. Plus, doing so gives me one more reason to spend more time with my car. Finally, it is beautiful. (I actually prefer the headlights and taillights on my 2009 over the squinty things on the newer models.) A couple of weeks ago we were in an art gallery and came around a corner to a window overlooking the parking lot where I could see my car (Ibis White with a tan roof). My wife compared my car to what we had seen in the gallery, with my car winning the beauty contest. So, fun, comfortable, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful. I think that about sums it up."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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