Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro

Audi A4 3.2 FSI quattro

The A4's ties to the A5 Coupe aren't hard to pick. While the extra doors point to a more humble station in life, the aggressive snout, slinky profile and delicately chiselled tail are more or less the same, and just as sexy. The top-line 3.2 FSI quattro tested here, meanwhile, adds 18-inch alloys and LED daytime running lights (a la R8 supercar) for an even more striking facade. At $88,500, the 3.2 also looks pretty good on paper, costing much the same as Benz's smaller engined C280 and undercutting BMW's 335i by a hefty margin. However, the specification isn't jaw-dropping. Power seats, auto Xenon headlights, keyless entry/start and six-stack CD stereo are all included but satellite navigation, sunroof and even an alarm cost extra. The 3.2's value edge is further blunted if you tick the box for items such as Bang & Olufsen sound ($1500) or adaptive dampers/dynamic steering ($5500). But you won't be slumming it. The direct-injection 3.2-litre FSI V6 isn't short on technology and produces a thoroughly respectable 195 kW of power and 330 Nm of torque. Hooked up to the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission, it's enough to push the top A4 from standstill to 100 km/h in a swift 6.4 seconds. And it's not unreasonably thirsty either, sipping an average of 9.7 L/100 km on test, within sight of the official 9.3 L claim. Objectively, the engine's strong low-rev response, excellent flexibility, eager top-end and silky smooth refinement make it hard to fault. But it's not the most charismatic engine going - where a BMW six sings, it thrums blandly.The top A4 delivers the goods in many areas. If you're in the market for a top-line compact luxury sedan, its style, space, safety, quality, technology and all-round competence are worthy reasons to add it to your list.