Review: Audi B5 A4 (1995-01)

Review: Audi B5.I A4 and A4 Avant (1995-99)

Overview

Released in August 1995, the Audi B5 Series I (B5.I) A4 and A4 Avant were compact executive sedans and wagons, respectively. Manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, the Audi B5 A4 range initially consisted of the 1.8 and 2.6 variants; from 1997, however, the 2.6 was effectively replaced by the 2.4 variant and a range-topping 2.8 variant was introduced. In 1998, the A4 range was expanded with the introduction of the 1.8T variant, powered by a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

The Audi A4 Avant range was initially limited to the 2.6 variant which, like the A4 sedan, was replaced by the 2.4. From 1997, the A4 Avant was available as a 1.8 variant, with the 1.8T following in 1998. In 1999, more powerful turbocharged engines were introduced for the 1.8T quattro variants. The full range is given in the table below.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Audi 80 which preceded it, the B5 A4 sedan was 3 mm shorter (at 4479 mm), 38 mm wider (1733 mm), 7 mm taller (1415 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2617 mm); the A4 Avant had similar dimensions, though its roofline was 2 mm higher (at 1417 mm). The A4 had independent, four-link front suspension and, for front-wheel drive models, torsion beam rear suspension with trailing arms. Quattro models, however, had double wishbone rear suspension.

quattro and electronic differential locks

The Audi B5 A4 and A4 Avant were available with Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive ‘quattro’ system which utilised a T-2 Torsen centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. When traction was lost, the slower output side of the differential would receive the tractive torque of the faster rotating axle. The front and rear axles were also fitted with electronic differential locks which could apply the brakes to spinning wheels – at speeds of up to 50 km/h – with the effect of locking the differential and transferring torque to the opposing wheel.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi B5.I A4 and A4 Avant included dual front airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1997 Audi A4 1.8 received a three star adult occupant safety rating with a score of 17, though the third star was struck out due to an unacceptably high risk of chest injury in the side impact test. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s chest was rated as weak; hard structures in the knee impact area also posed a serious risk of injury to the knees, thighs and pelvis.

Features: Audi B5 A4

Standard features for the Audi B5 A4 1.8 included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, central locking, powered front windows, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The A4 2.6 was further equipped with velour upholstery, cruise control and front fog lights.

Compared to the 1.8, the Audi A4 1.8T was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension.

Relative to the A4 2.6, the Audi A4 2.4 was fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, while the 2.8 added 16-inch alloy wheels. The A4 2.8 quattro models, however, were further differentiated by their leather trim, power sunroofs and alarm systems.

Review: Audi B5.II A4 and A4 Avant (1999-01)

Overview

Released in May 1999, the Audi B5 Series II (B5.II) A4 and A4 Avant range introduced mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, though the range itself was unchanged (see table below). As part of the update, the Audi B5.II A4 and A4 Avant had a more rigid bodyshell, aluminium suspension control arms were introduced to reduce unsprung vehicle weight and the suspension and steering were also revised for improved handling.

Visually, the Audi B5.II A4 and A4 Avant could be identified by their new one-piece ellipsoidal headlights, revised front grilles, new bumpers, fog lights integrated into the front air dam, clear side indicator lenses, raised and reshaped door mirrors, A6-derived door handles, redesigned boot lids and repositioned rear badges. Inside, there was a centre console based on that of the A6 and a redesigned air conditioning system with memory function.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi B5.II A4 and A4 Avant included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features: Audi B5.II A4

Standard features for the Audi B5.II A4 1.8 included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, climate control air conditioning, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. From April 2000, the 1.8 was fitted with cruise control as standard

The Audi A4 1.8T was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels and Audi’s ‘Concert’ stereo system with CD player, while all A4 Avant models added rear parking sensors and a power outlet in the boot.

Relative to the 1.8T, the A4 2.4 variant was fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels but gained cruise control. Compared to their front-wheel drive counterparts, the quattro models were all fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and contoured front sports seats; the range-topping A4 2.8 quattro was distinguished by its leather upholstery. From April 2000, however, the 1.8T and 2.4 variants were also fitted with leather upholstery.

Audi A4 Sport and Luxury editions

From February 2000, the Audi A4 1.8, 1.8T and 2.4 variants were available in Sports and Luxury editions. The Sports editions were differentiated by their 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli P6000 tyres, sports suspension, sports leather seats and three-spoke leather steering wheels. The Luxury editions, however, featured 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, a front centre armrest and the Audi Driver Information System.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi B5 A4