1997 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro An appealingly affordable European. By Ray Thursby, New Car Test Drive .com

Providing luxurious transportation in a tidy package has become a lucrative business for many manufacturers. A wide range of choices are available, with a price spread equally broad. European offerings in this realm are generally more expensive, but have their own special appeal. Although Volvo threatens to break out of its conservative mold with its new replacements for the 850 line, the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class sedans are the major players.

Audi has long contended in this niche, but none of its past entries

have combined charm, style and value as desireably as the year-old A4.

And U.S. buyers have responded to this sleek small Audi, pushing the company's

sales up to levels it hasn't enjoyed for many years.

Like its German rivals, the A4 adds sporty flair to expected luxury

trimmings in an effort to appeal to driving enthusiasts. And for 1997 a

new model--the 1.8T--expands the A4's appeal even farther by combining

existing features and virtues with an innovative powerplant at a lower

price.