2012 Audi A4 2.0T Premium
- Price: $32,500
- Gas Mileage: 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway
As the only luxury-brand entry on our list of compact cars, the 2012 Audi A4 2.0T Premium is also the priciest. For the cost, you don't just get safe and practical family transportation. You get an athletic performer that is a blast to drive.
A 2-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine hustles 211 horsepower to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission, or CVT. It will reach 60 miles per hour from a standing stop in just over six seconds.
Audi has built a reputation for some of the best car interiors. As a compact car, the A4 follows that tradition. Displaying fastidious fit and finish, the cabin is neatly styled. Well-bolstered front bucket seats wrap their occupants in leather. At 35.2 inches, the rear seat offers the least amount of legroom of our picks. However, anyone shorter than 6 feet tall should be quite comfortable. Cargo room of 12.4 cubic feet is midway between our five compacts.
Standard equipment includes full power accessories, remote keyless entry, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, automatic climate control, automatic wipers, six air bags, and a 10-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite radio and auxiliary input jack.