Fridae

Volkswagen, the largest European carmaker - with Porsche as its largest shareholder - has recently surpassed Ford for the third place in the world sales stake. Volkswagen's portfolio includes Audi which has been posting healthy profits for the last 14 years. With sales figures projected to exceed one million for 2008, Audi is poised to triumph archrival BMW in the luxury horse race. We place the bread and butter model for Audi, the brand new A4 1.8T against its sister, the Volkswagen Passat TSI. This match-up is not too different from this year's Wimbledon Ladies Singles Final between the Williams sisters.

Very much like Serena, the A4 is a flamboyant dresser. (Remember Serena's outfit at the US Open in 2004?) Not necessarily pretty, but certainly gets your attention. The A4's LED headlamps has been the talk of the town since it first premiered on the Audi R8. Lines on the A4 (internal code B8) looks pretty much generic Audi, however the longer rear overhangs over the previous model does make it look ever so slightly clumsy. Which an optional S-Line body kit and 18" alloy wheels and upwards can fix. The 16" alloy wheels on our test car looks lost like Britney Spears at the gym.

Very much like Venus, the Passat TSI is fashionable (and elegant) and certainly looks more discreet than the Audi A4, Venus's own line of clothing EleVen has been successful for the right reasons just like the Volkswagen Passat. The Paasat TSI has always been the difficult middle child; while spotting executive looks and sharing DNA with the Audi, the Volkswagen badge had always faltered under pressure from more prestigious competitors and branding prejudices.

The same engine is being installed in both cars but an alarmingly wide gulf lies between the performance figures when it comes to the century dash. Could it be the gearbox accounting for the deficit for the Passat's slower time? No, in reality, both cars feel equally zippy when it comes to bullying lesser cars at the traffic lights. The CVT (8 Speed) gearbox on the Audi A4 is unbelievably good, providing seamless changes between the programmed gears quicker and at lower revs than the Passat's six-speed automatic gearbox, which itself is no shabby performer.

The Audi Drive Select on the A4 1.8T comes in three modes: Comfort, Auto and Dynamic. Take the A4 across the same tarmac three times to have a feel in the difference in the ride quality, suspension behaviours, throttle response and steering feel. In Dynamic mode, the helm feels heavier with the suspension firming up hence the A4 becomes a sporty saloon. On the other end of the spectrum, Comfort mode can be an option on long journeys where a softer edge to the suspension can be appreciated. This is the second product spun off Audi's new MLP platform and it shows Audi's ambitions to fend off the BMW 3 Series and the Merc C-Class. For sure this is where the Audi A4 begins to show its class compared to the Volkswagen Paasat. No fancy suspension trickery system on the Passat where the ride can feel soft. Between the two cars, the Passat has lesser body control over bad roads. While both cars share the same engine, their engine layout is different. The Audi A4's engine is mounted longitudinally, while the Volkswagen Passat's engine is mounted transversely. While a longitudinal layout might rob the Audi A4 some cabin room, there is some truth that it translates into better ride and handling balance due to a better weight distribution. Without a doubt, the Audi A4 rings the Volkswagen Passat when it comes to delivering thrills to the driver. No frills for the Passat yet!

This is where the trouble starts brewing for the Audi A4. The Volkswagen Passat's interior gives the punter doubts about the A4's asking price given the seemingly similar levels of perceived quality. Soft plastics abound both cars' dashtops. However, upon closer inspection, the Audi has a better sound system, a sophisticated looking MMI system and more solid plastics on the lower tiers of the interior. Strangely, I find the Passat's interior a more stylish one, reminding me of an updated version of the E46 BMW 3-series's interior. There is no doubt that the Audi A4's driving position is sportier than the Passat as it can be adjusted lower and the slanted central console towards the driver seems to reinforce sportiness. Rear accommodations are similar but the standard automated rear blind and stylish Alcantara/leather seats on the Passat makes the lower priced car seemingly better value once again.

Finally �Tie Break
The Audi A4 is honestly the better the car to throw about round the corners and has the right badge to inspire envy in the neighbours. On the other hand, the Volkswagen Paasat shares too many components and parts not to be considered in the same league as the Audi A4. What the Passat lacks is a better sorted suspension setting and more gadgets in the interior.

Make	Audi	Volkswagen
Model	A4 1.8 TFSI (A)	Passat 1.8 TSI
Engine	1,798c 4 Cyl Petrol	1,798cc TSI 4-cyl Petrol
Transmission	8 -speed CVT	6-Speed Automatic
Max. power	160 Bhp @ 4500 rpm	160 HP @ 5000rpm
Max. torque	250 Nm @ 1500 rpm	250 Nm @ 1500rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	8.6 secs	9.0 secs
Top speed	225 km/h	215 km/h
Fuel consumption (combined)	7.1 L/100 km	8.7L/100 km
CO2 emissions	169 g/km	206 g/km
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4703mmX1828mmX1427mm / 1470kg	4765mmx1820mmx1472mm / 1389kg
Price with COE*	$139,888	$118,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.

The last time Fridae talked about Serena, she crashed out of the French Open. Will this be the same fate for her at this year's Olympics?