2013 Audi A4

In addition to the new Allroad, 2013 sees the arrival of Audi Connect for the navigation system, which uses a 3G connection (monthly fees apply) to add Google Maps functionality, Google Voice Local Search capability, weather radar, and other functions, including the ability to make the car a wireless hot spot.

You might think that living in the shadow of the BMW 3-series would be tough, but the Audi A4 looks no worse for the wear. In fact, its great looks—inside and out—are the hallmark of this luxury car. For 2013, those looks have been tweaked slightly, with a new grille, bumpers, hood, and LED running lights. With regard to its BMW rivalry, the Audi has no need to apologize. The rear-wheel-drive Bimmer is still the easy choice for driving purists, but the A4 is a brilliant alternative for realists. Audi was among the first to downsize from a six-cylinder to a turbocharged four, a strategy that the BMW 328i and the Mercedes-Benz C250 have recently emulated. The A4’s 2.0T four-cylinder makes 211 hp and can be had with a CVT and front-wheel drive or (our preference) Quattro and your choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. The blisteringly fast S4 is Quattro only and uses a supercharged V-6 that is ultra-smooth if a little understated. Alas, the graceful A4 Avant wagon has departed, replaced by the functionally identical but more rugged-looking Audi Allroad. The Allroad comes with a single powertrain: 2.0T, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive. New for the Allroad is a 1.5-inch-higher ride height, lower bodyside cladding, and a stainless-steel front skid plate.