GERMAN AUTOMOBILES, with the notable exception of Volkwagens, are often perceived to be expensive. With top-of-the- line Mercedes and BMW's selling for well over $100,000, this is not surprising. However, there are still some German automobiles avail- able for under $30,000. One of them is the new Audi 80. seats, heated outside mirrors, log lamps, and a sophisticated stereo system. There are just two options: a four-speed automatic transmission ($990) and a set of BBS-spoked alloy wheels and performance tires ($650), (well worth che money, in my opinion). Even fully-equipped, the Audi 80 manages to stay 46 Combined with a very sweet highway ride, nimble, responsible handling, and comfortable, supportive seats. the 80 feels like an expensive touring sedan. #9 Introduced this year as an ‘en- try-level’ Audi, the Audi 800 is based on the 90> model, but doesn't have quite so many luxury features. Included in the $27,995 base price are four-wheel dise brakes, five-speed manual transmission, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, heated under $30,000. Some important features, how- ever, are simply not available on the Audi 80. Sunroo | teh or in- terior, cruise control, au vag, and ABS) (anti-lock braking system) are not on the options list, 1 you want these, you'll have to choose a more expensive Audi. Price as tested $28,645 price $27,995 Type four-door, Bas sedan Layout Engine evlinder, SOHC Horsepower [30 @ S600 rpnt five-speed Transmission lonetitudinal engine frontewheel drive 2M ce The front-wheel-drive 80 is equipped with the same longitudinally-mounted, 130- horsepower 2.3 litre five-cylinder engine as the 90 model, Like many European’ sedans, the Audi 80 lacks power in the lower rev ranges but has lots of pep when the engine gets above 3000 rpm. This means that to get adequate acceleration (with five- speed manuai transmission), the driver must rev the engine up to about three oor four thousand rpms before changing gears. This practice, while common in Europe, is generally foreign to North Americans (but easily learned). Once up to speed, the Audi 80 is a pleasant, quiet highway cruis- er. Wind, road and engine noise are almost: non-existent. Combin- ed with a very sweet highway ride, nimble, responsive handling, and confortable, supportive seats, the 80 feels like an expensive touring sedun. Friday, August 23, 1991 - North Shore News - 23 Getting in and out of the 80 is accomplished easily as all four doors open almost a full ninety degrees. Inside, there is plenty of room for four or even five pas- sengers. Headroom and legroom are quite generous for a compact car. The trunk, however, is somewhat small and = od- dly-shaped. In. addition, the rear seats wont fold forwards to in- crease usable cargo area. Like all Audis, the assembly quality is excellent. A deep, glossy paint finish, flush-mounted tinted glass, smooth, rounded contours, and a lack of protrusions and styl- ing gimmicks gives the 80 a hand- some, sophisticuied, and expensive appearance. On the inside, the look and feel of the dashboard, upholstery, switches and controls is a class above most cars in’ this price range. The seats and door inserts are covered in an unusual satin cloth) material, the dash is tex- tured, padded plastic material Unat ual (our speed automatic) Tires 175/70 radials five- passenger TRIA all-season Carh weight 1330 ke ©2932 Ths Wheelbase 2546 mim’ 100.2 in. Length 4479 mimn/176.3 in. Width 1695 mm/66,7 in. front inline five- hin, 3-4 utpy rsuan- Height 139) mim S408 in, Frank space 303 1 Fuct econamy City 12.7 4 kin, 24 inpe: Hwy 8.30. Ha, ait. fou loa Warranty +315) LO0,000 kins Greg Wilson photos is soft 10 the touch, and there are no exposed screwheads. Large analogue gauges can be read easily, but the steering wheel is not adjustable, so the top por- See Audi page 24 Greg Wilson