Autocade is an international car cyclopædia that’s geographically unbiased, carefully edited for enthusiasts and media who want a quick, accurate reference. There is a greater emphasis on models produced after 1970.
Inside Autocade
Volkswagen Passat (B4/Typ 35i). 1993–7 (prod. n/a). 4-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/F, F/A, 1595, 1781, 1984 cm³ petrol, 1896 cm³ diesel (I4 OHC), 1984 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 2792, 2861 cm³ (V6 OHC). B4 carried over basic platform and glasshouse from B3, though with updated corporate look. Well laid-out interior, though exterior conservative. Not that refined but very competent in most other respects. No glovebox due to passenger airbag.
Manufacturing locations: Emden, Germany; Bratislava, Slovakia
Marque: Volkswagen | Model: Volkswagen Passat | Predecessor: Volkswagen Passat (B3) | Successor: Volkswagen Passat (B5)
Audi A4 (Typ 8W). 2015 to date (prod. n/a). 4-door saloon, 5-door estate. F/F, F/A, 1395, 1984 cm³ petrol, 1968 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 2967 cm³ diesel (V6 DOHC). All-new, slightly larger A4 looked much like the old one, but hugely improved, now on evolved MLB platform. More frugal, with Cd dropping to 0,23 and CO₂ to 95 g/km at best; Avant estate at Cd 0,26. Lighter, up to 120 kg compared with B8, thanks to greater use of aluminium. Configurable LCD screen in cockpit a whopping 12·3 in, and plenty of tech and gadgets (speech recognition, handwriting recognition, extra centre screen for passengers), and adaptive cruise control first seen in A8. Five-point multi-link suspension and optional adaptive dampers. Very refined and comfortable, with decent economy in real-world tests, but options tended to be pricey and not as fun to drive as a BMW 3er-Reihe (F30).
Manufacturing location: Ingolstadt, Bayern, Germany
Marque: Audi | Model: Audi A4 | Predecessor: Audi A4 (B8)
Toyota Matrix (E142). 2009–14 (prod. n/a). 5-door sedan. F/F, F/A, 1797, 2362 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Corolla (E150)-based crossover, resembling more a tall hatchback this generation than a proper SUV. In line with this perception, there is less interior space. Poor refinement: not the best ride or handling, with road noise. Cheap materials used inside. Its saving grace is the use of the available interior room, with the tall shape aiding headroom.
Manufacturing location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Marque: Toyota | Model: Toyota Matrix | Predecessor: Toyota Corolla Matrix | Successor: Toyota Auris (E180)
q.v. Pontiac Vibe (2009–10)
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