Verdict
C
BHP
148 bhp
0–60
8.9 s
Top speed
132 mph
MPG
27 mpg (US)
Used
$600-$3,800
Strengths
- Audi A4 underpinnings
- Estate practical
- W8 cult oddity
Weaknesses
- Rust on UK survivors
- Multitronic CVT issues
- Tiny by modern standards
Notable tech
- B5/PL45 platform shared with Audi A4
- Saloon and Estate (Variant)
- W8 4.0 cult range-topper
- Tiptronic / Multitronic / Manual
- 4Motion AWD optional
Common issues
- Coil pack failures on 1.8T
- PD diesel cam follower wear
- Multitronic CVT failures
- ABS module corrosion
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across B5's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
1.6 petrol
BHP102
Torque148 Nm
0–6012.4 s
Top116 mph
MPG (US)28 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
1.8T 150 petrol
BHP148
Torque210 Nm
0–608.9 s
Top132 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveFWD / 4Motion
Gearbox5MT
2.0 petrol
BHP113
Torque170 Nm
0–6011.5 s
Top124 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
2.8 V6 petrol
BHP190
Torque280 Nm
0–607.8 s
Top143 mph
MPG (US)22 mpg
DriveFWD / 4Motion
Gearbox5MT
4.0 W8 petrol
BHP271
Torque370 Nm
0–606.5 s
Top155 mph
MPG (US)18 mpg
Drive4Motion
Gearbox6MT / 5AT
1.9 TDI 130
BHP128
Torque310 Nm
0–6010.3 s
Top127 mph
MPG (US)42 mpg
DriveFWD
Gearbox5MT
2.5 TDI V6 diesel
BHP163
Torque350 Nm
0–608.5 s
Top138 mph
MPG (US)32 mpg
DriveFWD / 4Motion
Gearbox6MT / 5AT