Audi created the 200 range on the same 100 lineup, but with more powerful engines and a slightly restyled bodywork to compete against Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5 Series.
The German carmaker from Ingolstadt tried to cut some corners in its march to the premium segment. While it wasn’t sure that the recipe would work, it was the easiest way to do it. In some ways, it worked since it offered better engines only packed in slightly changed bodyworks. Even though it looked very similar to its 100 sibling, the 200 and the 200 Avant sported some differences.

There were some minor changes on the car’s exterior compared with its lesser equipped sibling. At the front, the 200 featured bumper-mounted turn signals, while its sibling had them in the headlights. The 200 didn’t sport any lamps on the front fenders, and the doors featured grab-handles instead of flush ones. In the Avant version, the back panel was also different. The 200 sported broad taillights extended from one side to another, creating an upscale look.

Inside, Audi installed a rounded instrument cluster that raised and descended over the dashboard. A wood-veneer adorned the front side of the panel and incorporated three center vents in the middle and two on each side, next to the front doors. The carmaker extended the instrument panel above the center stack, adding three additional gauges. As for the trunk, it kept the same 390 liters (13.7 cu-ft) with the rear seats up, which could have been extended up to 1,310 liters (46.3 cu ft).

Audi installed a range of inline-five engines under the 200’s hood paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, depending on the market. Power went either to the front wheels or in all corners.