2012 Impreza is the highest mpg you can get in a new awd vehicle. Clearly a few classes down from A4 but you can get manual trans. Winter tires on any car will probably do the job just fine though.

 

related question guys: I'm also looking for a fairly inexpensive DD and I've been eyeing the latest A4 2.0T. Is this available with the dual-clutch tranny?

Ever since I drove the dual clutches on the TT and my friend's Golf, I've been hooked. that thing really puts the power to the ground well. at a stoplight i'd chirp the tires every time without even trying

 

Slush box with 2.0t. If you want the dual-clutch or similar then you will need an S4 buddy!

 

2008 Jetta Wolfsburg. It has the DSG transmission and is fun to drive. Pretty much the same platform as the A4 just much less $$. It also has the 2.0T engine.

 

Last night I realized I can order a base model Cayenne with a manual transmission. Configuring it with the options I'd need I'm at about 63k. It's the same base engine as the Panamera, I think, and in the Panamera I don't believe one can order a manual with the awd. And the Panamera comes in at least 20k higher in price.
What is one actually paying for in the higher cost of the Panamera? What justifies such a huge premium over the Cayenne when both are equipped with a 300 hp V6 and awd?

 

Different engine, the V6 engine in the Panamera is a Porsche engine, where the V6 in the Cayenne is Audi sourced.