Ironically, the new four packs a lot more character than the six it replaces, especially in the sound department. At idle, its high-pressure direct injectors tick perceptibly, doing their best to imitate your average diesel-powered German taxicab. Once the throttle has been pushed, the song changes to an almost boxer-like thrum under modest load in the lower range of the tach. As the revs build past about 4000, the note changes to a more traditional sixteen-valve rasp. Turbo whine is present but well muffled from the cockpit; itΆs more noticeable from outside the car, oddly enough. Unlike other turbo two-liters, the N20 never sounds like itΆs struggling, just working. Vibration is nonexistent; buzz is not part of the recipe.