The Audi A4 sports sedan is all-new for 2009, and it brings with it enough configurations and options to keep serious drivers satisfied.
The A4 is available as a four-door sedan, a five-door station wagon dubbed the Avant, and as an open-top Cabriolet. Sedans derive their power from either a 2.0L 4-cylinder or a 3.2L V6. The former delivers 211 turbocharged horsepower, while the latter puts out 265 hp. Avants come only with the 211-hp 2.0T; the Cabriolet is powered by either a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0L or a 255-hp 3.2L V6.
A 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is standard, which allows for seamless shifting without power loss, and also features a second shift gate for manual up-down shifting. Optional on the Cabriolet is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While all A4s make use of Audi's proven quattro all-wheel drive, the Cabriolet with CVT drives only the front wheels.
The slick S4 comes only as a Cabriolet powered by a 4.2L V8 putting out 340 hp, delivered to all four wheels via either a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed Tiptronic.
A4s come in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium cars come nicely equipped with standards like 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather seating, heated power mirrors, power driver's seat, a sunroof, Sirius satellite radio, Servotronic speed-sensitive steering and a split-folding rear seat back.
Premium Plus trim adds amenities like three-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth handsfree interface, Homelink universal garage door opener, heated front seats, fog lights, driver's seat memory, and dynamic self-adjusting Bi-Xenon headlights.
Finally, the Prestige trim gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, aluminum interior inlays, Audi acoustic parking system, a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system and a special lighting package.
The aggressive S4 comes outfitted with special 18-inch wheels, Bluetooth, four-way electrically adjustable lumbar support in both front sport seats, and of course that big V8.
Popular standalone options on the new A4 include a Navigation Package with rearview camera, walnut or ash wood inlays, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and Audi drive select, which allows drivers to choose a set-up for the chassis and suspension, from comfort to sport, which alters the driving and handling characteristics of the A4.
Engineering Quality
Excellent Standard Features
Available All-wheel Drive
Several Available Body Styles
S4's Performance
Now in its eighth generation, the Audi A4 is entirely redesigned for 2009. The new car is based on the underpinnings of the two-door A5 coupe and is thus wider and rides on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor.
The body weighs 10% less than that of the car it replaces. Exterior styling is aggressive and in keeping with Audi's new company face. The front end features a larger grille and sculpted LED daytime running lights, while the sides are sculpted and scalloped.
Inside, high-quality materials abound, with plenty of leather and brushed aluminum, as one would expect from Audi. The interior is larger than the previous A4's, as is the trunk. An advanced multi-media interface is standard, as are six airbags.
A new, 265-hp 3.2-liter V6 replaces the 255-hp 3.2 V6, while a 211-hp 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder replaces the 200-hp unit of years past. The slick S4 cabriolet shares the exterior and interior refinement of the A4 and retains its 340-hp 4.2L V8.
The all-new A4 starts at $32,700, while the S4 starts at $57,125.
Audi has upped the luxury performance-car ante with the 2009 A4. Its fresh face and benchmark interior distinguish it from its Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW 3-Series competitors, while its new dimensions also make it the largest car in its class. With the sure-footedness of Audi's world-class quattro all-wheel-drive system, more power from two new engines, the availability of both a wagon and a convertible, and the always-addictive oomph of the S4 model, Audi's sports sedan lineup has a little something for everyone.
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