The 2009 Audi A4 is 5 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the previous model. Yet despite this larger size, clever engineering and increased use of high strength steel has produced a vehicle that actually has decreased in weight by 10%, increased gas mileage and also enhanced driving dynamics ... a very winning combination.
The A4's interior has also been completely redesigned. The attractive design, top-of-the-line features and high-quality materials are just what we expect from an Audi. Aluminum trim contrasts very nicely with leather seats and matching door panels, while instrumentation and controls are easy to see and utilize.
The cabin is also larger resulting in more comfortable seating. Rear legroom has been increased as well and trunk size has been increased from 13.4 cubic feet to 17.0. The cabin also incorporates six airbags as a standard feature, with an option for rear-side airbags.
The A4 quattro also gets a new 3.2 liter, 265-horsepower V-6 engine. It's matched with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission (no manual). There's also an all-new 2.0T four-cylinder and a manual and/or DSG (with a quattro option). Fuel economy has improved due to reduced body weight, a reduction in drag, and air conditioner changes (requires 20% less fuel to run it).
The new 2.0 TFSI engine has increased horsepower to 211 and torque to 258 lb.-ft. Its gas mileage is now rated at 21 mpg city and 27 mpg.
Not to be left out,, the transmission and quattro were also given significant revisions, including the speed of the tiptronic's shifts and the placement of the differential (as it is in the A5 and S5). This has increased the wheel base and improved weight distribution resulting in still better performance dynamics.
Still, the most significant innovation of the new A4 is drive select. Drive select allows drivers to select comfort, dynamic, and auto settings with the push of a button and changes throttle response, transmission shift points, the electronically controlled shock damping, and the power-steering boost and steering ratio.
Those drivers who want traditional Audi smooth steering can go that route. But for those seeking sport performance and a few thrills on twisting roads, there's an easy switch to the dynamic mode.
Controlled through the Multi-Media Interface (MMI), there are up to 24 possible combinations of suspension, steering, throttle, and transmission settings.
The A4 Avant also gets the same new styling and underpinnings as the sedan. However, it is equipped only with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. We expect a V6 version a bit later on.
Standard safety features on the new A4 include dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, stability control, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, and daytime running lights. Audi's lane-departure-warning system and a rear backup sensor are also available as options.
The long list of other standard features include air conditioning, automatic climate control, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel radio controls, cruise control, tachometer, leather upholstery, theft-deterrent system, 8-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat, aluminum interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, fog lights, roof rails (wagon), alloy wheels, rear wiper/washer (wagon), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection and satellite radio.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower A4 Prices:
Car sales have been weak for over a year now due to the poor economy, including Audi's. And once again, the combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New A4 At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Audi A4, here's the most successful new car buying technique for getting the best price, especially given the current slow car market.
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