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2009 Audi A4 Bottom Line

November 7, 2008

By Marty Padgett's avatar Marty Padgett, Executive EditorMarty Padgett

The import-car experts from TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests from around the Web to compile this authoritative review of the 2009 Audi A4. TheCarConnection.com’s editors were also among the first to drive the new A4 and have included driving impressions and details where they help you make a more informed decision. This review also compares the 2009 Audi A4 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions.

Likes:

  • Fresh, updated shape
  • Available quattro all-wheel drive
  • Wagon utility
  • Increased backseat room

Dislikes:

  • Drive Select’s steering feel choices
  • No S-tronic transmission
  • Backseat is low, with a short bottom cushion
  • Cockpit styling

Buying Tips:


Diesel fans can rejoice: Audi plans to introduce a diesel version of the new A4 to its lineup next year. On the performance end of the spectrum, this fall should see the addition of a twin-turbo V-6 Audi S4 sedan and wagon.

The 2009 Audi A4 returns in a newly styled body that’s longer and wider than before. In many ways, the new shape resembles the larger Audi A6 sedan, but LED lighting and a unique nose plant the Audi sedan and wagon firmly in the new Audi family that also includes the A5 and S5 coupes. Inside, the A4 has a taller, darker dash that’s not as classically handsome as previous efforts, but it’s still an efficient place to work.

A wide range of engine and transmission choices comes with the new A4. The base engine is a 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, offered with a manual transmission or a six-speed automatic or, in front-drive versions, a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A V-6 version comes only with the sweet-shifting six-speed automatic. Quattro all-wheel drive is offered on the four-cylinder sedan and is standard on the six-cylinder car. The A4 Avant wagon comes only as a turbocharged four, with quattro and the six-speed automatic. The new A4 also offers an optional system that allows drivers to select the feel of its ride, steering, and transmission shifts, but the basic car’s nonadjustable settings seem preferable.

The A4 remains a handsomely built vehicle, but this time, Audi’s graced it with much more interior backseat room. Wagon room is particularly generous, and though legroom in the backseat is good, the seat itself could use more bolstering and increased height for better comfort. The trunk is very large on sedans. Quality materials are incorporated throughout, though some details and actions could use work.

Because the 2009 Audi A4 is new on the market, there is no crash-test data available from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Safety equipment includes standard airbags all around, as well as traction and stability control.

Apart from its variety of body styles, drivetrains, and safety systems, the 2009 Audi A4 offers a host of standard and optional features that are among the best in its class. Leather is standard; Bluetooth, a navigation system, radar-assisted cruise control, and a blind-spot alert system are offered, as is a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Other Choices:

Reason Why:

The 2009 Audi A4’s chief rivals are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The BMW 3-Series is perhaps the most popular, though in its current edition, it’s become heavier and quite expensive, yet its turbocharged in-line six offers brilliant power. The Mercedes C-Class has more capable handling than before, but rear-seat room is still cramped and its interior styling a little complex. The Infiniti G35 sports BMW-like handling with a distinctly Japanese flair, while the Cadillac CTS is perhaps GM’s best effort yet, with remarkable European-style handling, ample V-6 power, and a world-class entertainment system.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Audi A4 has grown into a more useful luxury sedan, though it goes overboard with optional, programmable handling.

The import-car experts from TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests from around the Web to compile this authoritative review of the 2009 Audi A4. TheCarConnection.com’s editors were also among the first to drive the new A4 and have included driving impressions and details where they help you make a more informed decision. This review also compares the 2009 Audi A4 with other vehicles in its class to give you the best advice even when other reviews present conflicting opinions. Likes:Fresh, updated shapeAvailable quattro all-wheel driveWagon utilityIncreased backseat roomDislikes:Drive Select’s steering feel choicesNo S-tronic transmissionBackseat is low, with a short bottom cushionCockpit stylingBuying Tips: Diesel fans can rejoice: Audi plans to introduce a diesel version of the new A4 to its lineup next year. On the performance end of the spectrum, this fall should see the addition of a twin-turbo V-6 Audi S4 sedan and wagon. The 2009 Audi A4 returns in a newly styled body that’s longer and wider than before. In many ways, the new shape resembles the larger Audi A6 sedan, but LED lighting and a unique nose plant the Audi sedan and wagon firmly in the new Audi family that also includes the A5 and S5 coupes. Inside, the A4 has a taller, darker dash that’s not as classically handsome as previous efforts, but it’s still an efficient place to work. A wide range of engine and transmission choices comes with the new A4. The base engine is a 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, offered with a manual transmission or a six-speed automatic or, in front-drive versions, a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A V-6 version comes only with the sweet-shifting six-speed automatic. Quattro all-wheel drive is offered on the four-cylinder sedan and is standard on the six-cylinder car. The A4 Avant wagon comes only as a turbocharged four, with quattro and the six-speed automatic. The new A4 also offers an optional system that allows drivers to select the feel of its ride, steering, and transmission shifts, but the basic car’s nonadjustable settings seem preferable. The A4 remains a handsomely built vehicle, but this time, Audi’s graced it with much more interior backseat room. Wagon room is particularly generous, and though legroom in the backseat is good, the seat itself could use more bolstering and increased height for better comfort. The trunk is very large on sedans. Quality materials are incorporated throughout, though some details and actions could use work. Because the 2009 Audi A4 is new on the market, there is no crash-test data available from either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Safety equipment includes standard airbags all around, as well as traction and stability control. Apart from its variety of body styles, drivetrains, and safety systems, the 2009 Audi A4 offers a host of standard and optional features that are among the best in its class. Leather is standard; Bluetooth, a navigation system, radar-assisted cruise control, and a blind-spot alert system are offered, as is a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Other Choices:If you’re interested in the 2009 Audi A4, also consider:BMW 3-SeriesInfiniti G35Cadillac CTSMercedes-Benz C-ClassReason Why:The 2009 Audi A4’s chief rivals are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The BMW 3-Series is perhaps the most popular, though in its current edition, it’s become heavier and quite expensive, yet its turbocharged in-line six offers brilliant power. The Mercedes C-Class has more capable handling than before, but rear-seat room is still cramped and its interior styling a little complex. The Infiniti G35 sports BMW-like handling with a distinctly Japanese flair, while the Cadillac CTS is perhaps GM’s best effort yet, with remarkable European-style handling, ample V-6 power, and a world-class entertainment system. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Audi A4 has grown into a more useful luxury sedan, though it goes overboard with optional, programmable handling. The import-car experts from TheCarConnection.com researched a wide range of road tests from around the Web to compile this authoritative review of the 2009 Audi A4. TheCarConnection.com’s editors were also among the first to drive the new A4 and have included driving impressions and details ...

Other Choices:

The 2009 Audi A4’s chief rivals are the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The BMW 3-Series is perhaps the most popular, though in its current edition, it’s become heavier and quite expensive, yet its turbocharged in-line six offers brilliant power. The Mercedes C-Class has more capable handling than before, but rear-seat room is still cramped and its interior styling a little complex. The Infiniti G35 sports BMW-like handling with a distinctly Japanese flair, while the Cadillac CTS is perhaps GM’s best effort yet, with remarkable European-style handling, ample V-6 power, and a world-class entertainment system.

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See the Audi A4 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (12 total)

  1. By Adel El Husseiny #1, Posted: 7/24/2008

    Chairman

    Top Rated car for year 2009

  2. By  bbscan #2, Posted: 8/4/2008

    Wish the performance was a little stronger

    Sounds like a great new audi a4, but performance wise it doesnt seem like it can compete with some of the makes.

  3. By Staci #3, Posted: 9/13/2008

    Don't know about yours, but I LOVE mine!

    I took delivery of my new 2009 Audi A4 1.8T exactly a week ago today. Not only is it a total head-turner, the performance has eclipsed the previous model. Biased is probably an understatement - this is my 6th Audi - but this is a truly awesome vehicle. Much quicker, holds the road with confidence, and the hesitation experienced with the previous model has been eliminated. Even with the increase in horsepower and torque, my first tank of gas averaged 30.9 mpg!
    With Bluetooth and an intuitive cockpit, the hands-free media experiences couldn't be easier.
    The longer wheelbase smooths out the ride, and the roomier interior is a joy for extra passengers.
    And don't you just love the LED running lights?
    My only complaint so far: I use a Blackberry which syncs with Outlook. Since I have 600+ contacts, they won't download so that they can be accessed solely through the car instead of dialed from the handset.

  4. By Andy Constantinou #4, Posted: 10/6/2008

    Mr

    I've just turned my first 1000 miles on my 2009 A4 3.2 quattro. The factory 0-60 est. of 6.3 sec is an understatement. It is no doubt under 6.0. My '05 TT 225hp is rated at 6.3 sec and this is much quicker. The new longer wheelbase gives the A4 a luxury "E-class" feel with a sportier command. I test drove this car (July'08) at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma and compared it against the BMW-3, MBZ C-class and Lexus-IS. None come close to the feel of the Audi. I prefer to drive this car as a daily driver over ANY other car and I own Audi's, VW's, Porsche and MBZ.

  5. By  auto car #5, Posted: 11/27/2008

    2009 audi review

    2009 audi review

  6. By xor #6, Posted: 1/1/2009

    Love this car

    I truly think this car is supreme.

  7. By Kavan #7, Posted: 1/14/2009

    New A4 09 2.0T Canada

    Have had the car for about 3 weeks now, cannot complain a bit. It moves effortlessly.
    Only thing i hate is that the exhaust is a little too quite. It needs a mean rumble a quite tone tho. You dont notice the car going from (km/hr) 0-100.
    This car goes 0-60 in under the 6.9 seconds for shore.

  8. By tevisman #8, Posted: 4/23/2009

    Car Mechanics

    Audi. A word that brings immense smiles to car mechanics everywhere. I speak from personal experience.
    -sincerely,
    Audivictim

  9. By Unhappy Owner #9, Posted: 6/24/2009

    I have had this car for about 3 months now and couldn't be more disappointed. As a previous A4 owner I went with the car because I loved my car. BUT BEWARE the 2009 has a defect in a number of the cars which AUDI has decided to ignore and just sell the cars. The defect which they claim is not a "safety issue" leaves you frustrated with every other shortcoming the new A4 seems to have. PLEASE protect yourself and don't buy the car. I've been working on taking care of the defect for as long a I've had the car. There are 4 other owners in the dealership I bought my car from alone that have the same issue and AUDI is refusing to fix the problem. And aside from that the car is a total disappointment. I wish I could take my decision to purchase the car back but now I'm stuck in this hell so PLEASE PROTECT YOURSELF and don't buy the 2009 A4. The defect is in the steering wheel of the car and leaves me just disappointed and sad to be spending money on a defective car.

  10. By Dan S #10, Posted: 10/5/2009

    To: Unhappy Owner
    What is the defect in the steering? What happens with the steering? Did it start as soon as you started driving or did the defect start after some time?
    Thanks.

  11. By C Holly #11, Posted: 10/16/2009

    I have a 2009 Audi A4 which has steering issues AND a transmission that doesn't like to upshift from 2nd gear sometimes (they tell me it goes into limp mode). It's been in for service 3 X and this time they've had it for 3 days. Beautiful car but VERY quirky!

  12. By Michael R #12, Posted: 10/21/2009

    Have to agree with C Holly. My son's Audi, which is a 2009 is a great car to drive but there do seem to be minor issues with it that seem to keep repeating.

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