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2009 Audi A4 Review

November 5, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Grows from one of the smallest…to one of the largest
AutoWeek

Infinitely more presence
Car and Driver

Planted, sportier stance
Motor Trend

Interior has “clean, attractive design
Motor Trend

The 2009 Audi A4 sports a larger body with a sense of style like that of the bigger Audi A6, according to reviews from across the Web and the firsthand experience of TheCarConnection.com’s editors.

For the new model year, the 2009 Audi A4 has grown substantially larger in both sedan and wagon form. It’s “4.6 inches longer and two inches wider than before,” Car and Driver says, and it “grows from one of the smallest cars in its class to one of the largest, versus competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series,” according to AutoWeek. That increased size gives it “infinitely more presence,” Car and Driver adds. “Imagery doesn’t do justice to the new A4.”

Cars.com notes the similarities with Audi’s larger four-door and wagon. The new 2009 Audi A4 “isn't a radical departure from the outgoing model, but it now bears a greater family resemblance to the larger A6,” they report. Motor Trend likes the new “sculpted lines” and the “more aggressive front end,” noting that the changes give the A4 “a planted, sportier stance” that “holds the road with a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm.” Car and Driver approves of the new lighting applied to the nose, calling it “LED eyeliner”; Cars.com says these lights are “an uncommon feature, but they are very good at grabbing the attention of oncoming motorists thanks to the bright, white light they emit.” Popular Mechanics calls the new design “crisp and attractive, with a face resembling the A5 coupe.”

AutoWeek also reviewed the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant wagon and said it’s “good-looking to boot,” with “muscular proportions, short overhangs and gracefully arcing roof.” They argue that “the wagon is arguably more dynamic-looking” than the sedan.

The 2009 Audi A4’s cabin is entirely new, and it’s “a huge step forward,” in Car and Driver’s opinion. “Even without the sunroof, the space feels open and airy.” Motor Trend gives their approval to the “high-quality materials and clean, attractive design [that] continue to live up to Audi's stellar reputation as the industry benchmark.”

In TheCarConnection.com’s stint behind the wheel of the 2009 Audi A4, editors noticed the strong resemblance to the Audi A6—particularly in the “tornado line” that borders the passenger cabin from the front fender to the rear fender. The deeply cut-in grille isn’t a favorite detail, as it leaves a large opening in front framed by headlamps and air intakes that draw a squint on the car’s nose. The LED running lights are an interesting, forward-looking filigree. In general, the exterior shape is more balanced on the wagon.

Inside, the cabin has good materials, but to the staff at TheCarConnection.com, Audi’s stepped away from the styling that put it far above other brands. The new interior has more black plastic facing the front passengers; it’s angled more like a cockpit—or a battleship. It does have some wonderful details, however, like a thick steering wheel, a choice of brushed-aluminum or wood trim, and a more substantial look than either the rival BMW 3-Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class—as well as the ubiquitous starter button.

Conclusion

Some details are jarring, but the 2009 Audi A4’s handsome genetics are on full display.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Grows from one of the smallest…to one of the largestAutoWeekInfinitely more presenceCar and DriverPlanted, sportier stanceMotor TrendInterior has “clean, attractive designMotor Trend The 2009 Audi A4 sports a larger body with a sense of style like that of the bigger Audi A6, according to reviews from across the Web and the firsthand experience of TheCarConnection.com’s editors. For the new model year, the 2009 Audi A4 has grown substantially larger in both sedan and wagon form. It’s “4.6 inches longer and two inches wider than before,” Car and Driver says, and it “grows from one of the smallest cars in its class to one of the largest, versus competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the BMW 3 Series,” according to AutoWeek. That increased size gives it “infinitely more presence,” Car and Driver adds. “Imagery doesn’t do justice to the new A4.” Cars.com notes the similarities with Audi’s larger four-door and wagon. The new 2009 Audi A4 “isn't a radical departure from the outgoing model, but it now bears a greater family resemblance to the larger A6,” they report. Motor Trend likes the new “sculpted lines” and the “more aggressive front end,” noting that the changes give the A4 “a planted, sportier stance” that “holds the road with a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm.” Car and Driver approves of the new lighting applied to the nose, calling it “LED eyeliner”; Cars.com says these lights are “an uncommon feature, but they are very good at grabbing the attention of oncoming motorists thanks to the bright, white light they emit.” Popular Mechanics calls the new design “crisp and attractive, with a face resembling the A5 coupe.” AutoWeek also reviewed the new 2009 Audi A4 Avant wagon and said it’s “good-looking to boot,” with “muscular proportions, short overhangs and gracefully arcing roof.” They argue that “the wagon is arguably more dynamic-looking” than the sedan. The 2009 Audi A4’s cabin is entirely new, and it’s “a huge step forward,” in Car and Driver’s opinion. “Even without the sunroof, the space feels open and airy.” Motor Trend gives their approval to the “high-quality materials and clean, attractive design [that] continue to live up to Audi's stellar reputation as the industry benchmark.” In TheCarConnection.com’s stint behind the wheel of the 2009 Audi A4, editors noticed the strong resemblance to the Audi A6—particularly in the “tornado line” that borders the passenger cabin from the front fender to the rear fender. The deeply cut-in grille isn’t a favorite detail, as it leaves a large opening in front framed by headlamps and air intakes that draw a squint on the car’s nose. The LED running lights are an interesting, forward-looking filigree. In general, the exterior shape is more balanced on the wagon. Inside, the cabin has good materials, but to the staff at TheCarConnection.com, Audi’s stepped away from the styling that put it far above other brands. The new interior has more black plastic facing the front passengers; it’s angled more like a cockpit—or a battleship. It does have some wonderful details, however, like a thick steering wheel, a choice of brushed-aluminum or wood trim, and a more substantial look than either the rival BMW 3-Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class—as well as the ubiquitous starter button. ConclusionSome details are jarring, but the 2009 Audi A4’s handsome genetics are on full display. 2009 AUDI A4 STYLING | [8 out of 10] AutoWeek: “Grows from one of the smallest…to one of the largest” Car and Driver: “Infinitely more presence” Motor Trend: “Planted, sportier stance” Motor Trend: Interior has “clean, attractive design” The 2009 Audi A4 sports a larger body with a ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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