2010 Audi A4 - Styling Review

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Reviews from around the Web agree with TheCarConnection.com: The current Audi A4 has a sharp sense of style outside and a neatly arranged cabin with maybe a little less panache than in the past.

The resemblance to Audi's own A6 is strong, particularly in the "tornado line" that borders the passenger cabin from the front fender to the rear fender. The size of the A4 is similar, too; it 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." Motor Trend likes the new "sculpted lines" and the "more aggressive front end," noting that the changes provide the A4 "a planted, sportier stance" that "holds the road with a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm." TheCarConnection.com's editors have some qualms with the deeply cut-in grille, but the LED running lights are an interesting, forward-looking filigree. Car and Driver agrees and approves of the new lighting applied to the nose, calling it "LED eyeliner"; Cars.com deems these lights "an uncommon feature, but they are very good at grabbing the attention of oncoming motorists thanks to the bright, white light they emit." In general, the exterior shape is more balanced on the wagon, which AutoWeek reviews favorably. It's "good-looking to boot," they report, with "muscular proportions, short overhangs and gracefully arcing roof."

With the new A4 lineup comes a deeper, darker binnacled dash that omits some of the more expensive wood trim of the past, and in the process leaves off some of the impression of quiet luxury that used to pervade all Audis. It's still handsome and well finished, but there's more black and metallic plastic and LCD readouts than ever. 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." The best details? 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.