Just because you need a four door sedan, it doesn’t mean that you can’t look sporty. You also shouldn’t have to break the bank to have a car that is safe and fun to drive. At least that seems to be auto maker Audi’s take on things with the new 2009 Audi A4.
The 2009 Audi A4 is a revamp of a venerable Audi classic. In spite of being revamped, the A4 still bears a strong similarity to the 2005-2008 Audi A4 models that came before it. Even though it looks a lot like its older brother, the 2009 Audi A4 is a completely new car that is loaded with the brand new engineering.
The new styling of the upcoming Audi A4 is sleeker, curvier and tighter and bears a strong resemblance to the gorgeous Audi A5 Coupe. But style isn’t all that the new Audi A4 has going for it. The new A4 has a brand new steel body that is much lighter and stiffer than the previous A4 generations.
Although Audi is typically known for its handling and suspension features, this model breaks down the barriers and brings in a conglomeration of features that make it a solid competitor against its two main opponents, the BMW and the Mercedes Benz. Audi has gone all out for the 2009 A-4 and you’ll be able to see it in dealerships later this fall. Let’s start with what’s under the hood.
The A-4 comes standard with a 2.0L engine capable of reaching 211hp. This is an improvement from the 2008 model which came in it at right around 200hp. You’ll get your choice of a six speed automatic or manual transmission for the famed Quattro models, or the Multitronic transmission that comes with the front wheel drive variation. If you want a little more power, you can upgrade to their 3.2L engine with 265hp just as long as you don’t mind an automatic. The V8 engine is largely being abandoned by Audi as they get ready for upcoming regulations that will make it difficult to bring the larger engines in line with the 35mpg cutoff.
The A-4 is quite large and is much longer than other Audi models. The company uses this to their advantage to create an interior that is incredibly roomy and very comfortable. The trunk is absolutely enormous and the cockpit is chock full of all the latest advances. In fact, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a much more expensive car, thanks to the types of materials used and the quality of the instrumentation.
The navigation monitor has been moved a little higher in this model, making it easier to see. All the controls are placed in a logical fashion and work together in a nice flow while you’re driving. You’ll have plenty of headroom and legroom in the A-4, which is a definite improvement from some of their other models.
Not to be outdone when it comes to handling, Audi continually produces incredible cars that are capable of taking on anything you throw at them. The A-4 features a new dynamic steering that blows away the competition and the utilization of homogenous calibration ensures and incredibly smooth ride and transitions.
The wideness of the vehicle and the positioning of the tires practically negates any risk of a roll over, and the A-4 is a very sturdy and capable vehicle. You won’t feel pulled in any direction, other than the one you’re headed in. It is the perfect vehicle for areas with lots of twists and turns, or roads that may not be ideal. You won’t even notice the little bumps when you’re sitting in the A-4.
For the money, the A-4 is a solid entrant that manages to combine class and comfort with streamlined looks, above average safety and an incredible ride. If you have been hesitant to make the switch into this class, thinking that the vehicles are staid and boring, the A-4 will definitely be happy to prove you wrong.
For the last several years, Audi has been rapidly increasing the size of its lineup with lots of new models – since 2005, the relatively new car manufacturer has produced about 19 models of automobile which are either new or in some way redesigned. Having already tried their hand at most of the popular styles of auto with the other parts of their lineup over the past couple years, Audi is now producing cars which seem to straddle different areas of popular design.
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