Audi A4 Overview
Despite being a longtime top seller in Europe, the Audi A4 has historically trailed a distant 3rd behind those other German automakers' compact luxury sedans in the North American market. The folks in Ingolstadt are hoping to change all that with the newly redesigned 2009 Audi A4.
The new A4 sedan is nearly 5 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the previous model, which yields more headroom, more shoulder room and an additional 1.4 inches of rear knee room, as well as class-leading trunk space. Also new on the A4 this year is a pair of direct-injection engines -- the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 3.2-liter V6 (sedan only). The 2009 A4 additionally offers a plethora of techno-gadgets, including radar-based adaptive cruise control, a new park distance control system and revised controls for Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.
Driving enthusiasts will appreciate that the drivetrain's AWD layout has been adjusted to improve weight balance for better handling. In addition, the optional Drive Select system permits the driver to adjust ride compliance, steering effort and shift response -- there are three different preset modes as well as a personalized mode where you can mix and match settings.
Of course, the 2009 Audi A4 faces stiff competition, such as the more engaging BMW 3 Series, the affordably priced Infiniti G37 and the solidly built Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Since the convertible A4 is a carry-over from the previous generation, we'd definitely hold out for the upcoming A4-based A5 and S5 convertibles. But for those in search of a good-looking and sharp-handling compact luxury sedan or wagon with AWD and the latest technology features, the 2009 Audi A4 is a solid choice.
Audi A4 Features
MECHANICAL:
- 2.0L DOHC TFSI 16-valve I4 turbocharged engine w/exhaust turbocharger intercooler
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Front wheel drive
- MacPherson front suspension, anti-roll bar, aluminum subframe
- 4-link rear suspension w/anti-roll bar
- Servotronic steering w/variable assist
- Front ventilated disc brakes & rear disc brakes
- Tool kit
EXTERIOR:
- 17" x 7.5" (5) Y-spoke alloy wheels
- P225/45R17 all-season tires
- Space saver spare tire & wheel
- S line roof spoiler
- S line front & rear bumpers
- (4) position adjustable intermittant windshield wipers
- Halo Headlights
- Front fog lights
- Pwr body color mirrors w/integrated LED turn signals
- Rear window wiper
INTERIOR:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Split folding 60/40 rear seat back
- Folding front center armrest w/(2) cupholders, pwr outlet
- Front & rear floor mats
- Aluminum-optic door sill inlays
- 4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt & telescoping adjustable steering column
- Driver info display w/trip computer, backlit instrument cluster
- Pwr windows w/one touch up & down, pinch protection
- Pwr central locking
- Key fob remote control for doors, deck lid, & fuel door
- Cruise control
- Tailgate release on driver side door
- Alarm system w/immobilizer
- Dual zone automatic climate control
- Rear window defogger
- Locking glove box
- (3) 12V pwr outlets
- Flexmetallic decorative trim
- Dual vanity mirrors
- Overhead console w/front map lights
- Illumination for interior door handles, air vent controls, front foot wells, active door reflectors, rear map lights
- (4) assist handles in headliner
SAFETY:
- Impact protection w/reinforced high strength steel/ aluminum crossmembers, reinforced bumpers, rigid occupant cell
- 4-wheel anti-lock braking system w/rear brake pressure distribution
- Hill hold assist
- Electronic stability program
- Driver & passenger dual stage airbags w/passenger sensor
- Driver & passenger seat mounted side airbags
- Front & rear head curtain airbags
- 3-point height adjustable front seatbelts w/force limiters & automatic pretensioning
- 3-point height adjustable rear seatbelts w/force limiters
- LATCH provisions in rear seats
- Rear child locks
- Tire pressure monitor
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