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New car reviews » 2009 Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 T quattro Tiptronic

Better than: Lexus IS 250
But not as good as: BMW 335i
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 72.56  

The Audi A4 has grown in every dimension since last year’s model. It has also become more luxurious than before—the seats in our test car were among the most comfortable we’ve tried in a long time. Material quality was evident in all of the components. If you’re taking your mother-in-law to the airport, this car is sure to impress.

While the A4 doesn’t completely forgo driving pleasure, the newest car doesn’t have the sporting character we had come to expect from the model. In particular, we found the Tiptronic gearbox a bit lacking, especially around town.

Other staff views:

David S. Wallens Editorial Director:

For those who want something different than the more common BMW 3 series or Lexus IS, there’s the Audi A4. Personally, I have really become a fan of the VW and Audi 2.0T engine. It’s quick, sporty and, when in the S mode, quite fun to drive. Don’t let the number of cylinders scare you, as it’s deceptively quick.

I wouldn’t call the driveline perfect, though, as we had some off-the-line hesitation from the Tiptronic transmission—like a second or so, enough that we’d be a little concerned for our safety. The VW/Audi DSG transmission would have been preferred.

Some more pluses and minuses:

  • Love the interior details, including the switches. Better than BMW?
  • I like the looks. The new-for-2009 A4 definitely looks like an Audi.
  • Nice power, no lag.
  • Good, meaty steering wheel, and good seats.
  • Lots of room up front; the passenger front seat can be put waaaaaay back.
  • Roomy trunk, especially for a “smaller” car.
  • Excellent headlights.
  • Sounds silly, but the automatically opening trunk is convenient it’s raining and your hands are full.
  • On the other hand, the stock Goodyears leave much to be desired: too loud, too vague. They nearly spoil the car.
  • Steering is a bit overboosted.
  • That off-line pause concerns me.
  • Not sure I need a 180 mph speedometer in a car like this.

Final thought: The $32,700 starting price and $38,000 as-delivered cost seemed kinda high until I built a comparable Lexus IS 250 AWD.

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2009 Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 T quattro Tiptronic Specs:

Drivetrain Layout:
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive
Engine:
2.0 liter Inline-4
Horsepower:
211 bhp at 5300 rpm
Torque:
258 lb.-ft at 1500 rpm
Transmission:
manumatic
Suspension:
Multilink front and rear
Wheels:
17x7-in.
Tires:
225/50R17
Brakes:
disc (front)
disc (rear)
Weight:
3778 pounds
Price:
Base: $32700
As tested: $38000
MPG:
EPA City: 21
EPA Highway: 27

Staff Ratings:

Stock Performance:
***
Performance Potential:
***1/2
Daily Driver Manners:
****1/2
Fit and Finish:
****1/2
Overall:
***1/2

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