Vehicle: 2009 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro Avant Tiptronic with Audi Drive Select, Sports Pkg and Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$54250

Handling: One of the most lovable aspects of all previous generations of Audi A4 has always been its driving experience. With the all-new chassis that has moved the engine backward for better weight distribution, in Quattro guise, its 53/47 front/rear for an ideal balance. This chassis is also stiffer and more rigid, that means even fewer cracks and rattles for suspension components to hang its heads.

The single biggest highlight of the new A4 has to be its Audi Drive Select system. This is a system that any enthuisast is able to control the level of stiffness of suspension, along with the steering weight. There are 3 settings available through MMI. Auto, Dynamic and Comfort. In Comfort mode, the A4 rides as comfortably as any luxury sedan. In Dynamic mode, it got the sportiest suspension setting (as it already sporty enough with the optional sports package) with firmer steering weight and more weight feedback. For most, leave it in Auto is good enough as it provides an excellent combination of sporty handling dynamics with a supple ride quality.

Even in the Dynamic setting, the A4’s ride quality won’t eaten your heart out as it provides the sort of supple yet absorbing bumps and roughness with ease. The steering provides great precision and feedback without being overly sensitive, as we have experienced with BMW’s dreadful Active Steering system.

When combining a great chassis, Drive Select with the rear-bias 40/60 Torsen Quattro system, the A4 is a wonderful dynamic delight. The rear-bias system has given this all-wheel-drive sportswagon rear-wheel drive feel without losing its all-weather capability. Audi also scores well with its latest generation of ESP that is truly uninstrusive when pushed hard. This system remains step out the equation even when pushed for oversteer when exiting a corner. On the other hand, there are minimal body rolls and understeer is almost non-existence. This is definitely a sportswagon that is perfectly combined the level of sportiness with the cozy of German luxury.

Imagine how good the upcoming new S4 and RS4 with that Sport Differential combined with all of those nifty dynamic abilities already build in the A4.

Performance: There are currently 2 engines available with the new A4. The new EA888 based chain-driven 2.0 liter DOHC FSI turbocharged engine or the 3.2 liter DOHC FSI V6.

From a driver’s perspective, the 2.0 liter is even better given its less front-heaviness. That’s despite with the engine moves backward, the heavier 3.2 liter V6 doesn’t have to give up any of its lesser silibing’s overall balance. Both, fortunately and unfortunately, here lies the rough. Audi will sell more 2.0T than 3.2 for its performance and value alone. While it has planted well for A4’s ever growing sales volume, especially with 2.0T’s amazing fuel efficiency. It isn’t good for Audi’s bottom line since 3.2 is a higher margin vehicle. Things might change when Audi’s clean high-performance 3.0TDI is going to be available in A4 in about a year.

Its the numbers that is most surprising in this A4. With the 2.0T, it has 211hp and 265 lb/ft of torque. While in the 3.2, it got 265hp but with 245 lb/ft of torque. In real life driving, there is a moot point to choose the 3.2 except you want the refinement of a V6 engine. All of these 265 lb/ft of torque and 211 ponies delivered in a silky smooth fashion. This new engine block really does wonders when it comes to manage NVH. Its much more refined and quieter than the 2.0T, based on EE311 engine block it replaces. With maximum torque arrives at 1500rpm. The bottom end grunt is amazing with V6-like performance right from the bottom to the top end. Best of all, all have been done without the usual turbo lag.

The 6-speed Tiptronic’s shifting speed is much improved over the previous version. With 600 different fuzzy logic programs, it has to be judged as the quickest shifting manumatic on the market second to the one in Porsche 911 Turbo. The 1st and 2nd gears are low enough for peppy acceleration. The most impressive aspect is the tall gearing on 6th, which creates a very low-revving character at high-speed. We recorded 100km only at 2000 rpm. Its not only benefitting a quiet ride, such a tall gearing would help fuel economy either.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs and ABS, A4 Avant continues to score well with braking performance. The stopping distance is short, with pedal feel solid and very easily modulated. The ABS only steps in necessarily.

Interior: With the rear seats fold flat, the Avant has 1430mm of cargo space. Even with the seats on upright position, it got 490mm of cargo space. It got more cargo volume than many of those SUVs on the market.

Audi has addressed the biggest criticism of previous A4, that is the rear legroom. Now, it can seat 3 adults comfortably across with proper legroom.

The rest of the interior layout and materials are typical Audi. That means classy materials with class-leading fit-and-finish. All the materials are soft. The leather sports seats are comfortable, while covered in high-quality leather materials. The gauges are clear and analog, with MMI sits logically in the middle of the dashboard.

Conclusion: The new A4 continues to be a world beater. It got excellent powertrains, wonderful driving dynamics and a beautiful interior to boot. Avant’s extra cargo versatility and improved rear legroom are just an added bonus to the already impressive overall package. This car will continue to set the standards for years to come.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Audi A4 Avant
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5