Picture Gallery: 2009 Audi A4 3.2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 |Discuss
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The only thing really difficult about driving an Audi is swallowing the price tags. The 2009 A4 starts, however, at what I think is reasonable for a luxury sedan: $38,300.
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My tester is the 3.2 quattro model, powered by Audi’s 3.2-litre FSI engine, a motor that produces 265hp and 243lb-ft of torque, and is capable of moving the A4 from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
No options have been added to my tester; it is a “base” 3.2 quattro, but “base” isn’t really the greatest word when it includes nearly everything under the sun, minus navigation. Audi has really packed on the features in their 2009 model lineup, offering good value for your luxury dollar.
2009 Audi A4 3.2
MSRP as tested (including destination): $51,700
For more information on Audi and the A4 visit Audi Canada
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Both exterior and interior dimensions for the B8 chassis have grown. Leg room is much more livable than the previous generation and truck space is generous as well, especially with the 60/40 split folding rear seatbacks.
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The more expensive models do have trim pieces and such to give you that extra luxury feel, but unlike some other brands Audi keeps their interiors fairly standard across all models. It certainly makes my job difficult — what else do I say as I review my second Audi in two weeks?
Another well done interior with quality feeling controls… copy and paste… and done.
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Some may consider the 3.2-litre engine a little on the weak side; offering up only 265hp it isn’t a huge powerhouse, but it does provide a very smooth and linear response, which is essential when looking for effortless acceleration. The 2.0T engine provides a similar feel on the acceleration front but with the turbocharged engine it comes in a wallop rather than a constant smooth delivery.
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The A4 provides much the same in road smoothness and body rigidity of the A6 in a smaller and lighter package. Handling is nimbler as you would expect and the car feels much smaller on the road, despite its added size compared to the previous generation.
I was able to get a little all-wheel drive testing done as we received a dusting of snow — such are the perils of Ottawa living. No salt was dispersed in my area of town, which meant roads were plenty slick. The quattro system on the A4 felt extremely well-balanced with a rear-biased tuning, and I was able to get the rear to swing out to aid in turning — until the stability system disabled my fun.
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I averaged a fairly respectable 11.0L/100km over the week, although because of the long weekend I didn’t get out much and only traveled 200km in the A4, with less highway than I would normally average.
Another Audi that is sad to see go — I am starting to get attached to the brand, only one more vehicle in their lineup left for me to drive.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 Audi A4 3.2
MSRP as tested (including destination): $51,700
For more information on Audi and the A4 visit Audi Canada
to our site.
April 09, 2009, 12:53:22 am This is a sweet ride and really like this color combo as well.. A big fan here..
April 09, 2009, 02:50:13 am
And that's what kills me about them. They seem very derivative and contrived. To me, they just screamed "BMWs have Coronas, we wanted something too." They're trying too hard. Quite a change from the much older A4s, which were too understated in my opinion. I think that the B7 A4 had the aesthetic balance just right. Not to brash, not too dull:
April 09, 2009, 08:23:02 am I have always been a huge fan of the A4 when it comes to interior and exterior styling. I even got to drive Jeff’s shiny new one in weasing 1.8T trim
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
April 09, 2009, 10:06:48 am If you want to spend 50 big one on a car- get 335. A lot more performance, a lot more smile per mile. Plus the 4 year maintenance is included and therefore free.
With those perfromance number this car simply does not make sense.
April 09, 2009, 10:22:50 am
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
April 09, 2009, 12:38:27 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
Meh... there's no stick anymore.. B7 still had a stick IIRC.. maybe a left-over '08?
April 09, 2009, 12:57:21 pm
Worse, to me. They make the car look like a cheap streetwalker with too much eye makeup.
The lights look down right freaky on a dark county lane until you work out what the hell it is.
April 09, 2009, 03:47:56 pm So Snowy if I'm reading that right, you'd take a less powerful model with nicer interior trim?! Shame on you! Ha ha.
April 09, 2009, 04:00:00 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
April 09, 2009, 04:31:25 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
And thinking outside hatch territory.
April 09, 2009, 04:39:11 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
And thinking outside hatch territory.
I am hooked on wagon\hatch's
April 09, 2009, 04:52:53 pm A4 Avant for you it is.
April 09, 2009, 05:04:22 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
Assuming a 2010 2.0T can be done the same way as a current one then APR can do it and more. But it looks like a big job, chip + bigger turbo etc. etc. for sure not for $2K.
April 09, 2009, 07:40:18 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
Assuming a 2010 2.0T can be done the same way as a current one then APR can do it and more. But it looks like a big job, chip + bigger turbo etc. etc. for sure not for $2K.
I’m not up on the Audi aftermarket but an ECU flash, Down Pipe, and Turbo Back should gain 50 HP? Not going down the bigger turbo route again....$$$$$$$
April 09, 2009, 07:44:55 pm The ECU flash itself had ~50hp gains.. for the last 2.0T on 93.
April 09, 2009, 08:58:50 pm
With Audi making advancements in reliability I would like to revisit the A4 Avant as a possible option but I just wish there was an affordable 250 HP version. I’m not sure one can safely take a 2.0 to 280 HP which would not reach my 300 goal but the styling would make up the difference.
If 93 octane gas is readily available where you live, I think you'd be impressed with what a REVO Stage II chip could do for you. On the old 200 horse, 207 lb-ft 2.0T, a Stage II chip would get you to 255 hp, 290 lb-ft.
http://www.revotechnik.com/products/softwareProduct.aspx?pvID=592
But now the 2.0T in the A4 makes 211 horsepower, 258 lb-ft. Imagine where a Stage II chip would get you with that as your starting point. (I assume that REVO will have a chip for the 211 horsepower engine soon, but I didn't see one on their page).
Even with my WRX I tune for 91 due to some trips north where 93 is not available. Your mission should you chose to accept it is to me a way to get a 2010 A4 Avant to +/-270 HP...... I would put it on my short list.
Yes Bob, I am pushing 50 and perhaps showing weakness
Assuming a 2010 2.0T can be done the same way as a current one then APR can do it and more. But it looks like a big job, chip + bigger turbo etc. etc. for sure not for $2K.
I’m not up on the Audi aftermarket but an ECU flash, Down Pipe, and Turbo Back should gain 50 HP? Not going down the bigger turbo route again....$$$$$$$
Apr claim 355 bhp with all that and the big turbo. >$5kUSD
April 10, 2009, 12:13:16 am Seriously James, you mention cupholders one more time in a review and I'm never reading one again.
April 10, 2009, 03:41:40 am
With those perfromance number this car simply does not make sense.
A general rule of thumb for the German luxury-mainstream (i.e., not mass-market, not exotic) three:
Go BMW if you want performance first. Go Mercedes if you want luxury first. Go Audi if you want a compromise. In this case, you'd get more room and I think a much nicer interior with the Audi, but the BMW unquestionably is the better driver's car.
The rule of thumb isn't ALWAYS true, but it seems to be true more often than not.
April 10, 2009, 05:37:08 pm I watched a test on Motoring TV on the A4 Avant on a break from the Masters….they were happy...good review
April 13, 2009, 06:18:21 pm
Worse, to me. They make the car look like a cheap streetwalker with too much eye makeup.
Well you know what they say it takes one to.... err... nevermind.
I really like the LEDs. They become part of Audi's brand character, and in terms of functionality, they seem to be more visible than normal DRLs. When you see a car with these lights, you can automatically associate it with the Audi brand. I think it's a good move for Audi.
"Looks like a christmas tree"... indeed. Coming from a guy who prefers bright orange clown cars.
I like the looks of the current generation A4s, but always seem to see them with little, ugly 17" (or are they 16"?) wheels on them which completely ruins the look of the car.
The interior is awesome though (by what I see in the pictures). Far better than the e90 3-series I think.
Snowman... you mowing your own fairways when you golf?
April 13, 2009, 07:43:03 pm
To get ahead, man does what he has to.
April 14, 2009, 02:31:34 am A G37x would be a great sub for this car. Cheaper, more power 328hp, probably more reliable too. If you want the "GERMAN" feel its a different story but if I had the money it would be a G37x sedan or a Cadillac CTS with DI and AWD.
April 23, 2009, 09:52:39 am Audi is dropping the 3.2 engine in the 2010 A4, A3 and TT:
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/22/audi-dropping-3-2-liter-v6-from-2010-a3-a4-and-tt/
Just as well. The turbo offers more pep and fuel efficiency.
April 23, 2009, 09:56:36 am So will there be bargains on 09 A4 3.2Qs?
April 23, 2009, 10:25:08 am Saw a brand new white A4 the other day, very very sharp looking car!