2009 Audi A4

2009 Audi A4 Review

All-new, with improved driving dynamics.

Introduction The 2009 Audi A4 is a new car, as closely related to the recent A5 as to the outgoing A4. At once familiar as an Audi yet obviously new, it is what you can't see that is most changed. The 2009 A4 is wider and longer but no taller than its predecessor. It's larger inside with the most notable improvement to rear-seat legroom and it has a bigger trunk that is easier to load. A large increase in wheelbase, which is more than six inches longer than before, increases cabin space and improves ride quality and handling. For the first time, an adjustable suspension similar to that used on larger Audis is available on the A4. While the engine sizes of 2.0 and 3.2 liters may look familiar both have been revised. Each offers more power and better fuel economy than before. EPA ratings range from 17/26 mpg to 23/30 mpg. All three transmissions have been updated, also. A4 sedans are available with the 2.0-liter turbocharged and 3.2-liter V6 engines, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and with six-speed manual gearbox, automatic or CVT automatic. The 2009 A4 Avant (wagon) comes exclusively with the 2.0-liter turbo, six-speed automatic, and quattro all-wheel drive. Avants appear more expensive because quattro and automatic transmission are standard.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Audi A4

Each is offered in three trim levels with added features and amenities commensurate with price. Despite the modest size the A4 comes well-equipped with leather, moonroof and automatic climate control as standard. Features normally associated with big luxury cars are available. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a half-kilowatt surround-sound system come standard. The new A4 is much better balanced than previously and it is a delight to drive. It's compliant enough to soak up bumps like a larger car but firm enough to feel solid and stable to its (tire-limited) top speed. It rides like a larger car but also handles better than it did, the front-drive version perhaps not as delicately precise as a rear-drive 3-Series but quattro more than holds its own against the other all-wheel-drive cars. It more than holds its own in the rain against other sporty cars. The Audi A4 competes primarily against the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series. Also in its class are the Acura TSX and TL, the Infiniti G37 sedan, the Lexus IS, the Lincoln MKS, and the Volvo S40. The A4 has on average more passenger room than the BMW 328, Mercedes C300, or Lexus IS250, a larger trunk, more torque, better mileage and standard leather for a lower price. Next Page

2009 Audi A5

2009 Audi A5 Review

Great coupes that drive as good as they look.

Introduction The Audi A5 and the high-performance S5 are mid-size coupes, larger than the TT. A handsome, distinctive shape identifies the A5 and S5 models from virtually any angle, with flowing curves bringing musculature to sleek, aerodynamic forms and arresting light patterns. Viewed from behind there's a chance of mistaking an A5 or S5 for a British GT, but from any other angle it's unmistakably Audi. These are grand touring cars designed to cover lots of ground at high speed while coddling a pair of occupants. They seat two-plus-two; the rear seats are for the occasional adult passengers or for bringing small kids along. The A5 involves the driver physically, audibly, and mentally though never to the point of making it a chore or less than inviting. The Audi S5 can be hustled down virtually any road at a good clip, but it is unfair to expect these coupes to behave like small sports cars.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Audi A5

Audi interiors have been racking up awards for a long time and the A5 (and S5) is in the same mold. It has the features expected, good ergonomics, a central interface system that won't drive you to cursing, and it's all assembled to a high standard using appropriate materials. Despite the standard all-wheel drive it also has more trunk space than some Lexus sedans, so you can enjoy a road trip of just about any length or destination. An A5 delivers confidence and luxury in a package not likely to be seen at every intersection and very likely to come across as a good value; the S5 delivers more performance and luxury yet still has a certain value quotient to argue. By price, concept, and execution one of the S5's nearest competitors is the Mercedes-Benz CLK550, with a bit more power but no choice of transmission, no all-wheel drive, and costing about $5,000 more. While the $40,700 A5 and $51,400 S5 may be judged on paper against the Infiniti G37, CLK350, or BMW 335i coupe, the amenities, cabin finish and room are such that the Audis may also be shopped against the Jaguar XK, BMW 650i, or Porsche 911. And while each is a fine car and may offer more speed or perhaps technological gadgetry, only the 911 matches the Audi with the availability of all-wheel drive, and for a $6,000 premium. The A5 and S5 were launched as 2008 models and have been on the market for only a short time, so there are no significant changes for 2009. Next Page

2009 Audi A8

2009 Audi A8 Review

Big, powerful, smooth and luxurious.

Introduction The Audi A8 is a big luxury sedan designed to challenge the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. In beats them in some areas and in others it offers an individualistic alternative. It many respects, the Audi A8 raised the bar for performance. Three versions are available. The standard A8 boasts instant throttle response from its powerful 4.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission, while quattro all-wheel drive and an adaptable air suspension provide an excellent balance between handling and ride quality. The A8 offers a supreme sense of control with Gibraltar-like stability, benefits of its lightweight, Aluminum Space Frame that bonds the car into one cohesive unit. The cabin is elegant and comfortable, and tops the class in finish quality. Audi's Multi-Media Interface, or MMI, integrates controls for various features and electronic systems into a big knob. It's a little easier to learn than BMW's iDrive, but it isn't easy. There is a learning curve and sometimes we find ourselves having to work harder to perform simple functions and wonder whether this is progress or burdensome technology.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Audi A8

The A8 L rides on a stretched wheelbase that provides more room and comfort for rear-seat passengers and uses the same engine as the A8. The A8 L W12 upgrades to a 12-cylinder engine and a whopping 450 horsepower. It's the only 12-cylinder sedan from Germany's big three luxury brands with all-wheel drive. The Audi S8 is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 and comes with a firmer suspension, faster steering, and bigger brakes. The S8 is distinguished by special trim and equipment inside and out. The S8 is perfect for triple digit speeds on wide-open highways and would be an excellent choice for a cross-country race. It's also a good selection for getting away from enemy agents, for those in that line of work, particularly in bad weather. For driving through the neighborhood or in stop-and-go traffic, however, we found it suffers from an overly sensitive throttle that makes smooth takeoffs a bit too challenging. For 2009, changes to the A8 are minimal and in the category of repackaging some features and options. Next Page

2009 Audi A3

2009 Audi A3 Review

Premium compact five-door hatch.

Introduction The Audi A3 is a premium car with excellent driving dynamics from superbly engineered powertrain, suspension and braking systems. Yet it's fuel-efficient, with an EPA-rated 30 mpg Highway. It is, essentially, a practical, compact five-door hatchback, but it feels up-market, like a scaled-down A4. We like the A3 for its combination of open-road dynamism, long-haul friendliness, and around-town usefulness. The A3 is an example of the exquisite sensibilities in design and use of materials that distinguishes a contemporary Audi. Two models are available. The A3 2.0 T is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which drives either the front wheels, or has all-wheel-drive with the quattro version. The A3 3.2 quattro has a 3.2-liter V6 that drives all four wheels. We found the A3 models offer superb balance and excellent throttle response that make for a convincing sports-car experience when the road is right. Inside, the A3 is roomy and versatile, blending pleasing materials with logical controls and highly legible readouts. Changes for 2009 include the addition of quattro all-wheel drive as an option with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the optional availability of Audi Magnetic Ride, which enhances the ride and handling, some changes to trim and some re-configuring of some of the options packages. Features that are now standard equipment include leather seating surfaces, Sirius satellite radio, a leather steering wheel, auxiliary audio input, and hill-hold assist. The A3 3.2 now comes standard with Bluetooth, bi-xenon headlights, the Open Sky moonroof, Concert CD audio, Sport Suspension, and Sport Seats.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Audi A3

All Audi A3 models sold in the U.S. are five-door Sportbacks. Next Page

Audi 2009

Introduction The Audi TT appeals to sports car enthusiasts and weekend cruisers alike. The powertrains are responsive and quick. The steering is sharp and the handling is crisp. Quattro all-wheel drive gives the TT enhanced handling tenacity and remarkable bad-weather capabilities. The interior is stunning, with a brilliant design and layout, beautiful detailing, tight panel gaps and first-class materials. But what really sets the TT apart, and has since the introduction of the first-generation version some years ago, has been and still is its wonderful exterior design, giving it a style and a look that is unlike anything else on the road. The TT is available as a coupe or roadster. The coupe is claimed as having 2+2 seating, meaning two adults in front and maybe two other, non-complaining and hopefully smaller person in back, but it's really a two-seater. The roadster has no pretensions of being meant for anything other than two people. The coupe also offers a certain degree of luggage space under its rear hatchback. The Audi TT offers a choice of a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine or 3.2-liter V6, and with front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. There are a variety of trim levels and a wide range of options, including some really neat leathers and interior options, and we think it's well worth taking time to carefully consider them all.

Review Sections • Introduction • Lineup • Walkaround • Interior • Driving Impressions • Summary & Specs Get Your Free Quote on an Audi TT

Audi TT 2.0T models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; they are available in front-drive or quattro versions, but the only transmission choice is the six-speed S tronic, a dual-clutch transmission that can be operated either as a manual or an automatic. The 3.2 models have a 3.2-liter V6 that produces 250 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque from 2500 to 3000 rpm; all 3.2 models have quattro, but there is a choice of a six-speed manual or the six-speed S tronic. The Audi TTS is powered by a version of the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder that's been up-rated to 265 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque from 2500 to 5000 rpm. It's available only with quattro and the S tronic dual-clutch transmission. Fuel efficiency for the TT line is remarkable given the levels of performance. The 2.0T is EPA-rated at 23/31 mpg City/Highway, the 3.2 with the manual is rated at 17/25 mpg, and the TTS is rated, somewhat astoundingly, at 21/29 mpg. Next Page