2009 Audi A4 Avant: Introduction

Oh yeah and this thing looks so good and I'm glad they replaced most of the plastics with much more durable yet soft plastics. I can't wait for the initial little reliability test here to undergo and be in the hands of some aggressive driving editors.

"and almost $10,000 in optional equipment"

It comes with a Nissan Versa as optional equipment?

Is the engine mounted longitudinally? I know Audi's of old used that layout even in front-wheel drive drivetrains, but I thought that AWD and packaging would be aided by a transverse layout?

On a side note, I'm completely floored by how beautiful this thing is. I think the Avant is even more attractive than the sedan version. The low crease along the doors and the swooping rear end make it look simultaneously muscular and soft at the same time. Long live the station wagon!! If only they made a shooting-break version...

That's a great looking car!

"Is the engine mounted longitudinally?"

Sure is..
http://image.motortrend.com/f/9484099/112_0801_21z+2009_audi_a4+tfsi_engine.jpg

I had a chance to drive the new A4 balls out during the Audi Experience event in New Hampshire (technically 'Boston region'). All the A4's Audi brought were 3.2 Quattro Sedans (although everyone participating was secretly hoping there was a 2.0TFSI in the mix) with every option including Drive Select.

We were allowed to fiddle around with Drive Select during our run on the track and it did make a noticeable difference. In the end, however, I saw no reason to take it of Sport mode - ever. It was still comfortable, but was decidedly "edgier".

I will note that in comparison to the last generation A4, this car has noticeably less push when throwing it into a turn hard. The front tires have great initial bite and allow you to power through the turn while the rear end diligently - but controllably - rotates around.

With all it's newfound handling prowess, I will say that I thought the 328xi they had present for comparison handled slightly better, but only when you're pushing the car to 8/10's or better.

I'm a VW/Audi guy, by the way.

In the end, if you really didn't have a need for ALL that wagon space - but still desired a hatch over a sedan's trunk - I would be hard pressed not to save about $10k or so and go for the A3 2.0T Quattro with the S-Tronic (DSG).

That is not to say that this new A4 isn't all that an a bag of chips, however. This incarnation can bring the heat and the 'new' 2.0TFSI is real star of this show, I'll be looking forward to reading the followups!

Very aggressive-looking wagon. I really love the LED lights in the front. So cool. In five years, however, there will be a bunch of other manufacturers copying this (and the BMW corona rings). I guess these are the evolution of "city" lights and DRLs.

I'm loving everything about this car....except that stupid license plate frame on the front

Nice, I'm a big fan of wagons too.

The 27.3 worst fuel economy to date sounds like a typo though.

I dont think a $44k Audi is what people are thinking about when they start trying to cut back and become more frugal. Numerous crossovers cost far less than this wagon so whatever you lose in economy you gain in lower monthly costs. I think abandoning of SUVs was mostly a response to $4/gal gas and the idea that people couldnt afford to fill up. I dont think trading up to a more expensive (and smaller) wagon is going to help people much.

"I really love the LED lights in the front."

Agreed, I think they look fantastic.

I'm a big VW/Audi fan, so I'm looking forward to hearing about this vehicle. I'm hoping it can help silence some of the haters on here who love to bash the VW reputation (despite its decent mid-pack reports ratings) :P

The wide-mouth bass face still doesn't do it for me. It would look so much better if the front bumper were all one color, instead of trying to disguise the middle section by painting it black. Same goes for the GT-R, Evo, Eclipse, and anyone else who's trying to fool us into thinking their car has a ginormous hole in the front. As if that's supposed to be a good thing? But otherwise, a very attractive vehicle. I like it better than the sedan.

Bummer they don't offer the wagon with a manual. Not saying the automatic doesn't make a better test vehicle for the majority of readers/consumers, but it would be nice to offer a stick for those who prefer it. And to help lower the base price. Also not impressed at requiring a $4K fluff package in order to get decent iPod control. If Ford can offer Sync for $1500, "luxury" brands should be able to do the same. Just because many people happen to like those other options doesn't mean the bundles have to be so extensive and expensive. A la cart options are better. I tend to grouse about Mercedes and Toyota optioning you to death, but at least you don't have to buy a bunch of overpriced fluff that you don't really want just to get the few key features that you really do. The BMW 328Xi wagon might be more expensive than this Audi when comparably equipped, but I can squeak it in just under $40K with only the options I want.

...or even less on that BMW wagon if I get RWD rather than AWD. And it would get the same highway mpg. However, really looking forward to this test. That 2.0 sounds very promising. I'm sure there will be countless comments comparing it to the famous BMW inline 6.

Wow! Very glad that this vehicle finally joined the lineup. The LED lights, wagon silhouette, beautiful interior, etc. are just amazing! I'm with ahightower, can't wait for the 2.0T to be compared to BMW's inline six.

Meanwhile it's awfully hard to get a Subaru wagon above $35K. Even the 3.0R with navi. I know it's a different "class", but it sure has a lot of luxury features. Seems to me if I wanted a wagon for a small family vehicle, I could get a lot better value for the money than either the Audi or the BMW.

1487, I know you're upset it's not another Saturn, but why don't you go post on the other enthusiast cars on the LT blog like the Focus or the Caravan?

Yes!!! Can't wait to read and see more of this beauty.

I'm sure that this car can't be as good as a Saturn Aura. After all, we're talking World Class Sport Sedan...

Love the car but the article was stupid. Nobody is going to trade in say a Pilot for a more expensive smaller compact wagon that cost more and needs premium fuel. Perhaps the writer of the intro forget to mention that regular gas can be had for $2.15 any many places all around the country. It amazes me how we should respect the opinions of some of these scribes when they are way out in left field. I also struggle to understand how this iron block four banger won International Engine of the year when it's only kicking out 211hp. All aluminum engines of the same configuration and displacement are putting out more horsepower and torque.

"1487, I know you're upset it's not another Saturn, but why don't you go post on the other enthusiast cars on the LT blog like the Focus or the Caravan?"

You should read more because I believe 1487 has said that he would like to see the A4 added to the fleet many times.

I cannot wait until they dig into this MMI system. I heard you have to use MMI just to activate the heated seats as well other previously intuitive functions.

Nice to see Audi trim that front overhang and improve the weight distribution. Not nice to see no manual gearbox offered in the US.

ahightower,

A Subaru wagon is not from the same galaxy, sorry. Drive both for at least a week and there is absolutely, positively no comparison. Subaru should stick to $20k segment because that's where it really shines.

I personally love Subaru. I have owned 4 of them and there are many others in my family. I just don't think they are "premium" vehicles. Trully wonderful in their own way but not "premium."

Subaru?! Nothing they make can come close to the Audi. The execution of the A4 is stellar, it is a beautiful car in every way.

However, it is large. I am disappointed by the size as it keeps growing every generation. This wagon looks like an old A6 in size.

It is sad there is no longer a 4dr sports sedan from Audi but I do understand the A4 has to keep up with the competition and it is still a great performer in it's own right.

From what I've read lately, Subaru (particularly Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca) definitely does have a premium feel. I admit it's not quite in the same class as BMW/Audi/Mercedes, but let's face it, the A4 is basically a fancy VW.

What I'm saying, like chavis, is that the value proposition here is not very good, and to propose this A4 as cost-efficient is absurd. It's very very nice, but not exactly the solution for the typical middle-class family budget crisis.

Also, chavis, agree that 211 hp is not so hot, but 248 lb-ft is pretty good, especially coming in at just 1500 rpm.

Great car! Great engine! No manual? Great mistake. No stick - no sale.

"No stick - no sale."

Ditto. You can be as gorgeous as you want (and you are, Audi, you are), but if I don't have three pedals and a stick to play with, pass.

A stick to play with... dang it, there I go again.

Nice looking car. Too bad Audi's warranty won't cover anything that breaks or falls apart. Our Audi is still under warranty but given the way Audi claims nothing is covered - a rubber seal around a door came off and Audi said that would cost $500 to fix!

I gave Audi/VW a third shot and even with the supposed bumper-to-bumper warranty, the service and build quality remain the same. Bummer. The y make such nice looking and nice feeling cars. I really coulda dug on an A4 in a year or two.

Went to the Audi performance driving event last Friday and I had an opportunity to drive the A4 3.2 Quattro on the infield track of California Speedway in Fontana as well as its competitors (328xi, IS250 AWD and C300 4Matic).

Overall I have to say that I am not impressed by the new A4 at all. The interior material quality is no longer class leading, both the Lexus and Bimmer have better quality material. Fit and finish is still top notch but which one isn't in this segment? Okay, maybe not so much for the Infiniti...

I wasn't too impressed about its performance as well, the 3.2L V6 is a disgrace especially in the entry lux segment, Audi needs to get with the program by offering a more competitive V6. The steering is light, lighter than the IS250 (yes, you heard me right), although still confident through corners and turns but 328xi blows the A4 out of the water in that area. Chassis doesn't appear to be as rigid as the Bimmer and Merc (like a tank but not in a good way) but slightly better than the Lexus. If I have to rank the 4 cars just based on performance it would be:

328xi > A4 3.2 Quattro > IS250 AWD >>> C300 4Matic

Overall while taking everything into consideration the ranking would be:

328xi > IS250 AWD > A4 3.2 Quattro >> C300 4Matic

The loaded A4 3.2 Quattro that I drove carries a sticker of $48k and this 2.0T Quattro commends $44k. I find myself asking a question: Why should I get the A4 at that kind of price with less performance while I can get something else cheaper like the G35, 335i and IS350? Sure you would say AWD but let's not forget that the G35 and 335i also have AWD variants. One of the Audi rep told me that the A4 is meant to compete with the 328i and they have the S4 to compete with the 335i. Ok, Mr. Smart Guy, then can you please tell me why should I buy a S4 at over $50k while with couple grands more I can get myself a M3 sedan?

I just don't get Audi.

ahightower- the VW sedans have their own transverse engine FWD platform that's no longer shared with Audis. Previously, the Passat was on the same platform as the A4/6 but that is no longer true.

The A4's V6 has to be the worst in the class. Why do Audi and MB insist on using 90 degree V6s that are unbalanced when everyone else uses the correct 60 degree format? I think Audi dialed back the 2L's power so it didn't encroach on the 3.1L V6 which is already useless. The TT-S will have much more horsepower from the same engine.

I'm not sure that the intro article is totally correct. As far as I can tell from Audi's site, the A4 (in either sedan or avant) isn't offered with a manual at all. HUGE bummer.

By the way, kudos for getting the Avant.

Chavis, I agree that if you only look at the numbers, the Audi 2.0T is a bit underwhelming, but the trade-off of a smaller power output is a more linear torque curve. Compared to Mazda's 2.3T, the Audi engine feels like a small 6-cylinder. The Mazda has some nice juicy numbers, but it comes at the price of massive lag, an early drop-off, and a boomy exhaust. I haven't driven the GM 2.0T yet, but I'm interested to see how the lag/power trade off was handled.

"I'm sure that this car can't be as good as a Saturn Aura. After all, we're talking World Class Sport Sedan..."

Oh that was hilarious! Good one!

+5 for the shots at 1487 who never said anything negative about the A4. You are so cool dude!

Got no beef with the A4, I was questioning the logic of anyone who would suggest Americans with tight budgets would trade in their SUVs for a $44k Audi. Makes no sense. Gas is headed towards $2 a gallon and IL pronounces that SUVS are dead and crossovers will be soon. Once people start buying cars again look for them to start buying crossovers and SUVs again. Things will never be like they used to be, but wagons will NOT be making a major comeback here.

"From what I've read lately, Subaru (particularly Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca) definitely does have a premium feel. I admit it's not quite in the same class as BMW/Audi/Mercedes, but let's face it, the A4 is basically a fancy VW."

The A4 is no fancy VW, have you driven or even sat in one back to back? Subaru doesn't touch Audi at ALL, right down to sound control, and the way the doors close, Subaru fails vs Audi. Especially in the interior design and materials department. Where that 35K loaded Subaru has the same basic design as the 17K Impreza.

Audi sales are growing even in this market. The base A4 Sedan represents a great value, even the Premium Plus A4 does where the only options are
the sport package, Navi, lighter wood, and RSAB.

Finally! Something on your fleet I will enjoy reading about!

Hooray! A wagon! Such a shame it's a $44,000 small box with great driving dynamics. It's almost like there was the opportunity to test a much more capacious, affordable wagon with a diesel engine that might have mattered more to the masses instead of just a few people in California, Colorado, and the Northeast who have plenty of disposable income and a penchant for cramped boxes with look-at-me badging. Guess we'll never know... ;)

Well, as I've heard it stated before, the only thing wrong with the Audio A4 is the BMW 3 series. I'm inclined to agree with that. They are just not competitive on performance or price.

cx7lover, but the Subaru will hold up better over the shortterm and longterm. The interior materials of the Suby may not feel as good as an Audi/VW but two years out the Suby's parts will still be working and attached. The Audi...keep a plastic bin in the trunk to collect everything that falls off the car.

Still not sure why Audi does performance events and pits their AWD models against AWD competitors. People buy AWD Audis because they have to - otherwise they're stuck with FWD. The majority of Audi buyers go AWD; the majority of BMW, Lexus, Infiniti 3/G/IS buyers do not opt for the AWD models. Why not pit the most common models against one another? Oh, because then the Audis wouldn't look so good on the performance front...

sabastian,

I dont think the Gm 2L has any noticeable lag which is part of the engine's appeal. Its the best 2L engine on the market right now.

cx7lover, but the Subaru will hold up better over the shortterm and longterm. The interior materials of the Suby may not feel as good as an Audi/VW but two years out the Suby's parts will still be working and attached. The Audi...keep a plastic bin in the trunk to collect everything that falls off the car.

The 09 has been redesigned with much more durable interior plastics that even I myself can contest to, regardless my Audi has held up nicely in the 2 years I've had it. ALL of the parts in my Audi are working, ALL of the electronics work, ALL of the plastics are still in good condition save for something we did that I just found out about. The only problem area's is on the headlamp switch and gear selector. Regardless of all of that the Subaru is still sorely lacking in every way VS an Audi.

Audi's are always optioned up with AWD because the AWD is excellent, which is why it's STANDARD now(newsflash!!!!!!!!!!!!!). The 3 Series, IS, G35/7, Are all RWD or AWD, so how we're you planning on comparing FWD to RWD anyway? The nerve of Audi comparing AWD to AWD! The nerve.

bgdc, you nailed it perfectly...

Here are their justifications:

1. The competitors have to be AWD (personally I don't give a s*** about AWD since I live in So Cal) so that eliminates the C350 and IS350.

2. According to one of the rep the 335xi is more of a S4 competitor which IMO that's bunch of BS as I stated before.

3. The G35x isn't included in the comparison because it doesn't sell in enough quantities... Wha?

It's very obvious that Audi went to the extreme trying to stack up the comparison in their favor as much as possible. It's almost to a point that I have lost respect to the brand. Like I said, if the A4 3.2 competes with the IS250 and 328i then what does the A4 2.0T compete with? Honda Accord?

btw, how's your mini? Still drive it?

Mazda's DI 2.3 isn't really that good of an engine so we agree on that. GM's turbo is good but has yet to be offered in more popular vehicles. I'm sure the 2.0T is good but the facts are it has very little power. Be that as it may, it's still superior than the boat anchor 3.1L V6 which is only faster as speeds approach 100mph.

Louis,

Audi's nuts when it comes to their comparos. They have the 50k S4 listed as a car that goes against the 335xi...but yet very few people will opt for an AWD 3 series, so in reality the S4 at 50k is about 10k more than the 335i sedan. That's huge gulf! Especially when one considers the 335i will beat the S4 like a redheaded stepchild.

If Audi doesn't want their A4 FWD compared to a comparably priced RWD 328i, then Audi should drop the pricing of the A4 about 3-4k.

The TT is a competitor to the 1 series too but yet Audi acts like their 4 place compact sports coupe doesn't do battle with BMW's compact 4 place sports coupe. Weird, as the 128 will slap down any TT. The 135 is e46 M3 levels of performance for 35k.

As for my Mini, I still love it. 19 months, 20k miles and it's been great fun. I hope to get another 12-13 months out of it. We'll see...

SoCal peeps who snowboard/ski care about AWD. :o)

Suby, your name says it all. :P

You know firsthand how much you can beat on a Rex and it'll keep going.

Audi does beat Subaru in the "impression" of quality but not in the practise of it.

For years Audis have had a premium feel the Japanese can't match but it's an illusion. Everyone I have known with an Audi has had a long tale to tell of repairs and big bills.

Quality parts do not fail like that.

If I were testing driving someone elses car, I would choose the Audi.

If it were my money and I planned to keep the car past the warrantee, I'd buy a loaded Legacy wagon.

+1 on loaded Legacy > A4.

All of you people living in the past make me sick, Audi has improved in reliability so much that consumer reports rates the A3 A4 and A6 average or above average in reliability. No I'm not talking about the old ones with the craptastic 1.8T engine. I'm talking about the newest ones with the 2.0T engine.

"All of you people living in the past make me sick, Audi has improved in reliability so much that consumer reports rates the A3 A4 and A6 average or above average in reliability."

Its true, the Audi and VW were rated mid-pack I believe. They were ahead of many other big name brands, including Saturn. However, there aren't many VW/Audi fans on here so they don't get the defense they deserve with regards to the rumors and stereotypes.

Woohoo, people on the internet agree with me.

Unfortunately, there ain't no Legacy wagon these days. Legacy is only a sedan, the only wagon is the Outback. (Likewise, there is no more Outback sedan.) A shame for those who want a wagon without the "rugged" style.

Another wagon I'd rather have than this A4: Volvo V50 T5. Unfortunately, it also comes with automatic only. But it's got significantly more cargo space, and more power than the A4. And again, under $40K with everything but Navi.

Or, for $44K, a V70 with almost everything. When you deal with modern car seats, you'll appreciate the extra inches in width back there.

baby seats, that is... Not to mention even more cargo space, integrated booster seats, unbelievable safety tech, etc. Maybe I've thrown in the towel. Parenthood tends to change one's priorities. I'm only 29 but I dig Volvo wagons. Bring back the R70! (And the rear-facing third row!)

"Unfortunately, there ain't no Legacy wagon these days"

Of course there is.

http://subaru.ca/WebPage.aspx?WebPageID=10982&WebSiteID=282&CarID=385

You lucky Canucks. Too bad it isn't offered with the 3.0R - unless you go across the pond.

http://www.subaru.co.uk/Subaru_co_uk/ViewMenu.qed?menuid=M0M5M4

The T5 engine only has 227HP and 236TQ, less torque and slightly more HP, although I will admit that engine has a better sound and vibration isolation. I had an S40 before and it would be a hard pick between the two, I'm sure an extended test drive in the Audi would convenience me enough as my S40 was never sporty. It does have 12 more cu ft of space.

So, what's the point of this blog again? You guys have a bmw 1 series, x5 (or whatever the suv is), an old m3, a mercedes somewhere around, an audi wagon and an r8, a cadillac cts, and a nissan gtr. In addition, you guys have 3 evos and a wrx. As far as down to earth rides, you have a frequently bashed smart and focus along with 2 jettas. I think you have an accord somewhere too. Oh, and a whole slew of crossover vehicles.

How about some cars Americans may actually buy? How about the new sonata, malibu, or corolla? How about some entries on the accord? You don't even have a truck anymore! Come on, stop buying vehicles to be seen in and get some that need to have their long term livability tested!

It's only two Evos, bro. :o)

When you guys acquired your most recent Evo, I think quite a few of us asked why you didn't buy a new Audi A4 for your long-term fleet. Glad to see you listen to us once in a while. Now how about an edit feature?

uncanny_man, they already had the Malibu's twin, the Saturn Aura. The Sonata hasn't been significantly redesigned for about 3 years, so they'd be testing an already established model. The Corolla would be a pretty boring car for the fleet, nobody would ever drive it. Trucks are vehicular scarlet letters right now. I would like to see a new Nissan Maxima or Mazda6 in the fleet, though.

"How about the new sonata, malibu, or corolla? "

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

The test-fleet shouldn't be about testing the "coolest" cars, first.

And it's not.

Looking down the list I see 2 Jettas, a Focus, a Caravan, a Veracruz, a Civic, an Accord and an Aura. Lots of working class cars.

Not the coolest crowd but still not as dull as the sonata, malibu and corolla.

Seriously though, does anyone want to read about rental cars?

I do. I dont want to read 5 M3 posts a week.

Its time to get a Genesis for the fleet. next year a 2010 Fusion and Camaro should be added.

"Seriously though, does anyone want to read about rental cars?"

Me too, actually. They're more applicable to my lifestyle, unfortunately.

That being said, I am looking forward to the A4. It is a far more practical/interesting/realistic car for me then a R8. I don't mind the high end sports cars, but I just prefer reading the everyday cars. I KNOW the GT-R is fast, I KNOW it is high tech..

Will be interesting to see how Edmund's A4 Avant holds up over long run.

As for value, forget it. This is about buying Euro cachet, as one does with BMW and others, as well as the difference in value between Euro and USA $. Still, for many, cachet has value, and the general A4 design has real merit.

Hopefully this A4's lost some of its former stern teutonic-ness (the '07 I rode in had rock hard seats, harsh ride, blacker than black interior = unpleasant).

"Its time to get a Genesis for the fleet. next year a 2010 Fusion and Camaro should be added."

Agreed on the Genesis and the Camaro, but neither of them really fall into the "rental car" category.

"Read about rental cars"

You mean cars that actually sell in volume to consumers, instead of niche products like the GSR, the GT, or the GT-R? It's all well and good to have fun toys to play with but that's not the purpose of the test fleet. I don't think a loaded-to-the-gills A4 or Accord qualifies for the masses, either. Consistently buying the highest trim with the largest engine and the most options is not an honest way of evaluating the vehicles.

Ok folks, just to be fair here...

I believe Edmunds IL has two ways to acquire vehicles for its long term fleet: 1. The manufactures provide them or 2. Go to the dealers and purchase them like regular customers.

I can understand for those vehicles that are provided by the manufactures but I do think they can do a better job on those they actually purchased. Maybe in the future when they hit the dealership they can opt for the more "down-to-earth" model instead of the fully loaded one that only consists probably less than 5% of the total sales.

I don't know how comfortable we should be with manufacturer-provided vehicles, though, louis.

"Consistently buying the highest trim with the largest engine and the most options is not an honest way of evaluating the vehicles."

Agreed. Quite simply the staff at Edmunds seems to be more interested in go-fast luxury cars than typical grocery getter cars.

"I don't know how comfortable we should be with manufacturer-provided vehicles, though, louis. "

Agree 100%.

However, I am sure Edmunds doesn't operate with an unlimited funding so I guess we'll have to compensate.

You guys sure know how to complain about a free product.

I think getting a lot of options is more valuable than not. For example, why not get nav so the reader can evaluate whether it's worth it? Getting a blank hole in the dash instead offers nothing. Edmunds can't advise on the various features if they don't order them. Why do you think the press cars are usually fully loaded?

Bimmerjay, I think the press cars are loaded because manus want to show off worthless gadget features (like Navi). The majority of cars sell in the lower to middle range. Edmunds should have opted for a 4 pot Accord, not a maxed out Accord V6 with every toy. The majority of buyers could identify with and use the 4 cylinder accord to help make decisions. The V6 navi car is for the edmunds staff, not the general public's edification.

Yup, I agree they should test cars with all the gadgets. You can always choose not to buy the options you don't see value in, but no harm in having them tested. I do think they should go for the more economical engine choice more often, just as they did with this A4. Hopefully the next family sedan they get will be a 4-cylinder.

Since the people want dull cars, buy one of the last new cars you can still get with whitewall tires, the Mercury Grand Marquis. Make it beige.