2009 Audi A4 Avant Fayetteville GA

November 3, 2009   By Jon Alain Guzik, Editor-in-Chief



2009 Audi A4
DriverSide Overview
With gas prices going up, up and up and the days of large SUVs rolling down America’s highways slowly winding down, a smaller wagon seems like a smart idea, especially if that wagon is called an Avant and is based on the smart from the ground-up Audi A4 . For 2009, the Audi A4 Avant has grown longer by 4.6 inches and wider by 2.1 inches, leading to more interior leg and headroom and a larger storage area. The Avant is also lower by 0.7 inches and considerably lighter than the outgoing model, which gives the sleek A4 Avant a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride. The Avant is a neat package that combines great utility and sleek looks, something that Audi has always been known for.








What's to Like
The 2009 A4 Avant is quite a bit larger, but the MLP chassis has decreased overall weight by ten percent. There is also Audi’s 2.0-liter TFSI engine that delivers more power and torque with a ten percent fuel economy boost. Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard.

What's Not to Like
We would like the choice of a 3.2-liter engine and DSG, as featured on other Audis like the A3 and the TT . Also, expensive options can quickly take the A4 Avant well into the pricing stratosphere.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
One of the main criticisms of previous A4 models was that the engine, sitting far ahead of the front axle, upset the A4’s balance. This was the direct result of the previous generations’ architecture. Audi has fixed the problem with the 2009 model, moving the engine back over the front axle to create a superior front-end balance. The Avant holds the corners better than the model it replaces, especially due to its lower weight. Audi Drive Select is a welcome option - and long overdue option - that controls engine, suspension, transmission and steering characteristics. The system is showcased through a killer dynamic steering system that turns the A4’s steering rack faster at slow speeds and requires less input to complete sharp turns. The optional system has three modes; comfort, auto and dynamic, the last of which really stiffens the steering, providing improved feedback from the road.  The overall weight and size difference between the A4 Sedan and Wagon is negligible at best, and the Avant and Sedan provide similar sporty and Teutonic-feeling rides.

Engine and Drivetrain
The A4 comes with a completely reworked 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine producing 211 horsepower and a massive 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi’s six-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard and is the only package available. We hope a Diesel powertrain option makes it over the pond in the future.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
You should check the option box for the Audi side assist system, which uses radar sensors to detect vehicle...

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