EVERYDAY ART
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Wed, Oct 14, 2009
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
EVERYDAY ART
After driving this car for only a short time, I exit the vehicle to hear a
female voice saying 'That's hot'. I turn around expecting to see Paris Hilton,
but instead I see a neighbor who has taken time to give a very brief but concise
review of a car that undoubtedly receives the same comment from others. The Audi
A4 2.0 T seems to make friends quickly.
Hey, it's an Audi - stylish, sexy and fun. Most car companies make changes to
their vehicles every year or so, but Audi always seems to be on the cutting edge
of vehicle design with cars that turn heads. This car is certainly no exception.
Bold features blend beautifully with sleek lines and sporty curves to create a
car with the 'wow' factor.
The same attention to detail that makes the outside of the car look so cool
continues on the inside. The A4's interior is comfortable and quite luxurious.
The test vehicle I'm driving is the Prestige model (add $7,300) so, needless to
say, the list of features is a lengthy one. From heated front seats (leather, of
course) and three-zone climate control to a six-CD symphony radio teamed with an
awesome Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, this car rocks!
Another interesting and valuable feature in the Prestige package is Audi Side
Assist. As I make my way down the 710 Freeway toward Long Beach, the A4 is
actually monitoring my blind spots. Amber LEDs will light in the exterior
rear-view mirrors will light to inform me that a vehicle has been detected just
behind me in an adjacent lane. If I activate my turn signal to make a lane
change, the lights will become brighter and start to flash.
The A4 is driver-friendly and all controls are within easy reach. Some controls
are conveniently located on the steering wheel, while others are located on the
center console. As with many newer cars, particularly sportier cars such as the
A4, there are so many buttons...and controls...and dials...and cup holders on the
center console that the width of the console actually makes me feel a little
cramped with my right leg rubbing annoyingly against the console.
Considering all the vehicles on the road packing 300+ horsepower, the A4's
211-hp engine may sound a little less than thrilling. This is, however, a
turbocharged four-cylinder engine teamed with an efficient six-speed Tiptronic
automatic transmission, so I am not disappointed in the least by the A4's
performance. Zero-to-sixty in 6.7 seconds - I can certainly live with that.
Audi's Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) analyzes driving characteristics and the
transmission adapts its shift strategy accordingly.
Dynamic suspension and speed-sensitive power steering make the A4 sporty and
responsive. The ride is smooth, yet I have a good feel of the road. As for
braking, let's just say the brakes work really well - maybe even a little too
well. The brakes are a little touchy so be prepared to stop very quickly. This
has been a good test not only of the brakes, but the seatbelts, as well.
Another feature worth considering (add $2,950) is Audi Drive Select. At the push
of a button, ADS allows you switch between comfort, dynamic, individual and auto
settings. The system controls the steering, shift characteristics, suspension
and engine response to give you the desired driving configuration.
But what does all this driving technology mean to you if you don't really have a
sense of direction? Well, throw in another $2,500 and you can add a cool
DVD-based navigation system with voice control. The navigation package includes
a color driver display and rearview camera for safe backing.
Standard features that make the A4 worthy of consideration include a glass
sunroof, dual power outlets, and a sporty four-spoke leather wrapped steering
wheel. Big shiny alloy wheels give the car a great look and, when used regularly
and properly, the A4's electronic cruise control will help you save fuel as you
maintain a constant speed driving on the highway.
Overall the Audi A4 provides an impressive driving experience and, since it
looks so 'hot', you may even make some new friends.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Just another everyday, cutting edge, jewel-like work of art on wheels from Audi.
For more information about Audi products:
www.audiusa.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2009 Audi A4 Sedan 2.0 T quattro Tiptronic
Price:
$32,700 (MSRP)
$46,675 (as tested)
Engine type:
2.0 TFSI DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with direct injection
Horsepower:
211 @ 5,300-6,000 rpm
Torque:
258 @ 1,500-4,200 rpm
Drive configuration:
Audi Quattro permanent all-wheel drive
Transmission type:
6-speed automatic with Tiptronic and DSP (Dynamic Shift Program)
Steering:
Speed-sensitive power steering
Suspension:
Front: Five-link front suspension; upper and lower wishbones; anti-roll bar
Rear: Independent-wheel, trapezoidal-link rear suspension; anti-roll bar
Wheels and tires:
Wheels:
17" alloy wheels (standard); 18" five-spoke alloy wheels (Prestige model)
Tires:
225/50 all-season tires
Brakes:
ABS; Electronic brake pressure distribution; Dual-circuit with diagonal split
Front: 12.6-inch ventilated disc
Rear: 11.3-inch solid disc
Overall length:
185.2 inches
Overall width:
79.0 inches (with mirrors)
Overall height:
56.2 inches
Curb weight (lbs.):
3,715 lbs.
EPA mileage estimates City/ Highway:
21 / 27
Performance:
0-60: 6.7 seconds