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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 By Reed "The Traffic Guy" Berry

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

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