2009 Audi A4 Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Audi A4 overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 A4, and includes Audi A4 safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Longer (4.6 inches), wider (2 inches) and slightly lower (with curves), the 2009 A4 Sedan and Avant station wagon get a complete makeover for 2009. The cars are redesigned inside and out, with lighter and stronger parts, a classy new interior with big gains in rear seat legroom, and additional standard equipment like leather and a power sunroof. Both the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and the 3.2-liter V6 get nice bumps in horsepower and torque, thanks in part to the introduction of direct fuel-injection technology, but retain their 2.0T and 3.2 model designations. Trims are packaged as Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. New options include Drive Select (pre-programmed settings for vehicle dynamics), adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot warning system.

Astute observers will note that the A4 Cabriolet carries over for 2009, riding on the old A4 platform and powered by the less-powerful versions of the 2.0-liter turbo and 3.2-liter V6.

Try to follow along (and stay awake) here, because even though there are fewer trims for 2009, the mix-and-match game gets a little involved.

You can get a 2009 Audi A4 Sedan as a 2.0T, with front- or all-wheel drive (Quattro). The front-wheel-drive model comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while Quattro is paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the A4 Sedan is Audi’s 3.2-liter V6, bringing with it a 3.2 badge on the back, standard Quattro, and an automatic transmission. If you like wagons, Audi offers the 2.0T Avant, which comes standard with Quattro and an automatic transmission for 2009.

The carryover Cabriolets are available in either 2.0T or 3.2 trim. The 2.0T comes with front-wheel drive and a CVT, or with Quattro and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 3.2 Cabriolet is sold exclusively with Quattro and an automatic transmission. The performance-oriented Audi S4 continues in Cabriolet format for 2009, but is not the subject of this review.

All trims come standard with leather, automatic climate control, 8-way power front seats with power lumbar, power heated mirrors, and a power sunroof. Interiors have aluminum trim, while exteriors are dressed up with fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also standard are a 10-speaker CD/MP3 stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack and satellite radio, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The A4 3.2 adds numerous features, including Bluetooth hands-free calling, a CD changer, an iPod interface, a universal garage door opener, and a trip computer. Other goodies are heated front seats, memory for the driver’s seat and mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic headlights. Cabriolet models add dual-zone automatic climate control, 12-way power front seats, heated washer nozzles, a rear fog light, and headlamp washers.

Two main option packages are available on the 2009 A4 Sedan and Avant. The Premium Plus Package is available on the 2.0T and adds the features that comes standard on the A4 3.2, plus LED forward lighting, chrome greenhouse trim, and triple-zone climate control. The Prestige Package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, rear park assist, keyless ignition, a blind-spot warning system, a premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and a power liftgate on the A4 Avant.

To improve handling for sedans and wagons, Audi offers a couple of Sport Packages with nicer wheels, more aggressive rubber, a sport suspension, and sport-bolstered front seats. The S-line Package adds these upgrades plus leather and Alcantara upholstery, improved cabin décor, and unique wheels. Convertibles can be outfitted with a Convenience Package with features like bi-Xenon adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and several other items.

Additional options, depending on body style and trim package, include Audi’s Multi-Media Interface with navigation, a new Drive Select system, an adaptive cruise control system, and a handful of other features.

Two new engines debut for the A4 Sedan and Avant this year. The 2.0T models get a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder making 211 horsepower (up 11 from last year) at 4,300 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque (up 51 from 2008) spread across a broad rev range. The 3.2 model has a 3.2-liter, direct-injection V6 engine, offering 265 hp (up 10 from last year) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Engines for A4 Cabriolets remain the same as last year. The 2.0T is equipped with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 3.2 Cabriolet is equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 255 hp at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque.

Models with front-wheel drive have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Models with Quattro can have a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Fuel economy for the A4 2.0T ranges between 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The A4 3.2, predictably, burns more fuel, ranging from 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Audi’s new Drive Select system allows the driver to adjust engine and throttle mapping, suspension damping, and dynamic steering settings by simply turning the console-mounted knob to Comfort, Sport or anywhere in-between.

Audi includes a comprehensive package of safety features on every A4, including stability and traction control, dual front airbags, side-impact airbags for front seat occupants, and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. Sedans and wagons get side-curtain airbags protecting front and rear occupants, while Cabriolets get a standard rollover protection system. Rear seat airbags are optional.

This year’s redesign of the A4 Sedan and Avant wagon results in excellent crashworthiness. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives them five-star ratings all the way around, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names them a Top Safety Pick. The 2009 A4 Cabriolet is not as accomplished, receiving a rating of Good in the offset frontal crash test, a rating of Marginal in the side-impact crash test, and a rating of Poor for rear crashworthiness.

Consumer Reports is more optimistic about the A4 3.2 than it is the A4 2.0T. The former receives an above average rating for reliability, while the latter gets an average rating. J.D. Power and Associates also thinks the A4 will be reliable, assigning an above average prediction for dependability.

With this redesign, Audi hopes the A4 will finally give the BMW 3 Series a real run for the money. So far, it looks like it will. Third-party safety and reliability judges give the A4 impressive marks. On top of that, reviewers can’t stop raving about how great the 2009 A4 is. It’s all here: handling, smoothness, comfort, luxury, all at a reasonable price.