Exclusive First Drive! ’09 Audi A4 German sports sedan grows up - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER



2009 Audi A4 will be coming to the U.S. in Fall 2008. AutoWeek got a chance to drive it today.

ON SALE: Fall 2008
BASE PRICE: $29,000 (est)
DRIVETRAIN: 3.2-liter, 265-hp, 243-lb-ft V6; 4wd, tiptronic automatic
CURB WEIGHT: N/A
0 TO 60 MPH: 6.1 sec (mfr)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA/AW): N/A




With its new A4, - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER aims to mend the dynamic shortcomings of its predecessor—a choppy ride—thanks in no small part to too much weight on the front end.

By all early indications, this new sports sedan has hit its mark. The moment you get behind the leather-wrapped wheel, fire its engine and put it in gear, you recognize quickly its reworked chassis and upgraded interior, two of the car’s most apparent gains. Which, if you think about it, is a feat in itself; known for its - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER technology and sporty ride, as well as having the top interiors not just in class but in the industry, making gains in those areas is an enormous feat.

The first thing you notice from the cockpit is how much bigger the car looks. Indeed: It grows six inches in length compared with its predecessor, which Audi uses to great customer benefit.

We pushed the 3.2-liter V6 that develops 265 hp. (We will also get a 2.0-liter 200-hp four banger.) The engine pulls strong and smooth through the gearing, and the ride is greatly improved; the long wheelbase helps, clearly, and while “supple” has never been a term used with stiffly sprung Audis, this ride is far less jarring. Where did those six extra inches in length go? Audi moved the front axle forward that half-foot, which greatly balances the ride—the A4 feels less front-end heavy than the current model.

As for the interior, well, it’s just fantastic. The comfort level is incredible, and the quality of the materials appears top-shelf. It has a more expensive look than a car at this price, and the sensation of touch is reminiscent of uber-high-quality features. We can unequivocally say that Audi’s string of gorgeous interiors continues unbroken.

Plans are for the car to be on sale in the United States in fall ’08 as a 2009 model.

The new A4 made its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show Sept. 11. Audi hasn’t decided on prices yet, but if history holds true to form, do not expect a big increase. Current model prices start around $29,000.

Look for a complete test drive of the new A4 in a coming issue of AutoWeek.