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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Audi A4

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Audi A4

Overview

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2009 Audi A4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

While Audi's lineup has increased over the years, the A4 Sedan and Wagon (Avant, in Audi-speak) has remained been the German automaker's volume leader, thanks to its ability to blend spirited driving performance with passenger comfort at a reasonable price. Although other comparable luxury offerings – like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Infiniti G Sedan – may have been the headliners in recent years, the capable A4 has always been there, biding its time in the wings and waiting to swiftly enter stage right. Finally, it now deserves the spotlight again: with bolder exterior styling, a more spacious interior, a re-tuned 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged TFSI engine and an enriched list of available content, the 2009 Audi A4 is ready for its close up.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a mid-size luxury vehicle that appeals to drivers with its on-road performance and to passengers with its well-designed interior, the 2009 Audi A4 deserves your attention. Class-leading fuel economy, a noteworthy list of standard equipment and a reasonable starting price certainly don't hurt, either.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the 2009 Audi A4 is very well-packaged, it can still climb above $55,000 territory when fully-loaded – more than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Lexus IS. And, despite the extensive technology that Audi has made available for the A4 it still only offers slower DVD-based, and not hard drive-based, navigation.

What's New for 2009

The fifth-generation 2009 Audi A4 gets a well-deserved re-do, most notably a sizeable increase in interior room, enhanced optional and standard equipment lists and a more powerful 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Driving the A4

Driving Impressions Thanks in part to a wider track and longer wheelbase, the 2009 Audi A4 Sedans and Avants we drove felt remarkably well-balanced and solid on the road and extremely comfortable...

inside. Although the 3.2-liter V6 was undoubtedly the most fun to drive – especially when paired with the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission – the more fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged in-line four proved to be relatively lag-free and definitely offered the most bang for the buck, with a smile-inducing 258 pound-feet of torque. Those disappointed by the lack of RWD should consider the very capable quattro AWD system with a 40:60 front/rear bias, standard on the Avant.

Favorite Features

Well-designed Interior
There's nothing like the welcoming feel of supple and supportive leather seats, touch-worthy surfaces and intuitively placed controls to make being a passenger inside the A4 just as pleasurable as getting behind the wheel.

Bang & Olufsen Sound System
Standard on Prestige trims, this stellar 505-watt, 10-channel, 14-speaker sound system is a welcome addition to the A4's interior for those who want to listen to their MP3s and CDs in crisp, well-balanced sound.

2009 Audi A4 Details

Interior

Audi's careful attention to touch-worthy surfaces, ergonomically-placed controls and supportive seats makes just sitting inside the A4 an experience. Although it does offer some fun extras – like the impressive 505-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system – the A4 is equipped at base level to meet most people's needs. The trunk of the A4 Sedan boasts an impressive 16.9 cubic feet of space, but those wanting more will find a better fit in the A4 Avant: With best-in-class cargo room, a reversible cargo floor, luggage retainer set and electric tailgate, this wagon can be customized to suit a number of needs.

Exterior

The 2009 Audi A4 is longer, stronger and (dare we say it?) sportier than before. Up front, a shorter front overhang highlights a longer hood and typical oversized Audi grille in stone gray or high-gloss black. Those who wish to draw even more attention to the A4's front end can opt for the bi-xenon headlights with R8-like LED daytime running lights. Rounding out the A4 2.0T Premium's look are standard six-spoke 17-inch wheels, while moving up into 3.2 territory nets flashier 10-spoke 17s or five-spoke 18-inch wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The A4 offers up to three well-equipped trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium vehicles include a Multitronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), electric parking brake, sunroof (panoramic on the Avant), automatic climate control, Audi Multi-Media Interface with 6.5-inch screen, leather seats and a 180-watt 10-speaker sound system. Moving up to the Premium Plus/Prestige trims brings bi-xenon headlights with R8-like LED daytime running lights, three-zone climate control, an iPod interface and a six-disc in-dash CD player. A Bang & Olufsen 505-watt sound system is also standard on the Prestige trim. All trims come with six airbags and electronic stability/traction control.

Optional Equipment

When it comes to outfitting the 2009 Audi A4, most options are tied to trim level. The Premium trim offers Bluetooth, a six-speed manual transmission, iPod integration and 18-inch wheels, while opting for Premium Plus presents a DVD-based navigation system with back up camera. Audi's most desirable options are tied to the Prestige trim and include the S-line styling package, Audi drive select (adjusts the steering, suspension and shift points) and 19-inch wheels. A few options are available regardless of trim, like rear side airbags, quattro all wheel drive and Tiptronic automatic transmission with or without paddle shifters.

Under the Hood

The 2009 Audi A4 offers two engine choices, both with direct injection: A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (known as TFSI) and a 3.2-liter V6. In addition, the A4 presents three different transmissions, including a Multitronic Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT), a six-speed manual and a paddle shifter-equipped Tiptronic six-speed automatic. Unlike many of its competitors, Audi chose to furnish its base model with the CVT and not the manual transmission, thereby boosting fuel economy to best-in-class ratings of 23/30 city/highway mpg.

2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
211 horsepower @ 5300-6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1500-4200 rpm
EPA Estimated City/Highway Mileage: 23/30 (FWD, CVT), 22/30 (AWD, Manual), 21/27 (AWD, Automatic)

3.2-liter V6
265 horsepower@ 6500 rpm
243 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3000-5000 rpm
EPA Estimated City/Highway Mileage: 17/26

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Audi A4 vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.0

Out of 10

Based on 85 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.3/10
Reliability

9.1/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.4/10

Best all around vehicle that I have owned.

By John (CO) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Handling, fuel economy, style"

Cons: "Road clearance"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"This is a great car which is fun to drive, has great handling characteristics, and good fuel economy. Highway driving in the mountains and to and from Denver, I always get at least 30mpg. Out of the mountains on the highway,I typically get 32mpg at 70+ mph. The 8 speed AT is amazing and I never feel it shift. Traction in snow, slush, ice and rain is great! The car with options is on the expensive side at first, but driving it always puts a smile on my face."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Fantastic, well-engineered automobile

By MotownSailor (IA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,750

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Reliability, Fun to Drive, Looks, Comfort, MPG"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased a new, 2011 Audi A4 two years ago. This is, by far, the best automobile I have ever owned. Every aspect of this car feels "right." The German engineering is obvious, from the dials and buttons on the driver's console, to the layout of the steering wheel. This car is incredibly quick for a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine. I often find myself doing +80mph as I merge onto the expressway to go to work in the morning! This car drives like it is on rails. The automatic 8-speed tranny is absolutely wonderful. The dual-clutch system works flawlessly as you accelerate, and even as you slow to approach a red light, the transmission downshifts smoothly and at the exact right moment. The cost to maintain an Audi is a little higher than typical American cars, but I only need to bring it in every 10,000 miles. I haven't done the math, but it probably works out equally in the long run. This is my first turbo, and it did take a little getting used to. The car does suffer from turbo-lag when driving around the city... But this is a heavy four-door car, with a small 2.0 liter engine, so it is to be expected. The turbo kicks in after about a second (it feels like you are letting the clutch out in a manual) and when it kicks in, hold on! This is a terrific car, and I am now a devoted Audi owner!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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If you do your homework, you will see why it rocks

By Audi Nut (AZ) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Good Power, Sharp Looks, Comfortable, Quiet"

Cons: "If you get a base model, it is lacking"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is our 6th Audi, Audi has gotten progressively better since our 1st in 2001. Every 4 years we upgrade to the next gen. What an awesome car. Get to know you dealer! Get to know your service department. They will not steer you wrong. Audi leads the way in customer satisfaction and service. We cant say enough praise for this company."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this car!

By Barry (CA) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Handling is phenomenal; oozes class!"

Cons: "I really cannot complain. I did my research."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I love this car. It handles so well, and it is a joy to drive. I bought this car in November 2012. Immediately took it upto the Bay Area to see my folks, and the drive was very smooth. I knew what I was buying, so I am aware of expected costs for maintenance and so forth. Thanks KBB for the information available. You made this purchase so much easier."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Funnest Car I've Ever Owned

By DropTop (GA) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun, comfy, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful"

Cons: "I'll let you know if I find any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2009 A4 Cabrio S-Line that I've owned for about a year and a half and have put about 28,000 miles on it. I bought it as a certified pre-owned, and I definitely recommend going that route if you can find what you want. What do I like about it? I find that it handles remarkably well for a FWD car. I took it on a drive through the hills/mountains of northern GA and had a blast. It is also very comfortable on long drives, more comfortable than my wife's Toyota Avalon and the Lexus that replaced the Avalon. The ergonomics are just perfect. It has plenty of power when I need it and very good highway mileage when I am just cruising - in level areas of the state I can log about 33 MPG HWY. Unlike a hardtop convertible, the A4's top leaves plenty of space in the trunk when it is down. I read plenty of other reviews that talked about the A4 burning oil. Well the owner's manual does say that it will burn a quart about every 1200 miles. I've found that number can fluctuate depending on how I drive. I use mine as my daily driver so I'm usually driving pretty sedately just getting to work and back. While I haven't been diligent in logging the events I have noticed that with such driving I get well beyond that 1200 miles before I need to add oil. On the other hand, I have had the opportunity now and again to rapidly and fully depress the accelerator with the shift lever in sport mode, and when I do I can see a bit of a blue cloud in my rear view mirror - but I lose sight of it quickly (varoom!) My brother says it is normal for that type of engine because it has low compression (words, words, words). Anyways, I check my oil regularly and keep a quart in the trunk (Why not? There's room.) and I've never had any problem. Plus, doing so gives me one more reason to spend more time with my car. Finally, it is beautiful. (I actually prefer the headlights and taillights on my 2009 over the squinty things on the newer models.) A couple of weeks ago we were in an art gallery and came around a corner to a window overlooking the parking lot where I could see my car (Ibis White with a tan roof). My wife compared my car to what we had seen in the gallery, with my car winning the beauty contest. So, fun, comfortable, good value (as a CPO), and beautiful. I think that about sums it up."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great, sporty car

By Rippin'AV (CA) on Monday, March 25, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive, quattro traction anywhere, mpg's"

Cons: "little pricey in avant trim but worth it!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have owned the Audi A4 avant for almost 5 years now and absolutely love it. Driving dynamics are great, with sport package it just sticks to the road. Great gas mileage for how quick it is. Best looking wagon on the road. Period."

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