2009 Audi A4

By René Gervais

Ergonomics

Certain aspects of the A4 displeased me, notably the adjustment of several dashboard controls. For example, take the heated seats. Used to working the teethed wheel behind the transmission arm which activates a good chunk of the controls, I expected the seats to follow suit, however, it took some time before I realized that the seat button had to be on before I could set the air conditioning temperature. I had to repeat the same sequence to turn off the heat. Not rocket science, you say, however, each second spent with eyes elsewhere and not on the roadway is one too many. The same distracting fiddling applies to heating and air conditioning.

That sums up my ergonomics complaint. The seats, while firm, are comfortable. Rear passenger space beats the older generation A4s, the steering wheel grips well and the knobs on the steering column seem user friendly.

Conclusion

This luxurious A4 boasts a good helping of improvements. The extra refinement, the slenderer lines, and the more aggressive front grille contribute to its attractiveness. Once again, this vehicle speaks to the driving sensation enthusiasts and not to the more sedate.

Additional comments: Benjamin

I agree with most of my colleague’s comments. This Audi A4 decidedly trumps the previous generation. Handling puts this Audi in exclusive company. The new version 2.0T offers a pleasant driving experience. Solid transmission aside, the manual gearbox should be an option as it was in the past. This A4 has gained weight, underscoring interior volume yet not diminishing driving pleasure. On an aesthetic note, I find the front attractive but I find the rear unimaginative.