2009 Audi A4 Owners Manual - Audi's entry-level sedan and companion Avant wagon get a complete redesign for 2009. The new A4 is longer and wider, resulting in more interior room and cargo space. The optional Drive Select system allows the driver to customize steering, suspension and transmission settings, and a rearrangement of the front axle has yielded a less-nose-heavy weight distribution. New technology features include direct injection for both engines, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot warning system and a revised version of Audi's MMI systems controller. The convertible A4, however, carries over from last year.
Despite being a longtime top seller in Europe, the Audi A4 has historically trailed a distant 3rd behind those other German automakers' compact luxury sedans in the North American market. The folks in Ingolstadt are hoping to change all that with the newly redesigned 2009 Audi A4.
The new A4 sedan is nearly 5 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the previous model, which yields more headroom, more shoulder room and an additional 1.4 inches of rear knee room, as well as class-leading trunk space. Also new on the A4 this year is a pair of direct-injection engines -- the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 3.2-liter V6 (sedan only). The 2009 A4 additionally offers a plethora of techno-gadgets, including radar-based adaptive cruise control, a new park distance control system and revised controls for Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system.
2008 Audi A4 Owners Manual - For 2008, the Audi A4 receives only minor changes. Exterior features that were previously available as part of the sedan and wagon's optional S line sport package are now standard. This means that front and rear bumpers have been revised, as has the lower side door trim. An integrated trunk lid spoiler has been added, along with a new front grille and S line badging. To reflect this, the optional S line Sport Package has been trimmed to include just a sport-tuned suspension, sport three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum trim, 18-inch wheels and leather upholstery with unique stitching. On the A4 Cabriolet, heated front seats are now standard. An optional iPod interface is available on all 2008 Audi A4s.
Many of the world's major religions bear a similar theme: A messiah comes, bringing with him enlightenment and a path to a better way of living. Audi had its very own messiah of sorts with the A4. Bad press regarding unintended acceleration (based on reports that were later shown to be unfounded) tarnished the manufacturer's image in the late '80s and early '90s, sending sales into an unholy tailspin. Launched in the mid-'90s, the Audi A4 -- buoyed by crisp handling, superb road manners and elegant visage -- proved compelling enough to reinvigorate the brand. Now in its third generation, the Audi A4 is as enticing as ever -- and Edmunds.com's editors have voted it a top pick for several years running.
The 2008 Audi A4 is catnip for drivers who crave the finer things. One of the few entry-level luxury cars available as a sedan, convertible and wagon, the Audi A4 morphs to please everyone from bustling families to solitary singles. Slide inside and you'll find a cabin that takes the "entry" out of "entry-luxury." Gauges offer the sort of soothing lighting you'd find in a chic late-night bistro, and the car's interior materials and design would be right at home in the expensively outfitted lobby of a premier Hollywood talent agency. On the move, the A4 has a solid feel to it, an attribute no doubt helped by the car's commonly fitted Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Compromises are few, but they do exist. Neither A4 engine is a powerhouse, for instance, as the turbocharged 2.0-liter is somewhat lacking when it comes to off-the-line torque and the 255-horsepower V6 is increasingly outclassed by competitors putting out more than 300 hp. Another potential negative is the rear seat, which isn't as roomy as the accommodations in some rivals. Hard-core enthusiasts might also criticize the A4's handling, which is softer and less responsive than the premier sport sedans in this price range. However, many buyers will find that the Audi's high level of feedback compensates for its somewhat slower reflexes.
2007 Audi A4 Owners Manual - According to edmunds, the most significant change for the 2007 Audi A4 family is the updating of the Cabriolet body style. In addition to adopting the refreshed styling and hardware already on the sedan and wagon, the Cabriolet features a new acoustic top that promises a quieter ride. Other updates this year include a revised "Symphony" audio system, which can now play MP3-encoded CDs, and some shuffling of features. The 2.0T gains a new four-spoke steering wheel but loses the option of having a driver seat/mirror memory feature or heated rear seats. The 3.2 gets a standard sunroof (excluding Cabriolet versions) and paddle-shifters for automatic transmission-equipped models. Finally, satellite radio choice is now limited to Sirius, and Audi's free maintenance program has been discontinued.
Introduced in the mid-1990s, the Audi A4 was the vehicle responsible for kicking the company out of its late '80s and early '90s funk. With its classy styling, comfortable ride, well-weighted steering and buttoned-down suspension, that first A4 attracted a whole new fan base for Audi. More than a decade later, the latest A4 (now in its third generation) is still taking up the point position.The 2007 Audi A4 may be the company's entry-level luxury car, but it doesn't give much away except space to its larger siblings. A stylish cabin boasting fine fit and finish is one evident Audi trait, and the A4 upholds this tradition. But there's more to the A4 than just a nice interior. Thanks to its available quattro all-wheel-drive system, the A4 is capable of providing both enhanced traction on slippery roads and better road-holding on dry pavement.
Additionally, Audi has fitted the car with two impressive direct-injection engines: a powerful yet relatively frugal turbocharged 2.0-liter engine called the 2.0T, and a sweet-sounding 3.2-liter V6.The major news for the 2007 A4 is a full update for the Cabriolet body style. For the past couple of years, it was a bit behind in terms of receiving the latest mechanical A4 hardware. This year, the 1.8-liter turbo four and 3.0-liter V6 are gone and replaced with the 2.0T and 3.2. Other updates for the Cab include new exterior styling, a revised suspension design and a new, quieter convertible top.Aimed chiefly at BMW's 3 Series, the 2007 Audi A4 isn't quite as involving a drive as that benchmark sport sedan from Bavaria. The Audi also faces solid competition from the Lexus IS and the Volvo S40. But with a price tag thousands less than the Bimmer, a richer cabin than any of them, a wider choice of body styles and a well-rounded personality, the Audi A4 is a mandatory consideration for those shopping in the sport-oriented entry-level luxury car market.
2006 Audi A4 Owners Manual - According to edmunds, when the Audi A4 debuted in the United States in 1996, it set forth
the revitalization of the Audi brand. We've been impressed by the A4
since that time and have always considered it one of the most
well-appointed and fun-to-drive cars in its price class. But seven years
is a long time for a car in the entry-level luxury car market, so Audi
completely redesigned the A4 for the 2002 model year. The new sedan,
followed later by the wagon (or Avant in Audi terminology) and
convertible (or Cabriolet), was more sharply styled than before, with
clear glass headlights, dual exhaust and a high waistline. Although the
convertible's clean expression speaks proudly of its fellow A4s, the
Cab's sleeker profile and prominent aluminum accents give it an even
sharper bite.
A substantially refreshed A4 debuted in midyear
2005. It wasn't a total redo, as Audi calls it 60-percent new. Its
platform, interior and overall dimensions are basically the same as
before. Bold new sheet metal marked the exterior revisions. The updated
A4 also boasts a reworked front suspension that picked up numerous
components from the high-performance Audi S4. The rear came in for even
more revision with links and wheel carriers from the S4 and shock
absorbers from the A6. And two new direct-injection gasoline engines
reside under the sleek hood. The turbocharged 1.8T was bumped up to 2.0
liters and equipped with direct injection, yielding 200 horsepower. The
3.0-liter V6 was likewise upgraded to 3.2 liters, direct injection and
255 hp. The engines are hooked up to six-speeds, whether you choose the
manual or automatic.