The four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4 is fitted with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler’s V6 produces 202 horsepower (HP) and 237 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 are 15 city / 19 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with both the manual and automatic transmissions. (The 2WD Sport 4×2 and Sahara 4×2 are rated slightly higher, at 15/20)

We put more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our automatic-equipped Red Rock Crystal Pearl review unit over a range of terrain and were able to squeak past the official mileage estimates with an average of 22.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 17.9 MPG combined.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 21.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 23.1 MPG

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the mid-fifties through the low eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the sixties. Highway tests were performed with the removable top on the vehicle.

The Wrangler’s 3.8-liter engine runs on regular unleaded fuel. The 22.5 gallon capacity gas tank provides a good amount of range.

There’s no mistaking the Wrangler for a speed demon, as it takes a leisurely trot up to highway speeds.

We had the opportunity to run our test unit through a variety of conditions, including miles upon miles of sand roads crisscrossing Wharton State Forest in the heart of the Jersey Pinelands. We found the Wrangler Unlimited to be most at home when off the beaten path. While the highway ride is smooth, it can be a bit bouncy in-town.

Although the Wrangler includes an average fuel economy display as standard equipment, it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. We used an aftermarket AutoMeter EcoMeter throughout testing in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency through light-footed driving.

The Wrangler Unlimited rides on a 116-inch wheelbase that’s stretched 20.6-inches over the standard Wrangler. This allows for a generous amount of passenger room and cargo capacity. 46.4 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the 60/40 rear seats are up and a whopping 83 cubic feet of space is available when the rear seats are down. Underfloor storage provides additional space to store items away from prying eyes.

Rear seating is designed to accommodate three, with plenty of leg and headroom.

A subwoofer-equipped 368-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system is standard in the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Our test unit was fitted with the optional Uconnect Navigation and audio system, which includes a 30 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) for music storage.

While there are both USB and audio input jacks, USB performance is limited. The system does not work directly with iPod menus and cannot play music downloaded from the iTunes Store unless converted to MP3 format (or run through the audio input jack). Music files can be downloaded to the HDD from USB devices or ripped from audio CDs.

The look may be retro, but the modern conveniences are covered. True to Jeep tradition, the doors are removable, even though they include power windows and locks. There are two power outlets at the base of the dash. While our test unit was not equipped with it, a Bluetooth option is available. Although we’ve gotten a bit lost in the Pinelands in previous outings, off-roading with a satellite navigation system on-board is like having a little bird on your shoulder.

Make no mistake about it … this is a serious four-wheeler, not a fashion accessory. Four wheel disc brakes, a Dana 44 heavy duty rear axle, skid plates (for the transfer case and fuel tank), Command-Trac Shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and Hill Assist are standard, along with two front two hooks and one rear tow hook. The Wrangler Unlimited rides on 18 x 7.5 inch machined cast aluminum wheels shod with P225/70R18 On-/Off-Road Tires. A full size spare is standard issue.

The Wrangler Unlimited comes standard with Jeep’s Sunrider soft top. We highly recommend adding a hard top. The optional three-piece modular Freedom hard top includes a rear window wiper/defroster and is reasonably priced. One person can easily remove or install the front sections of the Freedom top.

All-in-all, the Jeep Wranger Sahara Unlimited 4×4 continues to fill a unique niche by delivering dependable off-road performance, in-cabin technology, iconic design, and open air motoring, along with plenty of cargo capacity and passenger space. If you want to get there with four doors and an open roof, the Wrangler Unlimited is the only game in or out of town.

Curb Weight: 4,269 pounds – manual, 4,294 – automatic.
Final Assembly Point: Toledo, Ohio
Country of Origin: Engine – United States, Transmission – United States
U.S/Canadian Parts Content: 57%

This wonderful beast delivers a unique combination of fuel efficiency, range, driveability, luxury, and towing capacity, along with some of the best in-cabin technology on the market today.

If you’ve spent much time on MPGomatic.com, watched a bunch of my review videos on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter, you might already know that I dig clean diesel technology and the potential it holds for America.

So when I was invited to take the clean diesel Q7 TDI on a road trip to see how many miles I could squeak out of the 26.4 gallon fuel tank, I jumped at the chance.

While the 2009 Q7 TDI is officially rated at 17 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG), I knew it was capable of significantly better mileage when driven conscientiously.

The first leg of the effort on the Interstate proved that out, as I scored 28.3 MPG with the cruise control on (set at our standard 68 MPH) and 30.1 MPG (at speeds between 60 and 72 MPH) with the cruise control off. With outside temperatures in the 80s, the air conditioning ran for the entire day. By the time the Q7 TDI rolled back into the driveway late that afternoon, I had travelled just under 200 miles on just over seven gallons of fuel.

These are impressive numbers for a seven-passenger vehicle, all the more so when you consider the amount of power and towing capacity. With the Q7 TDI, fuel economy is just the start.

When you talk about diesel engines, it’s not the horsepower (HP) that makes the difference … it’s the torque. While the common-rail injected 3.0 liter V6 is rated at 225 HP, it puts out a stunning 406 foot pounds of torque. All that torque allows for a very generous towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. Not to mention a very rewarding rush of acceleration when you step on the pedal …

The second leg of our test was largely spent on local roads, both in-town and out in the country. Once again, the Q7 TDI’s mileage results were exemplary for its size and weight, with 45 MPH back road cruising delivering mileage well into the thirties.

Our goal for the tank was 600 miles of combined driving. If we had planned out a route that consisted exclusively of backroads and Interstate driving, we could have exceeded that distance handily.

As it turned out, we fell a just a bit short of our goal. Blame it on the route and the rush that the Q7 TDI delivers when you mash the pedal. That blast of locomotive-like power is remarkably smooth and all too addictive.

Despite what the naysayers might think, the availability of diesel fuel was not a problem whatsoever around these parts, whatsoever.

When it came time to finally fill up, we rolled past a raft of stations, looking for the least expensive price per gallon. 6 of 7 stations had diesel fuel, although there was a wide variation in pricing. For the most part, the cost of diesel fuel hovered around the cost of unleaded regular gasoline.

After traveling 588.4 miles, we pulled into a Quik Check with five miles worth of fuel left in our tank.

If we had the chance for a do-over with a tightly planned route, 750 miles on one tank would be well within reason.

When you want to take control over the transmission, just pop the console shifter into manual mode to gain access to gearshifts via the slapstick or steering wheel column mounted paddle shifters.

While it took us a while to warm up to the new-fangled way of changing gears, we’ve seen the light. If you like to keep both hands on the wheel at all times, you’re predisposed to take a liking to the paddle shifters.

Truth be told, the real magic isn’t in the shifters … it’s in the SST transmission itself, as it makes those lightning fast gear changes. The twin-clutches assure that the next gear is always there, with a healthy snap.

As shown in the video’s shift sequences, the difference between the SST transmission’s Normal and Sport modes is readily apparent, with Sport mode providing aggressive up and downshifts.

When the SST transmission is left in Normal mode and is driven conscientiously, shift points are conservative, yet fast. Toggle the console switch forward and Jekyll turns to Hyde. While there’s a just a hint of this under light acceleration, it shows clearly when the pedal is pushed with more urgency.

The shift points are relatively similar between modes at wide open throttle, with the assumption that if you mash it, you must mean it.

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine, mated to a six-speed twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (SST) and full-time all-wheel-drive system. The inline four produces 237 horsepower (HP) and 253 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the AWD 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart are 17 city / 25 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We put roughly five hundred miles on the odometer of our Rotor Glow orange metallic review unit and had no problem slipping past the official mileage estimates with an average of 27.8 MPG on the Interstate highway and 22.1 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the low-seventies to the high-eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the mid-eighty degree range.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 28.0 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 28.5 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows closed: 27.3 MPG

The Ralliart’s intercooled single-scroll turbo cranks up the inline four, as it delivers plenty of punch to motivate the 3462 pound (curb weight) sedan, while the SST transmission knocks out rapid fire shifts.

This one’s on rails. Mitsubishi’s full-time All Wheel Control system gets all that power to the road via an automatic center differential that deals out the torque to the front (helical) and rear (mechanical) limited slip differentials.

Switching modes between Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow covered roads is a push-button affair.

Driver controls are excellent.

The Ralliart’s leather-wrapped sport steering wheel puts Bluetooth, audio, and cruise controls safely and conveniently within the driver’s grip. The Sportronic transmission’s steering wheel column-mounted Magnesium paddle shifters are top-notch.

Our review unit was equipped with the Recaro Sport option package, which includes Recaro front bucket seats, high-intensity discharge headlights, and a 9-speaker, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Punch sound system, Sirus Satellite Radio, a six-CD in-dash head unit, and a 10-inch trunk mounted subwoofer.

While the Recaro seats keep you snug between the bolsters, they do not provide heating or lumbar support. Seat adjustments are limited to fore/aft and recline. There’s plenty of legroom for tall drivers.

There are two power outlets: one at the base of the dash and the other inside the center console. The audio system provides a basic audio-in jack. There is no USB iPod input.

Our test unit was not equipped with the optional Navigation Package, which includes a 40GB HDD Digital Music Server.

Is that a subwoofer in the trunk, or a Marshall amp?

The Fast-Key allows automatic unlocking and a power trunk release. With the subwoofer in the trunk, the cargo area provides 9.1 cubic feet of space. (Count on 10.0 cubic feet of storage, sans subwoofer.) The 60/40 fold-down rear seats allow for a flexible arrangement of cargo and passengers.

We found the seating to be reasonably comfortable for four, with plenty of headroom.

The Ralliart’s Multi-Information LCD display provides two trip meters, coolant temperature, outside temperature, service reminders, and range to empty, along with average and instant fuel economy data.

We always recommend driving with the instant fuel economy display active, in order to develop a light-footed driving technique that gets the greatest amount of mileage out of every gallon of fuel.

The 14.5 gallon gas tank provides an average range when driven conscientiously. The turbocharged four cylinder engine is designed to run on Premium Unleaded (91 octane) fuel.

All-in-all, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is a trusty steed, well-suited to a variety of road conditions. This all-wheel-drive sports sedan delivers a level of performance that one would expect in a much more expensive vehicle, and with reasonable fuel economy, to boot.

The 2010 Chevy Equinox is available in both front-wheel (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, and can be fitted with a 2.4-liter inline four or 3.0-liter V6 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is used exclusively. The four cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower (HP) and 172 foot pounds of torque, while the V6 delivers 260 HP and 222 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the four-cylinder equipped FWD 2010 Chevy Equinox are 22 city / 32 highway miles per gallon (MPG). The AWD Equinox is rated at 20 city / 29 highway MPG.

The Equinox delivers. We rolled up more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our Navy Blue Metallic AWD review unit and nailed the official mileage estimates with an average of 29.6 MPG on the Interstate highway and 25.4 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the low seventies to low eighties. Interstate highway testing temperatures ranged from the mid seventies to eighty degrees. It’s worth noting that our test vehicle had just hundreds of miles on the odometer when delivered. We’d expect the fuel efficiency to rise once the engine is run through its break in period. Our highway testing showed little impact when running the A/C (the tenth a mile difference was due to road conditions during the A/C off cycle).

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 28.6 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up (1-inch gap): 30.6 MPG
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C on, windows up: 28.7 MPG

While the fuel-efficient inline four’s acceleration isn’t blistering, it’s adequate for the Equinox 2LT’s 3770 pound curb weight.

As always, we recommend driving with the instantaneous fuel economy display active, in order to achieve the best gas mileage with a light-footed driving technique.

In addition to the real-time fuel economy display, the 2010 Equinox’s Driver’s Information Center provides tire pressure data, oil life, average fuel economy, two trip meters, and fuel range, among other statistics.

An 18.0 gallon gas tank provides for a chart-topping highway range. Both the I4 and V6 engines are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel.

The 2010 Equinox is decidedly car-like as it delivers a comfortable and quiet ride.

Whether you’re headed to a soccer tournament across the state or to the mountains a day away, the five-passenger Equinox’s ride, fuel-efficiency and interior capacities and amenities are most welcome.

An 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support is standard on the Equinox 2LT, as is Bluetooth phone support. Leather appointed seats with heated front buckets are optional in the 2LT (and standard in the LTZ).

Climate control is single-zone and seat memory is available only in the LTZ (as standard equipment). OnStar is included.

When you shift the Equinox into reverse, the Equinox 2LT’s standard rearview mirror-based Rear Camera display activates, making backing chores less difficult.

The eight-speaker XM Satellite-equipped Pioneer audio system includes both auxiliary and USB inputs. iPod support is quite good, with access to playlists from the dash and steering wheel controls.

Our Equinox review unit was outfitted with the optional Audio System and dual screen DVD Rear Seat Entertainment package, complete with remote control and two headsets.

There are power outlet at the base of the dash, inside the center console, at the back of the console (along with A/V inputs for the game console), and in the cargo area.

Rear seat leg and headroom are abundant. The 60/40 split MultiFlex rear seat slides forward and backward to accommodate passengers and cargo. A power liftgate is optional on the 2LT and standard on the LTZ. The 2010 Equinox provides plenty of space for to haul your stuff home from Costco, with 63.7 cubic feet of cargo volume.

All-in-all, the 2010 Chevy Equinox has the potential to shake up the crowded five-seat crossover segment with its combination of ride, quiet, comfort, and fuel economy.

If you’re looking for a small all-wheel-drive vehicle with unique styling, the 2009 Pontiac Vibe AWD just might be playing your tune.

The AWD Vibe’s 2.4-liter Toyota engine produces 158 horsepower (HP) and 162 foot pounds of torque. The inline VVT-I four is exclusively mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Unfortunately, a manual transmission is not available in the AWD Vibe.

The official mileage estimates for the 2009 Vibe AWD are 20 city / 26 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We rolled up well over 500 miles on our Liquid Platinum review unit and were able to scoot past the official estimates, with an average of 32.2 MPG on the Interstate highway and 24.2 MPG combined. The Vibe does well when driven with a light foot at highway speeds. Conscientious driving with the cruise control off pays off handsomely.

Vibe AWD Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 31.1 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 34.0 MPG

(Test period temperatures ranged from the forties through the fifties.)

While the Vibe AWD isn’t a speed demon, it has enough punch to make that highway merge, with a power band that comes to life in the neighborhood of four thousand RPM.

Although it’s one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicles we’ve tested, the Vibe lacks both an average and an instant fuel economy display. If you’re keen on getting the best gas mileage, you’ll want to turn to the aftermarket for a device like the ScanGaugeII or AutoMeter EcoMeter to provide instant feedback on fuel consumption. By adding one of these gauges, you’ll learn how to most effectively lighten your right foot and get the most out of every gallon.

The Vibe’s interior is comfortable for four adults, but the front seats lack lumbar support and heated surfaces. We’d like to see both available as an option.

The standard audio system includes XM Satellite Radio and a dash-mounted audio input jack. There is no USB support.

There’s a single 12-volt outlet at the base of the dash, along with a handy 115-volt 3-prong household style electrical outlet.

The versatile cargo area with fold flat rear seats is one of the Vibe’s best attributes. With the rear seats down, the Vibe provides 49.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

All-in-all, the Pontiac Vibe AWD is a worthy contender in the entry-level all-wheel-drive five door market, with a comfortable interior, plenty of cargo space, and respectable fuel economy.

Parts Content Information:
U.S./Canadian parts content: 61%
Major source of foreign parts content: Japan – 39%

Final Assembly Point:
Fremont, California
U.S.A.

Country of Origin:
Engine – Japan
Transmission – Japan

Make no mistake about it. The 2009 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid is a great big truck that integrates some innovative technology. With room for eight and plenty of hauling power, the traditional Tahoe has been a popular choice for large active families. The new two-mode hybrid system provides considerable benefits in lower-speed operation – whether you’re cruising through town or crawling through the parking lot at the local sports complex.

The Tahoe Hybrid’s 6.0-liter V8 engine produces 332 horsepower (HP) and 367 foot pounds of torque. The big V8 is mated to a two-mode continuous electric ratio hybrid transmission with four fixed gears.

While the Tahoe is traditionally quite thirsty, the Hybrid version uses its 300 volts of energy storage and Active Fuel Management on the V8, to good effect. The official mileage estimates for the 2009 Tahoe Hybrid are 21 city / 22 highway miles per gallon (MPG) for the two-wheel-drive (2WD) version and 20/20 for the all-wheel-drive (4WD) version.

We put nearly 600 miles on our 4WD Blue Granite Metallic Tahoe Hybrid review unit and were able to squeak by the official estimates, with an average of 22.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 22.5 MPG combined.

Overall test period temperatures ranged in the thirties through fifties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH). Highway testing temperatures were in the forties.

4WD Tahoe Hybrid Highway MPG Testing
Cruise control on @ 68 MPH – 21.5 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed between 60-72 MPH – 22.7

Outside of the big front air dam and badges, most folks won’t know you’re driving a hybrid.

The Tahoe Hybrid will crawl under electric power at speeds under 30 miles per hour (MPH) or so, but you need to have a very light foot to take full advantage of the hybrid system. After a day or so of training yourself, you’ll be able to achieve the maximum MPGs from the vehicle.

You’ll use three information displays in your quest for maximum mileage. The first is the Economy gauge. It’ll swing to the right under acceleration, and back to center when you lift off the gas.

The Driver’s Information Center provides a host of data, including our favorite: Instant Fuel Economy. This is the tool you’ll use to fine-tune your driving style.

The Tahoe Hybrid will shut its gasoline engine off at a full stop. As you gently pull away from a stop, the Hybrid Power Flow display will show that you’re moving under electric power. As you gain speed and press harder on the accelerator pedal, the gasoline engine will kick in. (When you begin to experiment with this, make sure there’s no one behind you in traffic, lest you infuriate other drivers.)

Once you lighten up on the throttle, the V8 engine can kick down to just four cylinders via Active Fuel Management. It really pays to keep an eye on the Instant Fuel Economy display and use a light foot.

While the MPG numbers might not seem overwhelming, this is a big heavy (4WD: 5835 pounds/2WD: 5617 pounds) vehicle, and the Two-Mode Hybrid system represents a significant first step. We expect to see dramatic gains when Chevy adopts larger capacity Lithium Ion batteries, and plug-in technology.

Tahoe Hybrid Interior Features (video):

A quick trip to eBay is an indicator of the current level of discounting. At least one dealer was slashing seven thousand dollars off the Tahoe Hybrid’s MSRP. Buyers can also expect another $2,200 off for the federal hybrid tax credit.

It can take a while to get accustomed to driving the Tahoe Hybrid. Stomping on the accelerator pedal from a standing start is an interesting experience, to say the least. In this video, the system is in Auto Stop mode, with the engine off, as it launches.

Over our week of testing, the 2-mode hybrid system switched flawlessly between modes. With a 300 watt battery pack, two sixty kilowatt electric motors, and active fuel management on the 6.0 liter V8, we had no problem exceeding the official estimates of 20 city / 20 highway. (While those numbers might not seem all that large, keep in mind that the 4WD Tahoe Hybrid weighs in at 5835 pounds.)

This MPGomatic exclusive segment from SEMA 2008 with Joel McGuire from GM provides a bit of detail on how the Tahoe’s 2-mode hybrid system works …

Getting the most out of the system can take some patience. We rolled through a good bit of tape this week and have some sifting to do, so it might take a day or two to post the video(s) for our full Tahoe Hybrid review. Stay tuned!

All 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander ES and SE models are equipped with a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 168 horsepower (HP) and 167 foot-pounds of torque. The more sporting Outlander XLS is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6, producing 220 HP and 204 foot-pounds of torque. The 2.0-liter is fitted with a CVT, while the 3.0-liter V6 earns a well-suited six-speed automatic transmission.

The official mileage estimates for the V6 AWD 2009 Outlander XLS are 17 city / 23 highway miles per gallon (MPG).

We put over 400 miles on the odometer of our V6-equipped Outlander XLS review unit, sneaking past the official estimates, scoring an average of 25.5 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 22.1 MPG combined.

All mileage tests were performed with the drive mode selector in 2WD. Test period temperatures ranged from the twenties through the forties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

68 MPH with cruise – 24.3 MPG
60-72 MPH without cruise – 26.7 MPG

The Outlander XLS’s V6 and Sportronic six-speed transmission proved themselves to be a worthy combination. While the Outlander’s admittedly a bit removed from the venerable Mitsubishi EVO, the column-mounted magnesium paddle shifters manage to turn that everyday drive into more fun than a XBox 360.

Okay, so you might not give up playing Gran Turismo. Although the Outlander can’t compare to an EVO, its handling beats the typical marshmallow SUV’s handling, hands down. And you can always bring your xBox or Playstation along with and plug it into the video input ports that come with the Navigation option package.

The optional Mitsubishi Multi Communication System adds a whole new dimension with advanced fuel economy tracking, an altimeter, a barometer, a rearview camera, and a 40 GB hard drive-equipped music server. Alas, all is not golden. While there’s an auxiliary audio input hidden about the cabin, a much sought-after USB hookup is nowhere to be found. You’ll need to move music to the system’s hard drive via CDs. (The system provides in-car track ripping.)

There are three 12-volt outlets: one at the base of the dash, one in the center console, and one in the rear cargo area. A 115-volt AC outlet can be found in the console, as well.

The Outlander’s standard issue Multi-Information display is located center-stage, between the tachometer and speedometer. With average fuel economy and instant MPG displays, the LED screen provides the feedback you need to get the maximum mileage out of the Outlander.

MPG Tips: When driven conscientiously, the six-speed automatic Outlander can beat the numbers. The trick, as always, is to drive with a light foot and let off the throttle whenever possible. Shift early and keep the real-time MPG thermometer as high as you can, for as long as you can. Use inertia to its greatest advantage, but keep in mind that you’re in a SUV, not a sports car.

The Outlander XLS features a crisply-designed, driver-focused interior, with comprehensive steering wheel controls. The luxury package include leather seating and heated front buckets, although lumbar support is notably absent.

Selectable four-wheel-drive allows the driver to dial down to front wheel drive to save on fuel or up to four wheel lock for the rough stuff.

The split rear tailgate provides excellent access to the Outlander’s 72.6 cubic feet of cargo space. And last but not least, the optional 650 watt Rockford Fosgate audio system delivers plenty of thump to rattle the mirrors with a 10-inch subwoofer.

All-in-all, the sporty Outlander XLS offers a unique and fun-to-drive alternative to the more mundane competition.

Note: The 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 qualifies as a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV).

The 2009 AWD Audi A4 Quattro Sedan can be equipped with either a turbocharged 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 3.2 liter direct-injected six. The 2.0 liter can be fitted to either a 6-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission, while the 3.2 liter is only available with the Tiptronic. A Multitronic CVT automatic transmission is available in the front-wheel drive model, for those so inclined.

The turbo 2.0 liter delivers 211 horsepower (HP) and 258 foot pounds of torque, with a stated 0-60 MPH time of 6.7 seconds. The 3.2 liter, by comparison, puts out 265 HP and 243 foot pounds of torque, and is said to deliver 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds.

The official mileage estimates for the Tiptronic-equipped 2009 Audi A4 2.0 T Quattro are 21 city / 27 highway miles per gallon (MPG), while the 3.2 liter weighs in at 17 city / 26 highway.

We rolled up over 500 miles on our 2.0 liter Tiptronic-equipped review unit, breezing past the official estimates, scoring an average of 32.1 MPG on the Interstate highway, with 28.6 MPG combined. Test period temperatures ranged from the thirties through the forties, with freeway speeds between 60 and 72 miles per hour (MPH).

68 MPH with cruise – 30.5 MPG
60-72 MPH without cruise – 33.6 MPG

The A4’s 2.0-liter turbo and six-speed deliver both the thrills and the MPGs … when driven carefully, of course.

The snick-snick of manually shifting the Tiptronic is one of the joys of driving the A4 through the twisty bits. With the precise selection of gears and a careful application of throttle, you can make the most of every gallon of gas while having a blast behind the wheel.

The Audi Drive Select option allows the driver to tune the suspension to meet specific needs, choosing the comfort setting for highway cruising or the dynamic mode for the twisties.

We found our A4’s cabin to be positively superb when outfitted with the Prestige package (which includes, the tricky LED daytime running lamps, among many other cool features). The front seats include fully adjustable heating, with the driver’s bucket seat providing excellent power lumbar support.

While the center console’s intricate arrangement of buttons and knobs can be daunting at first, spend a bit of time behind the wheel and everything will fall into place.

The optional Bang and Olufsen audio system and multimedia interface leave little to be desired, with comprehensive USB iPod integration (in the glovebox) and wonderful Bluetooth support. (The Audi music interface replaces a simple auxiliary audio input.)

There are two 12-volt outlets – one in the center console’s storage compartment (under the armrest) and the other in the ash tray, where you’ll also find the trunk release.

The optional voice controlled Navigation package includes Audi’s well-implemented backup camera. The display made backing out of our notoriously tricky curved driveway a cinch.

The A4’s Driver’s Information System provides a pair of average fuel economy displays, along with a real-time MPG gauge and is controlled via steering wheel stalk. Careful monitoring of the real-time display is key to better then average fuel economy.

There’s little question that the 2.0-liter turbo is quite efficient when driven with a light foot (and a joy when you stomp on it). The trick is to strike a balance between the two.

Our standard philosophy always bears repeating. To get the best fuel economy from the A4, upshift early (if you’re in sport mode), drive conscientiously with a light foot, lift off the throttle as soon as practical, keep an eye on the real-time MPG gauge, and let inertia do its thing …

All-in-all, we’d be proud to have the 2009 Audi A4 Quattro in our garage. The A4 delivers a fine balance of luxury, style, performance, and fuel efficiency, with a world-class audio system that provides top-shelf Bluetooth and audio integration.

Fuel requirements:
Premium-grade gasoline.

Final Assembly Point:
Neckarsulm, Germany.

Parts Content:
75% – Germany

Country of Origin:
Engine – Hungary
Transmission – Germany