MPG-o-Matic Audi A4 Quattro Review Summary: . Redesigned for 2009, the stylish Audi A4 Sedan Quattro hits the mark among relatively affordable all-wheel-drive (AWD) luxury sedans. With rock-solid handling, a responsive throttle, a wonderful cabin, and a world-class multimedia system, this just might be the car that gets you to say goodbye to that SUV for good.
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
– by Daniel Gray
