2009 Audi A4 Wagon

Auto writers who have driven the 2009 A4 Avant report that its engine is smooth and it handling dynamics are all-around impressive.

• "On twisty roads, the new model is the best A4 yet in terms of handling balance. It's sharp and communicative and fun to drive spiritedly. The vehicle's mass and slightly nose-heavy layout conspire to keep it a step behind BMW's 3 Series in terms of ultimate performance, but the A4's AWD provides added security and traction in wet weather conditions." -- Edmunds

Acceleration and Power

The A4 Avant features an all-new 2.0-liter turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that produces 211 horsepower at 5,300 - 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 - 4,200 rpm. A Tiptronic automatic transmission is standard. According to Audi, the A4 Avant has a top speed of 130 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds.

The EPA reports that the A4 Avant has a city/highway fuel economy of 21/27 mpg.

• "[A]cceleration is smooth, and the shifts from the six-speed automatic transmission are consistent." -- Edmunds
• "Acceleration is sparkling, and the engine is silken in its smoothness with an unexpectedly spunky growl. We found ourselves running around in second and third gears all day without complaint. No one will be making any sort of apologies for this car's having a four-cylinder. It's a delightful engine no matter how you slice it." -- Car and Driver

Handling and Braking

Test drivers are pleased with the A4 Avant's comfortable, yet sporty, handling dynamics.

• "Even with the optional 18-inch wheels, the Avant's ride is fantastically compliant in spite of the low ride height, and body control is heroically flat and grip at the ground is tenacious." -- Car and Driver
• "Braking performance on the sedans and wagons is excellent.  ... With the new optional driver-adjustable suspension, ride and handling varies from soft and comfortable to stiff and responsive. The accompanying adjustability of steering and throttle settings is a very welcome feature." -- Edmunds
• "Newly available Audi Drive Select lets the driver adjust throttle, steering ratio, automatic transmission shifting and suspension dampening by selecting sport or comfort mode or letting the car decide." -- Newsday
• "[T]he factory settings are inherently good in the A4 Avant, which nicely dances on the line between comfort and sport. The A4 is doing a decent job of establishing itself as a quattro alterna-BMW 3 Series, with the right compliance over rough roads and just a bit of roll in fast turns before settling into flat cornering. It won't beat you up and at the same time, it won't leave you the least bit bored. And the new A4 Avant drives like a smaller car -- say, the old A4." -- Motor Trend
• "Brakes have been upgraded on the new A4. The new brakes deliver impressive slowing even on base-model wagons with a load in them." -- New Car Test Drive