2009 Audi A4 First Impressions

Generous trunk
With a 480-liter capacity and a lowered threshold, it's now easier and more convenient to load items into the trunk. Cargo room can be expanded or modulated by folding the seatbacks forward. A load-through provision with ski sack is also available.

The larger opening provides an easier access.

A driver's perspective
Those lucky enough to sit behind the wheel will benefit from a good driving position and a comprehensive, driver-oriented instrument panel. The gauges are easy to locate and read, while the controls are intuitively positioned. Operating the various functions, particularly through Audi's MultiMedia Interface (MMI), is fairly simple... once you get used to it.

The information is abundant and the setup possibilities are seemingly endless. I personally don't like all these "complex" navigation and infotainment systems, but I brought myself to use it in order to find our way back to Audi's headquarters. Selecting the language, entering the destination and launching the system did not make me grind my teeth, but my patience was certainly put to the test. The nice-sounding lady asked me to make a U-turn and guided me the rest of the way like a mother holding her child by the hand. My colleague and I were busy enough scanning the landscape so as not to miss a direction.

A sophisticated vehicle management system is available with the A4 3.2 quattro.

Tailor-made driving
While the road manners of the new A4 3.2 quattro are every bit as good as those of the current model, engineers developed an optional management system worthy of a world-class car. Derived from the A8, it allows any driver to get the most out of the Audi based on his/her own preferences as well as road conditions. An extended road test will be necessary to gauge the various settings for power delivery, suspension firmness and steering responsiveness. Again, I did not have the time to go deep into the system.