The 2009 Audi A4 Turbo marked a significant step up in size and luxury compared to its predecessors. This model year saw the A4 grow in every dimension, offering a more spacious and premium experience. While it positions itself as a comfortable and refined sedan, aimed at impressing passengers and providing a smooth ride, it subtly shifts away from the overtly sporty character some drivers might have expected from the Audi A4 lineage. Let’s delve into what makes the 2009 Audi A4 Turbo a compelling, albeit nuanced, choice in the competitive luxury sedan market.
One of the standout features of the 2009 Audi A4 Turbo is its enhanced focus on luxury and comfort. The seats in particular were lauded as exceptionally comfortable, making even long journeys a pleasure. The interior material quality across all components further reinforces this premium feel. For drivers prioritizing a sophisticated and comfortable cabin experience, the Audi A4 2009 delivers handsomely. It’s a vehicle perfectly suited for scenarios where passenger comfort and a touch of elegance are paramount.
However, the review highlights a slight departure from the expected sporty dynamics. While not entirely abandoning driving pleasure, the 2009 Audi A4 Turbo leans more towards comfort and luxury than outright sportiness. A key point of contention was the Tiptronic gearbox. Particularly in urban driving situations, the Tiptronic transmission was noted as being somewhat lacking. This suggests that while the car offers a generally pleasant driving experience, enthusiasts seeking a highly responsive and engaging gearbox might find it slightly underwhelming.
David S. Wallens, Editorial Director, provided further insights, positioning the Audi A4 Turbo 2009 as a distinctive alternative to segment leaders like the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS. Wallens expressed particular appreciation for the Volkswagen and Audi 2.0T engine, praising its blend of quickness and sporty character. He noted that in “S mode,” the engine becomes genuinely fun to drive, defying expectations for a four-cylinder unit and delivering surprising performance.
Despite the engine’s merits, the Tiptronic transmission’s off-the-line hesitation remained a concern. Wallens described a noticeable pause, lasting about a second, which raised safety concerns in certain driving situations. He suggested a preference for the VW/Audi DSG transmission, known for its quicker and more responsive nature.
Wallens further elaborated on the Audi A4 Turbo 2009 with a series of pros and cons:
- Interior Details: The interior detailing, especially the switches, were considered superior, even potentially surpassing BMW in quality and feel.
- Exterior Styling: The 2009 A4’s aesthetics were well-received, confidently embodying the Audi design language.
- Engine Power: The engine delivered ample power with no noticeable turbo lag, contributing to a smooth and responsive driving experience.
- Steering and Seats: The car features a comfortable, substantial steering wheel and supportive, well-designed seats.
- Front Space: The front cabin is notably spacious, with generous legroom, especially for the front passenger.
- Trunk Space: The trunk offers considerable cargo capacity, especially for a vehicle in its class.
- Headlights: The headlights were praised for their excellent illumination.
- Automatic Trunk: The automatic trunk opening feature was highlighted as a practical convenience, particularly in inclement weather.
- Stock Tires: The Goodyear tires were identified as a significant drawback, criticized for being noisy and lacking in grip, negatively impacting the overall driving experience.
- Steering Feel: The steering was perceived as slightly overboosted, potentially reducing driver feedback and engagement.
- Transmission Hesitation: The off-the-line pause with the Tiptronic transmission remained a persistent concern.
- Speedometer Scale: The 180 mph speedometer was deemed excessive and unnecessary for this type of vehicle.
Concluding his assessment, Wallens addressed the price point. While the starting price of $32,700 and the as-delivered cost of $38,000 initially seemed high, he reconsidered after comparing it to a similarly equipped Lexus IS 250 AWD, suggesting the Audi A4 Turbo 2009 offers competitive value within its segment.
