A4 Offers Something to Please Each Family Member

2009 Audi A4 3.2 FSI

model as tested $49,975

Test Drove 3/05/09 – 3/12/09
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

Something magical happened to me and my family when we cruised about in the 2009 Audi A4. I can’t quite put a finger on the exact element that made the magic happen — maybe it was the Cardamom Beige-colored interior, or the A4’s stylized LED headlights — but there’s no denying that this car did something no other car has been able to do: It made my husband and I agree!

Truth be told, the Audi A4 is the first car we’ve both adored. The kids were happy, too; they were able to buckle themselves in, store their snacks and reach the pop-out cupholders.

From the outside, the A4 has an incredible presence. It exudes style and sets the tone for the complete image of what and who an Audi driver is. I certainly wanted to be seen in the A4. For me, it was like wanting to be seen on that one day each month when I actually do my hair and makeup to pick the kids up from school. Darn it, I worked hard on my look and I want to reap the rewards of recognition! This same theory applies to owning an A4. However, since the whole getting made-up thing doesn’t happen very often in my life, I used the A4 as my glam accessory and opted for deeply tinted windows so I could hide inside.

Driving the A4 proved it wasn’t just another pretty face. It handled well and had surprising braking power. This works best when you’re getting into your highway groove, then someone cuts you off. Good brakes — love ’em. The Quattro all-wheel drive, a standard feature on the trim level I tested, was as agile as I was expecting it to be and had me wishing for some challenging terrain. My test car earns an EPA-estimated 17/26 mpg city/highway.

My family believed the A4 to be truly magical, and maybe we’re onto something. It’s sporty and powerful for the performance driver, yet safe and practical for the day-to-day driver. By tapping your magic wand (or your finger), the A4 lets you choose your suspension to suit a variety of driving personalities. You can even store four memory settings for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and side-mirror positions for the ultimate in customized comfort. The Audi A4 is the new Neapolitan ice cream — a little of everything for everyone.

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