Comments on: Speed:Sport:Life Review - 2009 Audi A4 - Never before an A4 so long, and so longed for. http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/ Covering the latest in Automotive News, Events, and Trends Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:08:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Gary Chateau http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-84206 Gary Chateau Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:47:59 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-84206 My A4 2.0T was delivered in October. With Premium Plus, I did not add the sport package or the Drive Select functions because of low profile tires and price respectively. Based on my first 8 weeks and 2000 miles I have to say that the car is great in all respects. The design inside and out are top of class. The handling is perfect for my use, even though it does not have as much feedback as any BMW. Straight line tracking is excellent, and the lack of runflat tires is a great blessing. I dont think BMW have been listening to their customers for years. This is an example of a design tuned for the customer. My A4 2.0T was delivered in October. With Premium Plus, I did not add the sport package or the Drive Select functions because of low profile tires and price respectively.
Based on my first 8 weeks and 2000 miles I have to say that the car is great in all respects. The design inside and out are top of class. The handling is perfect for my use, even though it does not have as much feedback as any BMW. Straight line tracking is excellent, and the lack of runflat tires is a great blessing. I dont think BMW have been listening to their customers for years. This is an example of a design tuned for the customer.

]]> By: Mr.Sato http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-79446 Mr.Sato Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:09:28 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-79446 Since the new A4 style came out around the year 00 or 01, I've been admiring them. I also REALLY liked my boss' S8. At the time I was driving an '89 BMW 735iL, which I loved, and it was my 2nd BMW. What I appreciated most was the drive feel of BMW's. And what's more, they were ultra reliable and performed well. About 4 years ago I got an '01 530i, which I loved at first... but that grew into a love-hate relationship as it seemed to be bad luck for me. It broke down, wore through brake rotors (and warped them), and I was even hit by other cars 4 times! Prior to this, in the over 20 years of driving cars I had only 1 accident. Anyway, my brother, who was previously a BMW owner/fan, switched to Audi about 6 or so years ago, and never looked back. I drove those cars, but never felt they were better than the BMWs I had. A few months ago I decided it was time to look for a new, more fuel efficient car. I'm always open to change, and considered all of the entry level luxury sedans - the 328, A4, C300, IS250, S40/S60, and G35. I test drove them all. I researched the living hell out of them. I easily and early on eliminated the Lexus, Infinity, and Volvo cars - they just don't have it. The G35 actually wasn't too bad, but the price was unjustified and fuel economy wasn't up to the standard I set. The C300's stearing was muted and engine performance wasn't up to snuff. Handling wasn't bad and cabin luxury level was pretty decent. The biggest disappointment was with the 328. I drove one with the sport package and it didn't even have power seats! And where was the torque? Same, but newer version of my '01 530's engine and it actually felt slower off the line. I feel sorry for the sales guy who rode with me. I did almost nothing but complain. The last car I drove was actually the '09 A4 2.0T. In the early stages I test drove an '08 2.0T and it SUCKED... sorry, no other way to say it. It had NO power as far as I was concerned. That experience almost made me write off that engine in favor of the 3.2. But the '09 2.0T is a COMPLETELY different animal. I was so thoroughly impressed by it. I drove the Premium Plus, which is just slightly less expensive as the 328i with the sport package. For the money you get a LOT more. Handling was at least satisfactory (might need to consider the sport package) and brake and steering feel was very natural and confidence inspiring. In short, I can confidently say that the '09 A4 2.0T is the best in its class, and within the next couple of weeks, will be the car I'll be buying. Since the new A4 style came out around the year 00 or 01, I’ve been admiring them. I also REALLY liked my boss’ S8. At the time I was driving an ‘89 BMW 735iL, which I loved, and it was my 2nd BMW. What I appreciated most was the drive feel of BMW’s. And what’s more, they were ultra reliable and performed well. About 4 years ago I got an ‘01 530i, which I loved at first… but that grew into a love-hate relationship as it seemed to be bad luck for me. It broke down, wore through brake rotors (and warped them), and I was even hit by other cars 4 times! Prior to this, in the over 20 years of driving cars I had only 1 accident.

Anyway, my brother, who was previously a BMW owner/fan, switched to Audi about 6 or so years ago, and never looked back. I drove those cars, but never felt they were better than the BMWs I had.

A few months ago I decided it was time to look for a new, more fuel efficient car. I’m always open to change, and considered all of the entry level luxury sedans - the 328, A4, C300, IS250, S40/S60, and G35. I test drove them all. I researched the living hell out of them. I easily and early on eliminated the Lexus, Infinity, and Volvo cars - they just don’t have it. The G35 actually wasn’t too bad, but the price was unjustified and fuel economy wasn’t up to the standard I set. The C300’s stearing was muted and engine performance wasn’t up to snuff. Handling wasn’t bad and cabin luxury level was pretty decent. The biggest disappointment was with the 328. I drove one with the sport package and it didn’t even have power seats! And where was the torque? Same, but newer version of my ‘01 530’s engine and it actually felt slower off the line. I feel sorry for the sales guy who rode with me. I did almost nothing but complain. The last car I drove was actually the ‘09 A4 2.0T. In the early stages I test drove an ‘08 2.0T and it SUCKED… sorry, no other way to say it. It had NO power as far as I was concerned. That experience almost made me write off that engine in favor of the 3.2. But the ‘09 2.0T is a COMPLETELY different animal. I was so thoroughly impressed by it. I drove the Premium Plus, which is just slightly less expensive as the 328i with the sport package. For the money you get a LOT more. Handling was at least satisfactory (might need to consider the sport package) and brake and steering feel was very natural and confidence inspiring.

In short, I can confidently say that the ‘09 A4 2.0T is the best in its class, and within the next couple of weeks, will be the car I’ll be buying.

]]> By: Stelly http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-72068 Stelly Tue, 24 Jun 2008 20:41:26 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-72068 Talk about fabulous deals. I scored an '87.5 Coupe GT "Program Car" back in the day from a now defunct Houston Dealer for roughly 1/2 off! Drove that wonderful machine for 260K miles and still miss it to this day. An incredibly forgiving machine that was always ready to play and never knew the meaning of the word boring. Long Live Audi! Talk about fabulous deals. I scored an ‘87.5 Coupe GT “Program Car” back in the day from a now defunct Houston Dealer for roughly 1/2 off! Drove that wonderful machine for 260K miles and still miss it to this day. An incredibly forgiving machine that was always ready to play and never knew the meaning of the word boring. Long Live Audi!

]]> By: Snapjack http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71939 Snapjack Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:38:15 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71939 It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was great to get fabulous deals but it was worst finding a place to buy one. Fortunately Zumbach never gave up and I've been enjoying Audi's since 1984. I kept my 5000 till 1999, it was a very nice car and I can't wait for my A4 to arrive this Sept. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was great to get fabulous deals but it was worst finding a place to buy one. Fortunately Zumbach never gave up and I’ve been enjoying Audi’s since 1984. I kept my 5000 till 1999, it was a very nice car and I can’t wait for my A4 to arrive this Sept.

]]> By: Jack Baruth http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71938 Jack Baruth Sun, 22 Jun 2008 14:32:44 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71938 Answer: Yes, although nobody yet knows what it will cost. Answer: Yes, although nobody yet knows what it will cost.

]]> By: Lord B http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71913 Lord B Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:33:01 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71913 Qvesztion: Will the 2009 A5/S5 get Drive Select? Qvesztion:

Will the 2009 A5/S5 get Drive Select?

]]> By: Schneideau http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71900 Schneideau Sun, 22 Jun 2008 03:37:53 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71900 In NYC, NY, many of the parking garages had cardboard signs which read "No Audi 5000". Too funny for some, however not so for an Audi owner. The municipal/public parking garage in mid-town became the only game in town as the city had no such Audi 5000 restrictions. I remember the days. Cheers, MS In NYC, NY, many of the parking garages had cardboard signs which read “No Audi 5000″.
Too funny for some, however not so for an Audi owner. The municipal/public parking garage in mid-town became the only game in town as the city had no such Audi 5000 restrictions. I remember the days.

Cheers, MS

]]> By: Lord B http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71879 Lord B Sat, 21 Jun 2008 23:38:54 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71879 About time. About time.

]]> By: Stelly http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71857 Stelly Sat, 21 Jun 2008 18:58:18 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71857 Regarding 60 Minutes & Unintended Acceleration, the real Audi payback is spelled Jose Ignacio Lopez de Arriortua. Long Live Audi! Regarding 60 Minutes & Unintended Acceleration, the real Audi payback is spelled Jose Ignacio Lopez de Arriortua. Long Live Audi!

]]> By: Jack Baruth http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71849 Jack Baruth Sat, 21 Jun 2008 15:21:11 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71849 Joel, Take a look at these articles: http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/cjm_18.htm http://www.audifans.com/archives/1998/07/msg02207.html If anything, the whole deal appears to be a consequence of a mismatch between American drivers' expectations of pedal placement and Audi's :) Joel,

Take a look at these articles:

http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/cjm_18.htm
http://www.audifans.com/archives/1998/07/msg02207.html

If anything, the whole deal appears to be a consequence of a mismatch between American drivers’ expectations of pedal placement and Audi’s :)

]]> By: cameraz http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71846 cameraz Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:09:41 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71846 Joel, <b>"Driver error!"</b> --cameraz Joel,

“Driver error!”

–cameraz

]]> By: Joel Becker http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71834 Joel Becker Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:41:32 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71834 Jack, Say what you want about the "misleading" Audi 5000 story. My brother and I were almost hit by one in a Dairy Queen parking lot. It just missed us and hit another parked car instead. There's some truth there. Joel Jack,

Say what you want about the “misleading” Audi 5000 story. My brother and I were almost hit by one in a Dairy Queen parking lot. It just missed us and hit another parked car instead. There’s some truth there.

Joel

]]> By: Slonie http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71833 Slonie Sat, 21 Jun 2008 07:10:39 +0000 http://www.speedsportlife.com/2008/06/21/speedsportlife-review-2009-audi-a4-never-before-an-a4-so-long-and-so-longed-for/#comment-71833 Sold.* *Figuratively speaking, of course. Sold.*

*Figuratively speaking, of course.

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