Audi

Bring it on! 2009 Audi A4 3.2 quattro, Part 2

April 1, 2009

Our $50,900 A4 3.2 comes standard with just about every amenity, including a remarkable Bang and Olufsen audio system, but I also like the side sensing system, which provides a noticeable, but unobtrusive indication when a vehicle is following behind and to the side of you. A yellow light at the base of the outside rearview mirror glows to let you know someone is approaching, and aids when you prepare to change lanes. At one point I was passed by a car driving too close to the Audi, and the side sensing system flashed bright yellow, correctly indicating danger.

Other safety features include a rear parking alert (audible) and high-pressure headlight washers (you’d be surprised how much grime sticks to your headlights, and how effective the washers are at night).

2009 Audi A4 3.2 quattro. Click image to enlarge

Of course the A4 3.2 has bi-xenon headlights (which means both the low and high beams are High Intensity Discharge), integrated turn signals in the mirrors, and those very cool LED daytime running lights, along with fog lights. This car also features Adaptive Lighting, which pivots the headlights when turning through corners in order to maximize illumination. I haven’t had trouble with visibility at night, although some oncoming motorists apparently find my low-beam HID headlights too much.

Additional convenience/safety items are the commendably large (and heated) rear view mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles, and rain-sensing wipers that do a good job.

On the road, the A4 3.2 with six-speed Tiptronic transmission is a sublimely smooth vehicle. The V6 engine — which makes 265 horsepower and 243 lb.ft torque — is just about silent in operation, providing a sophisticated rush of acceleration as it moves the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. It’s more than adequate.

Front seats are heatable, and the automatic mode of the climate control system delivers warm air quickly and precisely (increments are in 0.5 degree increments). It’s a “set and forget” system.

Our Pirelli snow tires haven’t had much snow to battle, but we can tell you they’re quiet on dry pavement, and the chunky tread doesn’t seem to interfere with the A4′s light steering.

The Audi A4 3.2 is a pleasure to drive. But can this really be spring? Is winter over? Check back next week to see a snow-covered Audi (maybe).

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