The 2009 Audi A4 is longer, wider and far roomier than its predecessor. Since the new A4 called for platform changes, Audi repositioned the A4’s drivetrain components, achieving a near-perfect balance for a front driver. There are two new engines with direct fuel injection for added power and fuel efficiency.

Inside, a redesigned cabin is packed with technology, comfort and convenience. For once, the car critics agree! This is the best A4 yet!

The 2009 Audi A4 is so new that the only carryover is its name. The A4 sedan is nearly five inches longer and two inches wider than the previous model. The wheelbase has been stretched and the hood is longer. There's more headroom, more shoulder room and an additional 1.4 inches of rear knee room, as well as class-leading trunk space. Curb weight is up by just 40 pounds despite increases in overall length and width.

The A4 gets a pair of new engines, too. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available on all models and a 3.2-liter V6 now powers the sedan. The turbo-four develops 211 hp and 258 lb/ft of torque. The major change to the engine for '09 is the addition of variable valve timing, which adds 11 hp and an impressive 51 lb/ft of torque. The 3.2-liter V6 boosts output to 265 hp with 243 lb/ft of torque, an additional 10 hp over the previous version. The V6 hustles the A4 3.2 quattro from zero-to-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Even with the new power, fuel economy is said to be 10 percent better for this engine. All models use a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Audi promises a manual transmission for the 2.0 T soon.

For models with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, there are three trims - Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The Premium includes standard 17-inch wheels, heated and power adjustable exterior mirrors, foglamps, a sunroof, automatic climate control, leather seating surfaces, four-spoke leather steering wheel with multi-function control, cruise control and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

The Premium Plus level adds bi-xenon headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic three-zone climate control, heated front seats and a six-CD changer with iPod interface. The Prestige trim steps it up to 18-inch wheels plus rear park distance control, keyless ignition/entry, a lane-change warning system and an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system. The 3.2-liter V6 models come in Premium Plus and Prestige trims only.

Options on the 2.0 T models include heated front seats, wood trim, iPod interface and a Sport Package with 18-inch wheels, shift paddles and sport seats. Optional on the upper trim levels is a Sport Package with 19-inch wheels, a navigation system with a backup camera, adaptive cruise control with an active braking guard (which monitors the distance between the car and traffic ahead), the Audi Drive Select adjustable suspension system, rear-seat side airbags and a choice of wood trims. An S line Package for Prestige trim levels includes 19-inch wheels, high-performance tires, a sport suspension, shift paddles and front sport seats with side bolsters.

Audi is known for high quality interiors and the A4 should enhance the reputation. The layout is essentially the same as in the A5/S5, which means a huge upgrade. It’s contemporary, handsome and a techno wonderland. Get the 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and the tunes come alive. The Multi Media Interface (MMI), which controls the radio, navigation and just about every other adjustable thing, has a more intuitive interface for 2009. As high-zoot as the MMI is, there are other equally cool techno options. There’s the optional blind-spot warning system, which unleashes a cluster of flashing LEDs on each of the side-mirror housings to get the driver’s attention. There’s also radar-based adaptive cruise control that is adjustable for the level of aggressiveness with which it uses the gas and brakes. The headlights, which feature an eyebrow-like line of LEDs for the daytime running lamps, tilt the beams higher at speeds above 75 mph for better highway visibility.

When equipped with Audi Drive Select and a new rear differential for its quattro AWD system, the 2009 A4 3.2 is both a lamb and a wolf! Audi Drive Select equips the A4 with two personalities, a relaxing commuter or an exciting sport sedan. You change personalities as easily as you change gears. There are two setups for transmission, steering and suspension. In “sport” mode, Drive Select raises the shift points on the six-speed automatic, tightens steering response and makes the sport differential give the car more agile handling.

Audi’s quattro AWD is designed to send 40 percent of torque to the front and 60 percent to the rear, changing the percentages as it senses changing conditions. The new rear-differential adds a torque vectoring capability that splits the power between the rear wheels, sending up to 100 percent of rear power to either the left or right wheel. Driving on slippery surfaces, the system continuously adjusts for traction. In turns, the outer wheel can actually rotate faster than the inside wheel literally tracking the car around the corner. The new quattro system is a boon to handling in the A4.

All 2009 Audi A4s come standard with antilock brakes, traction control, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side-curtain airbags. Rear seat-mounted side airbags are available as an option for the sedan and wagon.

Words do not adequately describe the 2009 Audi A4. You must drive one…soon!