There's no denying it -- Audi's smallest sedan is growing up. Stretched nearly five inches overall, more than two inches wider, and on a six-inch-longer wheelbase than the previous generation, the 2009 A4 is sneaking up on A6 dimensions (its wheelbase is only 1.3 inches shorter). This also makes it the largest in its class, nearly three inches longer than the all-new C-Class and seven longer than the 3 Series sedan. But with that increase in length and width and a minor reduction in height (it's now lower by less than 0.1 inch), the new model has a planted, sportier stance and holds the road with a new sense of confidence and enthusiasm.
Its new underpinnings are shared with the upcoming S5 and A5 coupes, and an A4 Avant will go on sale in the U.S. at the same time as the sedan, but that wagon won't be unveiled for another couple months. (The S5 goes on sale in November 2007, A5 in early 2008, and A4/A4 Avant by late 2008-but Europe gets the A4 nearly a full year before we do.) Like the A5/S5, the new A4 has sculpted lines, a more aggressive front end, and a row of LED daytime running lights underlining each headlamp. Audi also shortened the front overhang, helping the car look sportier despite the increased size. Thanks to the liberal use of ultra-high-strength steel, the body weighs 10 percent less than last year's, yet is more rigid. But the side view is rather familiar-time will tell if this redesign was too conservative, especially compared with the aggressive lines of the new C-Class.
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