What do you think of the 2009 Audi A4, particularly the A4 Quattro with the 2.0-liter turbo four? That version likely will not be a whole lot more expensive than a high end Honda Accord.  I am thinking of suggesting it to my wife, as well as the Mazda 6, as an alternative to the Honda Accord.   I looked up the crash test ratings on the 2008 A4, and they are very good.  They are comparable to the Accord, and a lot better than the 2008 Mazda 6. The four wheel drive adds a safety feature in the winter.  She likes the HID headlights on my car.  The Honda does not have that as an option.  My wife is not very focused on power or handling.  The 4 cylinder should get a lot better gas mileage, which she would like.  What is Audi's reputation for reliability.  This is an area whereas I have some concern about an Audi, particularly given the importance my wife puts on reliablity.  I think the 2009 A4 looks really nice, whereas the Honda Accord is a styling disaster.

This is some information on the car.

Audi Official Release
Meet the entirely new A4.

Overall concept: The entirely new Audi A4 Sedan sets forth a new standard
among its competitors with its dynamic design and distinctive handling
characteristics. The new A4 Sedan is making its entrance confidently with
a strong, sporty design and an innovative technical concept. The result is
impressive with superior driving characteristics and precision handling.

Engine: The 3.2 FSI and the 2.0 TFSI are available for the Audi A4 Sedan. The
engines feature outstanding smoothness, excellent torque and exemplary fuel
economy figures.

Transmission: Automatic Tiptronic® with six speeds, or a six-speed manual
gearbox is available for a sportier driving experience.

Drivetrain: The drivetrain is an all-new arrangement moving the differential forward
from the previous model to ideally balance axle loads. quattro® delivers power to all
wheels, while asymmetrical/dynamic torque distributes drive forces at a ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear axle.

Performance: The entirely new Audi A4 embodies in exemplary style the
combination of powerful, dynamic design and excellent drivability with high
precision and ease of handling. Innovative technology such as Audi drive select
and high quality in every detail contribute to the extraordinary synthesis of
sportiness and comfort.  Zero to 62 mph: 6.2 seconds with six-speed manual.
     

New features: The entirely new Audi A4 Sedan features high-quality and
innovative optional extras which were previously the exclusive preserve of
executive and luxury-class vehicles. These features include the drive assist features
of side assist, drive selection control, dynamic suspension, and adaptive steering.

Select options: Audi Navigation system. Advanced Key. Audi Music Interface.
Bang & Olufsen® sound system. Bluetooth® option for mobile phone.
European vehicle.

*European vehicle specifications


Edited (Shortened) Version of a Motor Trend Article

The 2009 A4 grows by 4.6 inches to a total length of 185.2, with a wheelbase that has been stretched by 6.5 inches to 110.5, thanks to the swapping of the differential with the clutch or torque converter, which allows the front axle to be moved 6.1 inches forward. Despite the extra length and 2.2 inches of width (the car is now 71.1 inches wide), the 2009 A4 is just a few dozen pounds heavier than the outgoing model thanks to the use of lightweight materials inside and out.

There's more head- and shoulder room, and rear passengers now have an additional 1.4 inches of knee room for a total of 35.7 inches. There's now 17.0 cubic feet of space in the trunk in front-drive and quattro options. Folding rear seats are standard.

The optional Xenon headlights feature R8-inspired LED daytime running lights consisting of 14 white LEDs. These lights also are available with adaptive light technology that turns the headlights with the car.

The 2009 A4 will be offered with a total of five diesel and gasoline engines, though U.S. models will likely continue to be offered only with the 2.0-liter turbo four and 3.2-liter V-6. The output of the V-6 gets bumped to 264 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, allowing the V-6-equipped A4 to make the sprint from 0-to-62 mph in 6.2 seconds. Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic, and multitronic CVT. Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel drive is available once again, but has been recalibrated to send 60 percent of its power to the rear wheels under cruising conditions instead of the previous 50 percent to better match the rear-drive dynamics of its competitors. Brakes are 12.6 inches in diameter up front and 11.8 in the rear.

Handling is one of the areas Audi focused on when designing the 2009 A4, and the car's performance is enhanced by a new lightweight suspension and variable-ratio steering..

Safety systems include six airbags, with the front airbags linked to sensors in the front seats that record the exact position of the seat to limit the force of the airbag and seatbelt tensioners. An additional pair of side airbags for the rear seats are available as an option. The A4 also will be offered with Audi's lane-departure-warning system and a rear backup sensor. Stability control is standard as well.

Audi will introduce the 2009 A4 at the Frankfurt motor show, and the car will arrive in U.S. dealer showrooms next September.

The new A4 Avant is probably my favorite vehicle of what is coming out too.  I'll need to talk to the dealers and see when they'll be available.  I'd really really really like to check one out that has the s-line package, quattro and new 2.0T engine.  This is what they look like with the s-line package, which makes it look like 8/10 of an S4 for appearance and suspension, sans the big engine.  But I want the 2.0T anyway.

I thought they offered the S-Line package and S4 in the states already?  They're always listed on Audi's USA website.  Just typically needs to be special ordered as you don't see them on the dealer lots.

I'd have to ask a dealer about specifics.  A4 Avant + 2.0T + Quattro + 6 speed + S-Line and Titanium package is a must have, be a real downer if I couldn't get that.  Its definitely on the website as I've built with those options before.

S4 Avant
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4/S4_Avant.html

And the S-line package is listed here for the A4 Avant
http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4/A4_Avant/Features/options.html

Blah!  If I can still get the S-Line A4, I'll be ok.  S4 Avant would be great, but not what is in my current budget as it is.

2.0T, chip and exhaust.   Assuming I can get it with the S-Line and Titanium package.

And I like that its a wagon.  Cleaner lines than the sedan and more functional.

I think the sedan looks pretty nice

^ this would be my major concern as well... I know they used to offer free service/maintenance, but I'm unaware of whether this program is still in effect.