2009 A4 Vs B7
06-01-2009, 11:20 PM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Waterloo
Posts: 195
2009 A4 Vs B7
So as my shop is in the car, I have some thoughts in regards to the 2009 Audi A4 that is now serving my courtesy car.
It's a black on black 2009 Audi A4 multitronic, everything is bare min. with no options.
I have read a similar review somewhere that shared my opinions, but I want to hear some rebuttals.
I once decided that my next car will be the 2009 (I have the 2007 right now), but I'm not so sure anymore.
Before I begin, I do have that CVT + Front wheel drive. It's hopeless. Lots of torque steer and the lack of grip is down right scary. But no problem, I'd be getting a Quattro anyways.
Things I like:
The MMI is simple, clean well designed.
The Dash / Dials / small trip computer is fantastic. Very high res...
The seat cushion is great (the seat back is way too firm)
The fit and finish of the gear shifter.
Size of the trunk
Timing Chain
No vibration in drive at idle
Things I don't like:
Everything else
I don't like the way it feels anymore. It feels so Mercedes like. Everything is very floaty, I feel disconnected from the road, the springs are way too soft, and I have absolutely no confidence throwing this car into a bend.
-My biggest gripe is the fit and finish of the interior. In particular, the plastic feel of the space around the gear shifter (granted, any system with NAV would fix this). The aluminum trim right around the dash itself has no texture. Seems too cheap/BMW for this. The vinyl of the passengers side airbag and the doors....that's almost GM like! (upper end GM, like the Buick Enclave).
It seems Audi has taken a couple of steps back in regards to fit and finish. The car is absolutely fantastic from the outside (I love it to pieces), but I can see them cutting corners these days. I was *SHOCKED* to find a donut spare wheel!!
Would I still buy a 09 A4 in a few years? Yes. But unfortunately, not as much as I wanted to before. I should have a few more days before I have to get my own car back, so hopefully I'll like it more....
Yes, I understand there is quite a lot of bias here, but I try to remain objective because I really want to like this car!!
It's a black on black 2009 Audi A4 multitronic, everything is bare min. with no options.
I have read a similar review somewhere that shared my opinions, but I want to hear some rebuttals.
I once decided that my next car will be the 2009 (I have the 2007 right now), but I'm not so sure anymore.
Before I begin, I do have that CVT + Front wheel drive. It's hopeless. Lots of torque steer and the lack of grip is down right scary. But no problem, I'd be getting a Quattro anyways.
Things I like:
The MMI is simple, clean well designed.
The Dash / Dials / small trip computer is fantastic. Very high res...
The seat cushion is great (the seat back is way too firm)
The fit and finish of the gear shifter.
Size of the trunk
Timing Chain
No vibration in drive at idle
Things I don't like:
Everything else
I don't like the way it feels anymore. It feels so Mercedes like. Everything is very floaty, I feel disconnected from the road, the springs are way too soft, and I have absolutely no confidence throwing this car into a bend.
-My biggest gripe is the fit and finish of the interior. In particular, the plastic feel of the space around the gear shifter (granted, any system with NAV would fix this). The aluminum trim right around the dash itself has no texture. Seems too cheap/BMW for this. The vinyl of the passengers side airbag and the doors....that's almost GM like! (upper end GM, like the Buick Enclave).
It seems Audi has taken a couple of steps back in regards to fit and finish. The car is absolutely fantastic from the outside (I love it to pieces), but I can see them cutting corners these days. I was *SHOCKED* to find a donut spare wheel!!
Would I still buy a 09 A4 in a few years? Yes. But unfortunately, not as much as I wanted to before. I should have a few more days before I have to get my own car back, so hopefully I'll like it more....
Yes, I understand there is quite a lot of bias here, but I try to remain objective because I really want to like this car!!
06-02-2009, 12:37 AM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Vaughan, ON
Posts: 163
Re: 2009 A4 Vs B7
You have to try one with ADS or sports suspension. ADS changes things dramatically, and I've taken a turn at 80km/h and it feels like the car's on rails. Very composed, not testing grip at all, and very little to no body roll. And this wasn't even on Dynamic setting, just Auto.
But you're right about the plastic piece...it's too bad they chose to 'punish' people who don't want NAV. There are other reasons for not wanting NAV other than money, and it's a shame that we can't get the nicer constellation of controls. But the rest of the interior is superb, imho. I've been in a lot of cars, nice ones, and so far, Audi's, and especially this B8 is one of the nicest I've seen.
But you're right about the plastic piece...it's too bad they chose to 'punish' people who don't want NAV. There are other reasons for not wanting NAV other than money, and it's a shame that we can't get the nicer constellation of controls. But the rest of the interior is superb, imho. I've been in a lot of cars, nice ones, and so far, Audi's, and especially this B8 is one of the nicest I've seen.
Last edited by Ryan_T; 06-02-2009 at 12:39 AM.
06-02-2009, 07:46 AM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON
Posts: 102
Re: 2009 A4 Vs B7
If you like to drive, get the sport package (and manual tranny! lol). It won't feel like a boat and you'll be able to throw it in corners.
As for the no nav and having the buttons on the console instead of near the shifter, I like it like that. Sure, the other area looks empty but meh, I've got other things to worry about. I find it easily accessible and can change radio stations while shifting by just extending my finger.
As for the no nav and having the buttons on the console instead of near the shifter, I like it like that. Sure, the other area looks empty but meh, I've got other things to worry about. I find it easily accessible and can change radio stations while shifting by just extending my finger.
