The Driving Woman

The Spanish-owned Ibiza, part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, was the chosen setting to preview the 2009 Audi A4 Avant, their fourth-generation wagon. 

I think it only fitting that I give you a short understanding of Ibiza before I launch into a description of the Audi A4 Avant.

The Audi A4 Avant is all about lovely lines and superior technology. Ibiza is all about the senses.

Founded by Phoenician’s in 654 BC, the early settlers believed Ibiza to be a magic isle blessed by the Gods because of its fertile red soil that supposedly wards off all manner of harmful reptiles, animals, insects or plants.

Mellow is the mood here. Ibiza was a huge hippie hang-out in the 60’s and since has given birth to a renowned club scene. But, people are drawn to this fertile island for its sandy beaches and laid-back Mediterranean life.  Staggering cliffs with feverish views of seas, pine forests, olive groves and small centuries-old towns are just some of the perks.




Nostradamus, the 15th century French astrologer & physician, predicted that when nuclear disaster wipes out most life on Earth, the unusual wind patterns over Ibiza will guarantee that it will be the only remaining life-supporting environment.

But, again, I’m talking about the Audi Avant A4, which proved to be as charming as the island of Ibiza.

To note, the Audi A4 is the company’s best selling car in Europe. For 2009, the Audi A4 Avant has grown longer by 4.72 inches and shortened its front overhang to create a faster look. This wagon is all about handling. With a stiffer body that is 10% lighter (due to lightweight steel construction), a wider track and wheelbase, I didn’t feel like I was driving a wagon.

Some changes in drag coefficient  (.31 to .27), a more forward positioning of the clutch/torque-converter and new front and rear suspensions that are predominately aluminum, have improved the agility of the car. The engineers moved the steering rack lower and closer to the wheel carriers for a lower center of gravity and more direct steering control and feedback.

All of these changes create a wagon that responded beautifully with a nimble feel to the drive. We drove the Audi A4 Avant 2.0 four-cylinder TFSI (turbo and direct inject) manual. The US will offer the automatic version 2.0 with 6-speed paddle shifters  (211 hp  and 258 lb.-ft of torque, 0-60 to be announced) all-wheel Quattro. The Avant that we will get in the US will around 230 lbs heavier. We also drove the weightier 3.2 FSI automatic (not slated for the US) which my driver partner described as more mature than the frisky 2.0.

How did it feel? The engine sound was present all the time, a full note of ‘bourbon with a twist’, the acceleration strong and consistent. Even in second gear, the wagon took off when I had to make a quick pass. And the turbo? '“It shines,”" noted Eric.

What you’ll also want to know is that the 2009 Audi A4 Avant is all about fuel savings. Besides the lower drag, the lighter weight components, even the climate control system supplies 10 percent more cooling while operating 20 percent more efficiently.