Mother Proof's view

Disclaimer: I seem to be predisposed to liking Audis. I’ve never owned an Audi, no one close to me has ever owned one and I’ve only had the pleasure of test driving a couple of them in my lifetime. Nonetheless, I’ve always loved them. In high school, one of my friends dated a boy who drove an Audi. I oozed jealousy – not because he was a prize (he wasn’t) – but because she got to ride around with him in that bright red Audi.

So when I tell you that I really liked the 2010 Audi A4, you might want to temper it with the knowledge of my prejudice. Or…you might not. A bit of time spent with this car will convince even the most skeptical drivers out there that it’s a nice automobile.

The 2010 A4 is great looking; I was stopped three times in the week I was test driving it – by envious male oglers – with the question, “What year is that A4? It’s great looking.” The A4 was redesigned last year, but I guess people are just starting to take notice. The interior is equally, if not more, attractive.

The turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes for an enjoyable drive. Other reviews have questioned whether this engine can stand up to the competition’s six-cylinder engines. My answer is, you bet it can. With the turbocharged engine and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, this baby can go wherever you need it to. I never found myself saying, “Come on A4, give me more!”

The A4’s fuel economy is even decent with an EPA-estimated 21/27 mpg city/highway, which meant I didn’t have to fill up the gas tank very often.

I consistently had fun driving this sedan. Overall, the 2010 A4 only served to augment my Audi prejudice.

Exterior

The 2010 A4 looks more like an A6 to me than any previous A4 model. It’s longer and more luxuriously sporty than in the past. This is no longer just a zippy little sibling; it’s a car that has come into its own, sits lower to the ground for a racier feel and has veritable gravitas.

The 2010 A4 is available in two body styles, a sedan and wagon. My test car was the Quattro sedan ($33,550 MSRP) equipped with the Prestige Package ($8,700). With this package, you get 18-inch alloy wheels; advanced keyless entry and start; xenon headlights with LED taillights and daytime running lights; and auto-dimming side mirrors. You also get a variety of interior features like the navigation system and heated seats. These are all great but a little pricey since I think some of these features should be included in a car at this base price.

The list of standard features abounds; if you choose not to go with the Premium Package, you’ll still make out with a well-equipped, stylish vehicle. You’ll get 17-inch alloy wheels, a standard sunroof and the zippy turbo engine.

Because it sits lower to the ground, it was easy for my 3-year-old to climb in and out of the car, which made my life easier. However, the doors were a little too heavy for him to open by himself; he sort of tipped backward when he did manage to get it open.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Groove-On

Interior

One of the things that props up my Audi predisposition is that Audi seems to make a point of mixing performance with a visually appealing design. It’s never dull, and it always seems to have that certain je ne sais quoi that draws me in. My test car’s optional dark walnut wood trim ($400) supports my theory. It added a new level of luxury to the A4’s interior.

The A4 includes Audi’s Multi Media Interface system, which is a knob and four buttons on the center console that give you control over the audio system, settings and navigation system. I found it easy to use, which was a relief since similar systems in other German-made cars have given me headaches. All of your selections appear on a crystal-clear dashboard screen. I should also note that the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, which is part of the Premium Package, was rockin’, and whether it was playing “The Wheels on the Bus” or Kings of Leon, it made everyone in the car happy.

The Premium Package also included the navigation system with voice control; auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass; Bluetooth connectivity; Audi music interface (to connect my iPod); and heated seats.

The trunk is an impressive 16.9 cubic feet, which swallowed up a 32-inch television and a week’s worth of groceries without a problem. I probably could have fit a small stroller in there, too, but didn’t have one on hand to test it out. The trunk space can get even bigger with the 60/40-split folding rear seats, but those of us with wee ones in child-safety seats can’t really take advantage of that without the hassle of removing their car seats. However, the trunk was large enough that I didn’t even need to lament that I couldn’t use it.

Interior storage space aside is decent, though there probably could have been a little more in the center console. I’d also have liked a couple more cupholders than just four, and I wondered why Audi chose not to include a trunk pass-through. I guess I’d just have to invest in a ski rack if I bought this car.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Fair/Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Safety

In addition to being great looking, comfortable for my family and fun to drive, the 2010 A4 is also safe. The A4 scored the highest rating of Good in frontal-offset, side-impact and rear crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, the A4 hasn’t undergone a roof-strength crash test, which is new for 2010 and part of the required crash tests for IIHS’ Top Safety Pick award.

The A4 comes with standard antilock brakes with brake assist, an electronic stability system with traction control and six standard airbags, including side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows. Side-impact airbags for the backseat are available.

All of that is combined with the easily accessible Latch connectors, which eases car-seat installation. My child-safety seats – a rear-facing infant seat and a forward-facing convertible car seat – fit in just fine in the second row. There was plenty of legroom for the front passenger, even with the rear-facing infant seat. I was able to squeeze between the two car seats, but I wouldn’t want to spend hours sitting there.

This car wouldn’t be complete without an anti-theft vehicle alarm system and ignition immobilizer, lest anyone try to steal this prize.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There’s enough room for a rear-facing infant-safety seat in the backseat with plenty of legroom for the person sitting in front of the car seat.

In School: The low step-in height means easy entry for kids.

Teens: Sexy eyelash LEDs will impress even discriminating teens, and the safety features means they’re parents may let them drive it.