Orlando Sentinel's view

Audi sold more than 45,000 A4s in the United States in 2007, accounting for about half of the company’s total sales here. So when Audi introduces an all-new A4 for 2009, both Audi and its dealers know there’s a lot at stake.

Not surprisingly, Audi hasn’t strayed that far from the successful formula that has guided the model since its introduction in 1995: Attractive styling, good performance, the optional Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a price on par with its two leading competitors, the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The 2009 Audi A4, scheduled to reach dealers by mid-September, is faithful to that original concept, and then some: This is a larger, more upscale car than previous A4 models. Though still considered a compact due to its interior space, the 2009 A4 is 2.1 inches wider and 4.6 inches longer than the model it replaces.

That size definitely translates into more interior room, though rear seat space remains pretty tight for adults. The trunk, at 17 cubic feet, is huge for a car this size and easy to access.

The completely redesigned cockpit is nicely done — few manufacturers can match Audi for interior design and quality — though I’m not enamored by the MMI, or Multi Media Interface, a console-mounted knob that, similar to BMW’s unloved iDrive system, controls various audio and climate functions. You get used to it, but it’s not an improvement.

Outside, the new, slightly sleeker styling drew absolutely no attention, except for one very appealing gimmick: Beneath each headlight, there’s a swooping string of 14 little white LED lights that, even in the daytime, look like jewels. A motorcyclist, stopped in front of us at a traffic light, just turned around and stared.

For the U.S. market, Audi will offer two engines: The base 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, and the optional 3.2-liter, 265-horsepower V-6. The test vehicle had the V-6, which is up 10 horsepower from last year.

It’s noticeably more powerful, though at idle, it felt rougher than I was expecting. Audi says that coupled with the perceptive six-speed automatic transmission, 0-60 mph time is a quick 6.3 seconds. Fuel mileage is EPA-rated at 17 mpg city driving, 26 mpg on the highway, with premium fuel recommended.

On the road, the A4 Quattro has impeccable manners, helped by an adjustable suspension that smooths out for highway driving, or gets stiffer for some fun on winding back roads.

Base price on the four-cylinder A4 is $32,700. The company hasn’t released any other pricing information, but we’re educated-guessing the V-6 test car’s sticker at a little more than $41,000, since it was downright loaded with equipment.

The 2009 Audi A4 feels a little more like an evolution than an all-new car, but the last A4 has such a pleasant personality that the familiarity is just fine. It would have been nice had Audi stylists stretched a little more on the exterior design, but if that’s the worst complaint I have about the car — and it is — then this has to be considered a very successful makeover.

Sentinel Automotive Editor Steven Cole Smithcan be reached at scsmith@orlandosentinel.com, or through his blog at OrlandoSentinel.com/gasgauge