Audi’s sleek A4, redesigned for the 2009 model year, is a handsome ride. Powered by a lively, 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine, the 2010 A4 is five inches longer, three inches wider and — importantly — about 10 percent lighter than the previous generation car. The result is a sedan with more leg and shoulder room, better handling and enhanced real-world gas mileage. For years, A4 customers have asked for a smidgen more interior room, and now they’ve got it, said Audi of Chattanooga sales manager John Adams. “In 2008 and before, people thought of the A4 as a beautiful car with good performance, good handling and a good ride — but a little small,” Mr. Adams said. The new A4 has more rear-seat leg room, an important dimension for families. I sat in a 2008 model for comparison, and the added inches in the 2009s and 2010s are meaningful.

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211 horsepower is the only power-plant available in the 2010 A4. Thankfully, Audi has eliminated turbo lag. The A4 supplies power on demand. Moving effortlessly through traffic on Highway 153, the A4 combined confident handling with zippy acceleration. Interior fit and finish are excellent. Like all new Audi vehicles, every A4 has leather-trimmed seats. Three-zone climate control ensures that all passengers travel in comfort. The A4 is available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models.

STYLING: Audi’s signature four-ring badge is, for my money, the best bling in the business. The new A4s have several nice design flourishes, including LED lighting on the side mirrors, which links to the turn signals. Chrome window trim gives the car a buttoned-down look. Seventeen-inch, 10-spoke alloys are standard on the Premium Plus trim level.

BOTTOM LINE: Audi has positioned the A4 to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Our well-outfitted tester was only $36,155, a price point that gives the Audi a clear shot at entry-level luxury customers who might otherwise default to other premium brands. A highly refined driver’s car, the A4 is much more than just a pretty face.

(E-mail questions about new cars to Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com.)

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