Audi A4 3.2 Quattro Oakland CA

If you've ever hopped into the rear seat of a BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or an Audi A4, you probably started kicking yourself for not calling "shotgun!" In truth, the quarters are so cramped back there that you wouldn't actually be able to kick yourself, but you get the point. It's tight!

So we can't blame Audi for trying to cut down on passenger rage by making the 2009 A4 — known internally as the B8 — larger than the B7 A4. The new A4's 6.6-in.-longer wheelbase, 4.6-in.-longer overall length and 2.1 in. of additional width translate into a larger interior, with rear-seat knee room specifically increasing by a welcome 1.4 in.

While the A4's redesign is more evolutionary than revolutionary, park the B8 next to the B7 and that previous A4 (which we always felt was a pretty piece) looks about 10 years old in comparison. There are a few sharp creases to make sure the eyes don't wander to other cars and, let's face it: The sinister line of LEDs below the headlamps — borrowed from the R8 — adds to the car's look-at-me appeal.

Underneath this larger-yet-lighter body is Audi's modular chassis platform first seen on the A5 coupe. The important points related to the new chassis are that the differential was moved directly behind the engine, switching places with the torque converter, which enabled the front axle to be moved 6 in. forward, providing for both the longer wheelbase as well as a shorter front overhang. The result is a better balanced car.

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