2009 Audi A8

2009 Audi A8
Cool New Car Models

The new Audi A8 has been described as a “supremely competent, utterly complete premium luxury sedan”. The Automobile Magazine has called the A8’s cabin “the sexiest sedan interior in the world”. Though there is weariness in the market in the present economic meltdown, key auto players like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are still introducing swankier, sportier and extremely sophisticated models. Audi’s new A8 is expected to make a dent in the up market auto sales.

The 2009 Audi A8 is an attractive car with a long body and a slightly arching roofline. “The sheet metal — its Armani suit — that wraps around the car is the best representation of the current Audi styling language and the huge full-length grille looks bold and luxurious”, according to Automobile Magazine. While driving, the new A8 is very “nimble, precise and responsive”, according to test-drivers. Along with the standard seventeen-inch rim wheels with 235-series all season tires, Audi also offers 18 inch and 19 inch rims with 255-series tires. Audi claims that the new A8 can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 238 km/h.

Audi has reported in a press release “the 1,690 kg 2009 Audi A8 equipped with the company’s new 2.8-liter FSI engine features a standard fuel consumption of only 8.3 liter per 100 km (that’s about 34 mpg) and produces only 199 g/km of CO2 emissions” which is the best level in its class. The transmission has the conventional tiptronic 6-speed automatic. The updated Audi A8 executive sedan features new fog-lamps, new side mirrors with built-in turn signals, new wheels, new LED tail lamps, new steering system, new air suspension, as well as a set of new electronic assistance systems.

Reviewers find the interiors of the new A8 very “functional”. Its multifunctional steering wheel which has four controls and the standard Multi Media Interface (MMI), wood and leather interiors, comfortable driver’s seat have all come in for praise from reviewers. The MMI has been hailed as the “undisputed new benchmark among interfaces” for its simple, logical and easy-to-use design. Some of the other features include keyless ignition system, intelligent cruise control, 10 standard air bags and Adaptive Light System.

While conventional looking, the new Audi A8 promises to give stiff competition to the other luxury car manufacturers in the coming year.

Mazda CX-9 2009

2009 Mazda CX-9

The 2009 Mazda CX-9 is largely unchanged. This crossover SUV seats up to seven and shares some of its basic design with the Ford Edge. CX-9 comes in Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trim levels. All are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The sole powertrain teams a 273-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Seating includes folding benches; the 2nd row splits 60/40, the 3rd row 50/50. The 2nd-row seat reclines and slides fore and aft to favor passenger or cargo space. Tri-zone climate control and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel are standard on all models, as is a wireless cell phone link. Tourings add leather upholstery and heated power front seats. Grand Tourings include blind-spot alert, xenon headlights, and 20-inch wheels vs. 18s. A sunroof and DVD entertainment are optional but can't be ordered together. A navigation system is optional on Touring and Grand Touring.

2009 Volvo S40

2009 Volvo S40

The S40 is a quirky entry into the upscale market with outstanding safety scores and a simple but classy design. But it doesn't have the power that's now associated with its small but sporty class.

Our analysis shows the Volvo S40 doesn't woo drivers with sporty performance, unexpected utility or flash design -- rather, it entices with its elegant bodylines, cutting edge safety features and solid feel on the road. On the heels of an extensive refresh, the 2009 S40 returns to showrooms and lots with fewer powertrain options (although popular with reviewers, the poor-selling manual transmission is now gone), more standard features and a new T5 R-Design trim package with a modified exterior and interior design.

New reviews seem just as pleased as previous ones with the S40's strong attributes, and just as forgiving of the car's weaker traits. But if you can't justify the limited cargo capacity, consider the highly similar Volvo-V50-or-the-Audi A3's hatchback. If you're looking for a sportier ride, check out the Volkswagen GTI.

* "One of those cars that might not get an enthusiast's pulse racing but are well worth considering. It has a crisp and sporting feel, excellent steering, good looks, is reputed to be safe, and brings the Volvo brand to a younger, less affluent (and probably hipper) customer." -- Car and Driver

* "The S40 and V50 may not sell themselves to enthusiast drivers based solely on the way they carve corners and dust the quarter mile; but neither should their dynamics deter the hip, IKEA-loyal, young prospective buyers lured by their now even better-looking exterior styling and unmistakably Scandinavian interiors." -- Motor Trend

* "Nimble and peppy, if not overtly sporty." -- Forbes

* "A quick, compact four-door sedan you can get with both all-wheel drive and a stick shift. It's a genuine rival to all-wheel-drive versions of German sedans much prized by driving enthusiasts. -- BusinessWeek

S40 Performance - NA
The 2009 Volvo S40 is a competent, but not sporty performer. Test drivers report if that if that's what you're looking for, you'll be pleased with even the base trim. Car and Driver writes that the S40 is "pleasing rather than exciting, with decent steering and willing engines." The biggest change for the 2009 model is the discontinuation of the manual transmission in favor of just the five-speed Geartronic automatic. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn how reviewers have adjusted to the change.

S40 Exterior - NA
To reviewers, the Volvo S40 is one of the more stylish designs in the entry-level luxury class. Continue with our full Exterior Review to learn about the design changes made in the S40's 2008 model year that carryover well for 2009, or check out our Volvo S40 Photos.

S40 Interior - NA
Inside the 2009 S40 you'll enjoy the simple design and level of quality more than you're disappointed with the lack of space for cargo or rear passengers. As Automobile Magazine says, "the S40's interior is its best selling point." Read our full Interior Review to learn more about the numerous standard features offered in the less-is-more sedan, or click through our Volvo S40 Photo Gallery.

S40 Safety - NA
Staying true to Volvo's association with safe vehicles, the 2009 S40 does well in federal government crash tests, while the similar 2008 model performs well in insurance industry crash tests. Check out the full Safety Review for information on the S40's optional safety systems.

S40 Reliability - NA
The 2009 Volvo S40 has a basic warranty for the first four years or 50,000 miles. Continue with our full S40 Reliability Review to learn more about the S40's coverage.