2009 Audi A4 by Marty Padgett, Executive Editor www.TheCarConnection.com

Audi’s new station wagon, the A4 Avant, gets its world premiere in two weeks at the Geneva motor show. And when the new wagon bows, it will bring a new “high-powered, four-cylinder turbocharged engine” to the party, according to information released by Audi.

This fall, both the new-generation A4 sedan and the A4 Avant arrive in the U.S. And while the sedan also will offer a 265-horsepower version of Audi’s 3.2-liter V-6, the Avant wagon arrives only at launch with the new four-cylinder, Audi noted in its release.

In other markets, there will be smaller gasoline and diesel engines offered, among them a 240-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel six.

Six-speed transmissions will be offered and quattro will be standard on U.S.-market Avants, Audi confirms.

Audi says its Avant will be the most successful premium wagon in its class. With the new generation, the Avant inherits the deep grille, sweeping roofline and the somewhat controversial interior styling of the new A4 sedan. Inside, the new cockpit adopts the styling of the A4 sedan and the new A5/S5 coupes, with a deep binnacle shading a touchscreen interface.

Audi also promises better functionality with the new Avant. A new suspension design on the sedan and wagon translates into better weight distribution, while the reconfigured proportions of the vehicle mean shorter front overhang with a longer wheelbase. The new wagon sits more than 4.7 inches longer than the previous version, though it’s 10 percent lighter and more rigid than before, Audi says.

With a cargo hold of up to 50.5 cubic feet, Audi says its wagon is the best carrier in the class that also includes the small wagons from BMW and Mercedes-Benz. A split-folding rear seat is standard, while a power tailgate is a new option.

Safety features include curtain airbags for both rows of riders; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control. Features such as a rear parking assist; a lane-departure warning system; and a blind-spot detection system will be available as options, as will adaptive cruise control.

Other options will include Audi’s navigation system, bundled with the multimedia interface (MMI); iPod connectivity; Sirius satellite radio; a panoramic sunroof; and in some markets, a Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Stay tuned for more on the new A4 Avant as TheCarConnection.com reports live from the Geneva auto show on March 4 and 5.

Read more on 2009 Audi A4.