The Spanish-owned Ibiza, part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, was the chosen setting to preview the 2009 A4 Avant, Audi’s fourth-generation wagon. The Avant is all about lovely lines and superior technology, and Ibiza is all about the senses.

Founded by Phoenician’s in 654 B.C., the early settlers believed Ibiza to be a magic isle blessed by the gods because of its fertile red soil that supposedly wards off all manner of harmful reptiles, animals, insects, or plants.

Mellow is the mood here. Ibiza was a huge hippie hangout in the ’60s and since has given birth to a renowned club scene. But people are drawn to this magical island for its sandy beaches and laid-back Mediterranean life. Staggering cliffs with feverish views of seas, pine forests, olive groves, and discreet century-old towns are just some of the perks.

Nostradamus, the 15th century French astrologer and physician, predicted that when nuclear disaster wipes out most life on Earth, the unusual wind patterns over Ibiza will guarantee that it will be the only remaining life-supporting environment. (If that happens, I’m there in a flash!)

The lowdown on Audi A4 Avant:

The Audi A4 Avant proved every bit as charming, spunky, and seductive as Ibiza.

It comes from good genes. The Audi A4 is the company’s best-selling car in Europe. For 2009, the Audi A4 Avant has grown longer by 4.72 inches and shortened its front overhang to create a sleeker look.

Besides looking lithesome, this wagon drives like a sedan. This year’s edition has a stiffer body that is 10 percent lighter (due to lightweight steel construction) and a wider track and wheelbase. The interior is fashioned for the driver. For instance, the center console tilts 10 degrees to the left, the electromechanical parking brake is a user-friendly addition, and the alcantara (suedelike material) on the seats helps to keep you from sliding while taking a corner.

Some changes in drag (.31 to .27), a more forward positioning of the clutch/torque-converter and new front and rear suspensions that are predominately aluminum, have improved the agility of the car. The engineers also moved the steering rack lower and closer to the wheel carriers for a lower center of gravity, more direct steering control, and exacting feedback. Thus, a wagon that responds with a nimbleness usually reserved for sports cars.

Bourbon with a Twist:

The engine sound (a gutsy note of ‘bourbon with a twist’), the acceleration (strong and on point), the power (consistent), the braking (sure and level). In other words, the Audi A4 Avant has lots of personality. Even in second gear, the wagon took off on a pass. And the turbo? Once you’ve experience turbo like this, you’ll never go back to normal.

We drove the Audi A4 Avant 2.0 four-cylinder TFSI (turbo and direct inject) manual. The U.S. will offer the automatic version 2.0 with six-speed paddle shifters (211 hp and 258 lb. ft of torque, 0 to 60 to be announced) all-wheel Quattro.

The U.S. version will be about 230 pounds heavier than the car we were driving. The weightier 3.2 FSI automatic is not slated for the U.S. But truly, the 2.0 TFSI had plenty of energy for all of us.

The Icing on the Cake:

The 2009 Audi A4 Avant is all about fuel savings: the lower drag, the lighter weight components, even the climate control system supplies 10 percent more cooling while operating 20 percent more efficiently. MPG is slated to be 15 percent more improved.

The last word:

The refined Audi wagon with space enough for your surfboard or suitcases and performance will keep your heart pumping.