Audi A4

The new Audi A4 is the first in a new generation of Audis (A5, R8 included) that have learned how to ride. A wonderfully engineered bit of kit that still manages to be just that little bit boring.

• Comfort

  So, so much better than A4s of old, the new car is quiet, comfy and composed - especially on long freeway hauls. There's so much more space than the old model the new A4 feels like it comes from the class above.

  

• Performance

  Most people will opt 2.7-litre TDI with 140kW, and that's a reasonably quick car with 0-100km/h in 9.4 seconds. The 1.8-litre TFSI petrol turbo is quicker but more thirsty.

  

• Cool

  Are a nice pair of slacks cool? No. Do they do the job? Yes. The new A4 is a nice pair of slacks.

  

• Quality

  As with all Audi product recently the quality is high and the finish superlative.

  

• Handling

  A supremely competent car, the A4 never loses composure and loves tasty back roads. Both the front-wheel drive and Quattro variants shade towards understeer, but thanks to excellent body control and a well-sorted chassis you can really crack on. Not quite a BMW 3-series though.

  

• Practicality

  Plenty of room in the new A4 - the boot is a generous 480 litres and the cabin space is really very good - even in the back. There are also front, side and curtain airbags as standard.

  

• Running costs

  The A4 is a good value buy as long as you stay off the tempting options list. The diesels offer good fuel economy, the petrols offer fun.