Isn't it amazing how quickly cars are due for replacement, even though they don't necessarily seem to be past their sell-by date? Take Audi's new A4 - the old one didn't seem particularly long in the tooth, but a completely new model has just been released.

Looking like a scaled down version of the A6, Audi's new mid-range saloon is battling against Merc's new C-class and BMW's 3-series in a marketplace that seems to be expanding each year.

Being a clean-sheet design, a lot is expected of the new A4, and in most respects it delivers. Both the interior and exterior designs are evolutionary - radical isn't on the agenda when it comes to volume sellers.

That means an efficient cabin that is well screwed together and where you can find everything easily. It also means a design that's not especially inspirational, but I suupose if you have a choice between inspired and efficient you'd probably go for the latter every time.

The car we tested was fitted with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is probably the least desirable unit available. Okay, the 2.5-litre V6 diesel and 3.0-litre petrol units are the pick of the bunch overall, but for real world drivers the 2.0-litre isn't the best alternative. If it was my money I'd be looking at the 1.9 Tdi or the 1.8T units - refined, torquey and economical, especially in diesel guise.

The 2.0-litre isn't a bad unit, it's just a tad unrefined for my liking. Based on the 2.0-litre unit fitted to VAG cars for several years, it's had a complete makeover for the A4 with lots of new bits designed to maximise power and torque while minimising emissions. Shame it isn't as tractable as it should be.

The five-speed gearbox is okay, if a bit notchy - especially in first when cold. It'll be interesting to see how reliable the continuously variable transmissions are, bearing in mind their frequent fragility in other cars when mated to torquey engines. Available with all front-wheel drive A4s, the CVT option weighs in at £1450.

When I was driving this car I felt that it was a bit of a rep's special. Although the cabin was a nice place to be it seemed a bit spartan and clinical. It's lifted by a bit of wood trim and the seats are comfy, but you don't feel cossetted.

But it looks great from the outside, you can get up to 35mpg without having to try too hard and the residuals should be pretty solid. Just don't opt for the xenon lights at £750 when you could spend that money on upgrading the stereo and actually see the benefit of the expenditure.

Richard Dredge

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