Audi A5

It's even better looking than before, has a nicer interior and cleaner engines. But it's no more involving to drive, sadly.

• Comfort

  Feels like a big GT and that's no bad thing. Little noise, suitably relaxed damping and a general air of grown-upness make for a satisfying cruiser. You'll like this car after a few hundred miles at the wheel.

  

• Performance

  A new 1.8-litre turbo gains 10bhp but it significantly more economical. The 2.0-litre TDI gets a bit more power but it's the new 3.0-litre V6 TDI that you really want. Replacing the old 2.7-litre V6 is an engine that is more powerful and more economical.

  

• Cool

  Sharp suit cool rather than flash cool. But still cool.

  

• Quality

  When it comes to making a car feel expensive and well built, Audi has a solid grasp on the concept. The A5 feels like it'll last until the universe implodes.

  

• Handling

  The A5 isn't about sporting motoring or doorhandle thrills. Feedback has never been its strong suit, even if you do choose the Audi Drive Select suspension tuning pack. Steering's also remote, though it is quite quick. The A5 is the kind of car that you simply point and shoot.

  

• Practicality

  It's a coupe and not a particularly spacious one. The rear bench is tight and rear legroom pretty sparse. But the boot really is quite big and you don't like having passengers anyway.

  

• Running costs

  Go for the small petrol if you're at all bothered by the company car tax. The 3.0-litre diesel is a close run second if you want better in-gear acceleration and similar mpg. Shouldn't depreciate too badly.