SeaTacTony

Audi A4
The A4 has made something of a name for itself in a relatively short space of time. Think about it: the BMW 3-Series has been around for four generations, while there has been just one A4. Yet despite only being launched in 1994, the A4 has become Audi's best-seller, with over 1.5million models shifted Europe-wide.
However, its success in ruling the compact executive roost has long passed, with the superlative 3-Series extending a clear lead again. So now Audi is ready to make up lost ground. Its all-new A4 goes on sale in the UK on 1 March, with the aim of attracting 25,000 buyers here in its first year.

Basing its image on latest corporate 'design' principles, the new A4 takes exterior cues from the TT roadster and bold A6, and the bodyshell is stiffer and bigger. Quibbles about cabin space have been banished with significantly more room for rear passengers, and the front seats are particularly comfortable. The wider body also allows for an increased safety zone for the new standard Sideguard head airbags.

Although the plastics and upholstery are conservative, chrome and aluminium detailing lifts the finish, while quality is top notch. Further emphasising the A4's new size is the voluminous boot, which buyers have the option of enhancing with split-folding rear seats or a load-through ski hatch.

To complement the fitter body are fresh 2.0 and 3.0-litre petrol units with performance to please. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder has 130bhp and, although it feels a tad unrefined, it's impressively responsive. Meanwhile, replacing the 2.8-litre unit is the superb 3.0-litre V6 that pumps out 220bhp. Choosing between a motorway or a twisting B-road will be hard with this engine. The third petrol choice is the well proven 150bhp 1.8-litre turbo, while completing the line-up are the latest 130bhp 1.9-litre TDI and the more torquey 180bhp 2.5-litre V6 from the A6 saloon. The latter powerplant combines super economy with sublime performance.

For over 20 years Audi has been at the forefront of four-wheel-drive technology and its quattro system is available on more models than ever - up to 30 per cent of buyers of the new A4 are expected to opt for 4WD assistance. But quattro is not the only thing to enhance the new A4's road behaviour. All-new, lighter alloy components make up the fully independent suspension on all models. Although firmer, the ride is accomplished and the taut handling much more fluid and consistent. Additionally, the steering now has more resistance, giving the driver a greater sense of precision and feedback.

Another development is multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission - a first for Audi in this class. Only front-wheel-drive A4s will get this system, although matched to the 2.0-litre petrol engine it's perhaps not the best combination. The multitronic CVT offers six jolt-free ratios and works better with the 3.0-litre V6. The standard five and six-speed manual gearboxes are direct with snappy changes.

Pricing has not increased much, so the new A4 is excellent value. Starting at £18,640 and rising to £24,840, it stacks up impressively against rivals, especially as standard equipment has been increased. All the toys can be requested, too; SE trim adds £610 to the price, Sport £900. And with running costs predicted to be lower, the car makes sense on paper, too.

Even at this stage, it's clear the new A4 is going to be the sector's strongest challenger to BMW's 3-Series. the sporty looking new A4 matches its rivals for image and comfort. The stiffer chassis greatly enhances handling and gives a more involving drive. And new engines, particularly the 3.0-litre V6, plus the option of multitronic gearing and quattro 4WD, add up to a convincing contender.

At a glance

*All-new A4 on sale 1 March

*Priced £18,640-£24,840

*All-new 2.0 and 3.0-litre petrol engines; 1.9 and 2.5-litre TDs

*CVT multitronic transmission