You have to admire what Audi has achieved. The brand was never in bad shape, but it played second fiddle to its German rivals and didn't have the image to compete – even if the cars were actually pretty good.
However, now the tables have turned, and the four rings of the Audi are spearing in front, and continuing to grow its product range and sales. A chunk of this success can be accredited to the A4. Competing in a sector where image is prime, it hardly seemed feasible that anyone could de-throne the BMW 3-Series. But the A4 did. Following the successful re-invention of the A4 for 2008, the inevitable follow up is the Avant. Bringing the lifestyle estate option to the A4 range has broadened its appeal, and has made it a viable option for more and more buyers.
But that's the sensible stuff: What we're really interested in is whether it grabs your attention. On this score it has done really well.
All A4s now wear the family face – sleeker headlights, aggressive grilles and bumper arrangement. It's a design similar to that of the A5 coupé.
Once inside and behind the wheel, you feel like some test pilot: The dials are attractively designed, the information screen sits at the top of the centre console and the Multi Media Interface allows you to flip through the gadgets and gizmos.
There is, of course, a mind- boggling selection of engine and gearbox combinations, not least because the Audi is the only car to come with the option of four-wheel drive.
Specs at a glance
Model: Audi A4 Avant 1.8 TFSI SE
Engine: 1.8-litre petrol unit developing 158bhp and 184 lb/ft of torque.
Transmission: Six-speed manual transmission, driving front wheels
Performance: Maximum speed 225km/h, 0-99.78km/h in 8.9 seconds
Economy: 63 km/g combined.
Emissions: 170g/km
