AUDI'S A4 range underwent a major facelift at the beginning of the year with a strengthened body, new engine line-up and various interior changes.
It's an impressive piece of kit which is helping the Audi brand to maintain its surge in sales in the UK and a bonus for buyers is the fact that prices for the latest A4 have not been increased by any significant degree.
The UK is now the second biggest Audi market in the world with 41,805 cars bought in the first six months of this year - up nine per cent. Audi only sells more in its home market
The entry level 1.6 saloon comes in at £18,905 with the top of the range 3.0 TDI quattro Avant diesel hitting £28,175. With 26 derivatives to choose from there is something to suit everyone and the expected quality from Audi has just got better.
I've just spent time behind the wheel of the estate version 1.9 TDI Avant which was packed with additional gear which raised the price to £26,680. But if you don't need acoustic parking aids, bigger alloys, electric lumbar supports, etc, then £21,850 is the on-the-road figure.
So what has been changed on the A4?
Every body panel, with the exception of the roof, has been redesigned and the A4 Avant is slightly longer than its predecessor.
Its overall body shape owes its good looks to the Audi Nuvolari coupe study seen first at the 2003 Geneva motor show. The latest, aggressive corporate grille design has also been included in the A4 facelift plus new headlamps and fogs.
Inside, the A4 has been given a new design of steering wheel, the seats are now more easily adjusted and thigh support has been improved.
Brushed aluminium inlays on the dashboard and doors and sills are now standard with wood inlays as an option.
As expected, the quality of fit and finish on the A4 is of the highest order with everything fitting well with no rattles or vibration spoiling the feeling of German solidity.
Boot space, although not huge for an estate, is still adequate, with 442 litres of useable space available. The smooth floor area and wide gap between wheel arches means there is plenty of room, even for bulky items.
Power for the test car came from the tried and trusted 1.9 TDI which offers 115bhp. This isn't enough to make the A4 Avant one of the speediest estates in class, but for those who are looking for good all-round performance and fuel consumption it is up there with the best.
Audi claims the 1.9 TDI will return 48.7mpg on a mixed driving run with a top speed of112mph and a 0-62mph time of 11.5 seconds.
The slick, five-speed manual gearbox is precise and easy to use and power is fed through evenly with very little turbo-lag making overtaking options safe and confident.
All A4s are fitted with the latest electronic stabilisation programme, ESP 8. This system comprises anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist which automatically increases brake power when the driver applies the brakes in an emergency. A traction control system is also standard.
There's a smooth ride over most surfaces with good feed back through the steering and stability through the swiftest and tightest bends. The A4 Avant is probably most at home cruising the motorways or major highways but doesn't lack composure on country lanes.
Standard equipment on all A4 Avants is comprehensive and includes alloys, ABS, power steering, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, electric windows and mirrors, locking wheel nuts, side front airbags, split/folding rear seat, etc.
The SE model I tested had the addition of cruise control, towing equipment, Symphony radio, leather trimmed wheel, driver's information system, parking sensors and other goodies.
Audi goes from strength to strength and the latest A4 will do nothing to dampen the enthusiasm for the brand.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 1.9 TDI SE Avant
Price: £21,850
Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,896cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 122mph
0-62mph: 11.5 secs
Combined mpg: 48.7
Insurance group: 11
CO2 emissions: 157g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust