THE Audi A4 is the kind of car in which you feel instantly at home and after just a few minutes behind the wheel you feel you have been driving it for months.
There’s nothing fancy about the controls and few gimmicky innovations to get used to.
You know what to expect – comfort, performance, reliability and a body style which isn’t over the top but stands out from the crowd.
That applies to the A4 2.0 TDI S line saloon. The latest A4 has stiff opposition from the likes of BMW and Mercedes but I believe it can hold its own. It is marginally cheaper than the 3-Series or C-class with healthier residual value.
The A4’s diesel engine is one of the most powerful four-cylinder units around and the 170 bhp version on this car gave me all the oomph I needed yet returned a creditable 42 mpg when it was put to the test on motorways, country roads and pottering around town.
Acceleration is sharp, with zero to 62 mph achievable in just 8.5 seconds and on to a claimed top speed of 139 mph.
Fitted with a slick, six-speed manual gearbox, excellent brakes, positive steering and sports suspension the S line (which is a £750 option) offers up an enjoyable diving experience.
Thanks to the quality materials used in its construction, excellent build, and effective sound dampening long journeys are no strain on driver or passengers.
Road, engine and wind noise are well suppressed and the sports suspension, which normally means a firmer ride and a few extra bumps, reacted well to all road surfaces.
Cabin space is excellent for driver and front seat passenger with comfortable and supportive seats which are easily adjusted to give the driver the best possible all-round view.
Leg room in the rear is just average but anyone in the centre seat could have slightly restricted leg room.
Boot space is really good at 460 litres with stacks of space for large items. There's and even more room - 833 litres tro be precise - with the rear seats folded down.
Standard equipment on all A4s include anti-lock brakes, traction control, alarm and immobiliser, electric windows and door mirrors, electronic brake-force distribution, climate control, electronic stability control, halogen headlights, power steering, remote central locking, side airbags for front seats and safety steering column with height and reach adjustment.
The S line trim includes a three-spoke sports steering wheel, Concert II radio with CD, heated door mirrors, electric rear windows, leather gear knob, and hand-brake lever, S line body styling, sports seats up front, Strato cloth upholstery and 17-inch alloys.
There's hardly anything to criticise about this German motor. It’s well worth considering, both as a company car and one for the family.
You won’t be disappointed.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 2.0 TDI (170 bhp) S line
Price: £22,965
Mechanical: 170 bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 139 mph
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Combined mpg: 42
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 154g/km
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles, 3 years paint, 12 years anti-rust