AT long last Audi seems to be getting the message.
"You've got to do something about the cost of your optional extras," is what everyone has been saying.
I acknowledge that, by and large the German car company makes beautiful cars (with the exception of the A2, now considered to be something of the black sheep in the Audi stable).
What has been galling is that you have traditionally had to pay for virtually every extra on an Audi – stuff that most manufacturers supply without any extra cost.
When Audi delivered this vehicle – and it is terrific, as ever – the blurb was quick to point out: "Luxury extras added at no extra cost boost desirability of latest A4 saloon and Avant models."
So the 24 model, ten engine range is now available with an enhanced optional SE specification at not extra cost while the S line sports option has been reduced in price to £750.
The SE option includes upgraded 17 inch 16-spoke alloy wheels and an Audi Concert II radio with single CD player, cruise control and electric rear windows..
Choosing the reduced cost S line option now brings features such as larger 18-inch 5-arm alloy wheels, S line body styling, front sports seats with electric lumbar support, sports steering wheel, sport suspension and and similar radio and CD.
Which is all fine as far as it goes.
But take a look at the basic price of this car and then see the cost of the add-ons.
They take a £23,500 car up to almost £30,000.
I'd want some of these features, but I would be loath to pay the extra price.
So the new message to Audi is: "You are going the right way, you just haven't gone far enough.
And that means people like me will continue to dream about cars such as this and that is how they will remain – a dream.
The A4 is, however, undeniably lovely. The A4 has always looked sensational and it's the bee's knees inside too.
The car glides along, oozing power, turning heads and delivering great driver satisfaction.
The two-litre aluminium engine is the lightest in its class and one of the most compact, but offers impressive torque at the low end of the speed range.
The seats now feature slimmer, active locking head restraints that automatically minimise the distance between the restraint and the head in a rear crash situation.
The seats can now be adjusted lengthwise in increments of three millimetres, giving a virtually infinite range of adjustment.
New two-stage "intelligent" airbags are now fitted for the driver and front passenger.
Their sensors are capable of assessing the intensity of an impact in fractions of a second and activating only the first phase of the airbag deployment in less severe crashes.
A seat belt reminder chime for driver and front passenger can be irritating but is now a sensible standard feature.
They not only look good, they are very practical.
With a capacity of 442 litres, the smooth-floored luggage compartment is well capable of tackling realistic transport challenges and there is plenty of room for bulky loads.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 2.0T FSI S line Special Edition
Price: £23,510
Mechanical: 200bhp, 1,984cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 7.3
Combined mpg: 35.3
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 219g/km
BiK rating: 30%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust