ONE of the most reliable and best built cars I have ever owned was an Audi 80 of the late 1980s. So it was with a great deal of interest that I recently drove its modern counterpart, the Audi A4.
But my test car was light years ahead of my plodding old 1.6 because it was powered by the latest 2.7 TDI engine which places this car among the front runners of executive driving.
Priced at £24,485 this model is part of a 24 model, 10 engine range which starts at £19,200 and tops out at £28,865.
The 2.7 TDI whacks out 180ps and is a very lively drive.
The latest car may look a little like the old model but the truth is that every body panel bar the roof section is new.
The latest corporate single frame grille sits well on the A4 giving is a much more powerful stance. But the most memorable aspect of my test car was the ideal marriage of the latest technology diesel engine and the Audi six-speed manual gearbox.
This gives a 0-62 mph figure of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. Although this engine is a six-cylinder, economy is high on the agenda with a combined readout of 40.1 mpg. However on long runs I was averaging 50.1 mpg which is an amazing figure for a powerful executive express.
The A4 feels like a much larger car and the ride quality proves it. Its handling is extremely positive and it is virtually viceless if you do have to push it hard through bends.
The dynamic chassis features a revised suspension system adapted from the high-performance S4 quattro.
Like other Audis the doors feel massively solid and you do feel very safe in this car.
Indeed, the redesigned body incorporates improved side impact protection achieved by strengthening the shell forward of the B-pillar. The A4 now meets future standards for crash safety including the fast rear crash test FMVSS 301.
Interestingly the steering wheel centre design echoes the shape of the latest grille and is a classy touch.
One of my main complaints about Audis of the past was that interiors were been rather black and bland, but this is not an accusation you can level at the A4 because it is now much more bright and breezy.
You will probably never see an Audi with an interior like a Jaguar but it is a great improvement on past efforts.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 2.7 TDI
Price: £25,410
Mechanical: 180bhp, 2,698cc V6 turbocharged diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 143 mph
0-62mph: 8.4 secs
Combined economy: 41.5 mpg
Insurance Group:15
CO2 emissions: 182 gm/km
BiK rating:26%
Warranty: 3-yrs/ 60,000-mile; 3-yrs paint; 12-yrs anti-rust