THE Audi A4 is a super saloon without any of the high tech extras that took the 3.0 TDI saloon model I tries from a price-tag of a shade under s30,000 to one boasting a figure of more than s40,000.
Having said that I have to hold my hand up and admit that it was an s1,100 optional extra that stole the show for me.
Ive never been a great one for cruise control as it seems to me as much of a chore to keep speeding it up or slowing it down via buttons or levers as pressing the accelerator with my foot.
Step forward Audis adaptive cruise control which is quite simply magnificent.
Set it for the speed you want to go and it does the rest - if you chance upon slower moving traffic its sensors pick this up and apply the brakes automatically accelerating to cruising speed again once you have pulled out to overtake or the obstruction moves out of the way.
It is quite simply the best invention since the light bulb making the majority of a long trips simply a steering job.
But it does highlight the fact that Audi dont believe in offering their more sophisticated toys as standard equipment. A raft of extras including satellite navigation (s1,975), lane and side assistance (s900) and a nifty Bang & Olufsen sound system (s525) will put a hole in your wallet if you choose to have them.
Admittedly some of the technology, such as the incredibly annoying Audi lane assist system, will remain in the brochure, but its a shame items such as heated front seats (s250), hill-hold assist (s45) and Audis advanced parking system (s700) arent considered for inclusion on the middle-ranking SE trim.
What you do get for your money is a 10-speaker radio/CD system with MP3 compatibility, a leather trimmed multifunction steering wheel, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, front and rear fog lights, an alarm and immobiliser, dual zone climate control with rear air conditioning controls, electric front and rear windows, electro mechanical parking brake and powered and heated side mirrors.
Its an impressive list, but again you have to go to the options list for another star of the show Audi drive select a s1,700 option on the SE model that allows control of throttle response, steering and suspension providing a driving experience that is directly influenced by personal preference and once experienced is a necessity rather than a luxury.
Similarly Audi side assist, which warns if there is anything in the drivers blind spot, is incredibly useful even more so if Audi decide to include it in the basic package.
The latest A4 is bigger than its predecessor, benefiting from one of the longest wheelbases in its class allowing it to boast a huge cabin and bootspace.
Theres loads of room up front while a couple of adults can easily be fitted into the back as head, shoulder and legroom are excellent throughout.
A wide range of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel means the A4 caters for drivers of all shapes and sizes. Visibility is fine as well thanks to the generous quantities of glass used. The controls are logically arranged and Audis MMI control system is straightforward to use.
The 3.0-litre diesel engine makes the A4 a seriously quick car with a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds. Overtaking is a joy with plenty of power on tap while an average fuel economy figure of more than 40mpg is not to be sneezed at.
In short the A4 is an excellent family saloon, but to realise its full potential will involve going the extra mile financially.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro SE 4dr
Price: s29,500
Mechanical: 240PS, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.1 secs
Combined mpg: 40.9
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 172g/km
BiK rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust