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The Audi A4 has never been considered on par with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the past. To most, it's just an alternative to the Teutonic powerhouse - like the Volvo S60, Lexus IS and Saab 9-3.

With the new A4 though, this mindset will change. There's just a simple reason behind this - the new A4 is every bit as good, if not better, as the BMW and the Mercedes-Benz in most areas.

Exterior

This new model is longer and wider than before, and the A4's generous dimensions also make it the longest and the widest among its class competitors, beating even the 3 Series and the C-Class.

The A4's low and long bonnet line gives it a muscular look, while the coupe like roofline gives it an air of style and elegance. Detailing is a strong Audi point, and the A4 is no different - the headlamps for example, are lined with diamond-like white and extremely bright LED daytime running lights just like the R8's. The lights give the A4 a menacing front when left on - you just have to love it! All in all, the new A4 is one fine looking car despite it being evolutionary in terms of styling over the previous model - it has the right mix of aggression, purposefulness, elegance and style.

Interior

Step into the A4's cabin and you'll be thoroughly impressed with what Audi has done here. Like its stablemates, the A4's interior feels the best in terms of perceived quality of any mass produced cars - it's purely impressive stuff in there, with everything from the switchgear to the surfaces.

Dash and controls are driver oriented now, with the centre console more angled towards the driver now. MMI is also standard on the A4, and this operating system, honestly, puts BMW's iDrive to shame - it's much easier to use, and the chances of your granny being able to operate it is very high.

At the rear, legroom is reasonably generous all thanks to its relatively long wheelbase. Headroom is generally decent, despite the coupe-like sloping roofline. The boot is deep and well-shaped, and should easily gobble up more than a couple of golf bags.

Technicalities

The 3.2 V6 features FSI direct injection technology and is the most powerful unit available in the A4. The bent six churns out 261bhp and 330Nm, peaking between 3,000rpm and 5,000rpm - thus making the engine extremely flexible right from the start. Overall performance is sufficiently good for a junior executive, delivering the goods in a smooth and effortless manner.

Mated to the engine is a Tiptronic six-speed automatic gearbox with manual selection mode. The autobox shifts smoothly and with six ratios, it means you can exploit the engine's impressive flat torque curve. Manual mode can be selected by flicking the gear lever to the left, or by using the steering-mounted paddle shifters.

Standard on the 3.2 variant is Audi's Drive Select. From inside the car, the driver can select between "Comfort", "Auto", "Dynamic" and "Individual" modes to alter the settings for throttle response, gearbox shift points, steering assistance and ratio, as well as the electronically controlled dampers.

The A4 now sits on a brand new floorplan that's shared with the A5 coupe, and it has many design features and technologies which improves the overall dynamics of the car. One of the key features is the placement of the engine - it now sits further back, resulting in an even weight distribution. At the same time, this reduces the "nose heavy" handling and ride trait that blights the previous A4.

Turn-ins are quick and sharp, but surprisingly, the steering does get a bit light and lifeless with Drive Select set in "Comfort" mode. In "Dynamic" mode though, the helm gets even quicker and a whole lot heavier for a more positive feel, and at the same time, with more locks applied. Body control is excellent in "Dynamic" mode - there isn't a degree of unwanted roll, pitch or dive.

With quattro All-Wheel Drive, there is not only ample grip when exiting corners - it also gives you a feeling of reassurance and stability. Should anything turns pear shaped, there is the ESP to hopefully save the situation.

In a nutshell

Coming in at $188k with COE, the A4 3.2 FSI quattro sits on the upper echelon of the junior luxury sector with competition rife in the form of the Mercedes-Benz C280 and the BMW 325i.

Although the C280 is as equally complete as the A4, it somehow lacks style on the outside and perceived quality on the inside. The Audi's V6 is also more refined than the Merc's slightly smaller unit.

As for the BMW, the 325i's in-line six is down in power by some 43bhp when compared to the A4's motor. True, there's the option of the 335i for a more powerful 3-series, but that'll cost you a whopping $30k more than the Audi.

So there's a lot going for the Audi then - we love it for its style, finely crafted and nicely thought out interior, decent ride and handling, refined and silky performance and best of all, high levels of standard equipment.

To sum it up - you just can't go wrong with the new Audi A4.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Engine: 3,197cc, 6-cylinders vee, DOHC
Power: 261bhp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 330Nm @ 3,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Length / Width / Height: 4,703mm/1,826mm/1,427 mm
Wheelbase: 2,808 mm

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