Audi A4
When is an all-new car not an all-new car? The answer is not as straightforward as you might expect... Audi's heavily facelifted A4 is the perfect example.
So, is the A4 a new car? There's no doubt that Audi has worked wonders with the cabin and suspension, and injected some real drama into the design. Although we didn't think the 2.0-litre FSI Turbo unit did the model justice, there's no doubt the A4 can hold its head high in the competitive compact executive class.
When is an all-new car not an all-new car? The answer is not as straightforward as you might expect... Audi's heavily facelifted A4 is the perfect example. With its fresh nose and headlamps, plus A6-inspired interior and uprated engine range, it looks for all the world like a brand new machine.
Dig deeper, however, and you'll spot that the suspension, chassis and cabin architecture are all virtually identical to those of the current compact executive challenger. So is the A4 really that different - and, more importantly, does it have what it takes to take on the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3-Series for class honours?
In fairness, the company's engineers have done a good job of freshening up the interior and suspension. Thanks to the new A6-style steering wheel and some subtle trim changes, the cabin does feel more up to date.
And it doesn't take many miles behind the wheel to realise that, despite the four-year-old suspension, the Audi rides better than ever. The set-up still feels a little harsh over really rough surfaces, but overall it's far more competent than before thanks to a few careful tweaks lifted from the A6. A revised ESP stability control system also helps the driving experience, working gently and virtually unnoticed, and setting new standards, not only for this class.
In addition, there are three new ultra-modern and powerful engines, which Audi has high hopes for. Now included in the line-up are a 200bhp 2.0-litre FSI Turbo, a 255bhp 3.2-litre V6 FSI and a 206bhp 3.0 TDI oil-burner. So along with the existing petrol and diesel units in the range, Audi now offers a total of nine powerplants for the A4 - enough for even the most demanding driver.
We sampled the turbocharged 2.0-litre FSI model, which uses the same engine as the new Golf GTI. But while we were impressed by the smoothness of the unit in the VW, somehow it fell short of our expectations in the Audi.
This powerplant sounds somewhat strained when compared to six-cylinder motors from the likes of BMW, and given its 200bhp output, it also seems to struggle to deliver pace.
As before, the combination with front-wheel drive leaves a lot to be desired - when accelerating out of tight bends, the front tyres scrabble for grip and tug on the steering. The all-wheel-drive quattro version sorts this out - but the upgrade won't come cheap.
Officially, prices are still secret, but Audi says the car is unlikely to be much more expensive when it goes on sale early next year. Expect to pay around £18,500 for the entry-level 1.6-litre A4.
