Review Audi A4 saloon

"A facelift in 2011 has ensured the A4 stays competitive in this class, with a stylish look and a range of hugely efficient engines." With a wide range of petrol and diesel engines on offer, a huge list of options and a choice of different suspension set-ups, Audi A4 buyers have plenty of choice. For the ultimate in comfort and low running costs, go for the 2.0 TDI in SE trim, but for a sportier drive the 2. TFSI turbo petrol model in S line trim is the best bet - although you'll need to ask yourself if you can live with the stiff suspension all the time. Whichever model you choose, you’ll be rewarded with an excellent all-rounder, and as soon as you get behind the wheel and experience the high quality interior, you'll realise why the A4 is so popular. Drive 4.4 /5 Very capable in the corners but not too exciting The facelifed A4 is better to drive than ever. Changes to the suspension have ensured that the A4 not only handles slightly better than before but it's also a little bit more comfortable – although that depends on the trim level you choose. Excitement isn’t this Audi's strong point, as it tends to leave the driver feeling a bit isolated from the action. Two-wheel drive models are cheaper to run, but quattro models offer the best performance in slippery conditions. Comfort 4.4 /5 For a comfortable ride, avoid S line models The A4 is a great motorway cruiser because of its quiet cabin and effortlessly powerful engines. Be aware though that some models are far more comfortable than others. S line cars, for example, get stiffer suspension for a more sporty drive and they end up being far more tiresome over rough roads than SE models. If you upgrade the looks of the A4 with larger alloy wheels, this can make the stiff suspension feel even stiffer. Reliability 4.5 /5 Reliability has been top notch, with most A4 drivers satisfied Audi A4 owners have always had complete confidence in the build quality and reliability of their cars, with older models scoring an impressive 91.04 per cent in the build quality section of the 2010 Auto Express Driver Power reliability survey. The good news is that the latest A4 also feels incredibly well screwed together, with solid feeling switchgear and not a flimsy piece of trim in sight. Practicality 4.5 /5 Large boot means you can carry a fair amount of kit With such a long and wide boot, the A4 can carry a surprising amount of kit. There's a 480-litre boot, but the standard-fit fold-flat rear seats drop easily to create even more space. The cabin is a comfortable place to spend time for tall adults, and passengers will be as happy in the back seats as they are in the front. Value for money 4.5 /5 Facelift brought a price hike, but standard equipment is generous Updates in late 2011 brought with it a longer standard kit list and a price rise of just over £1,000. Climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, fatigue detection and cruise control are now all included as standard on entry level SE models. Pay an additional £1,000 for SE Technik trim, and you get luxury items like leather seats, sat-nav and parking sensors. Running costs 4.4 /5 Audi has a great range of efficient petrol and diesel engines in the A4 When talking about fuel and tax costs, BMW rules the roost with the 316d ED. The most efficient A4, the 2.0 TDIe, isn’t far behind though, and will only cost around £10 a year more in Road Tax and use a bit more fuel, too. Audi claims official fuel economy is 65.7mpg for the 2.0 TDIe, but the more powerful diesel engines are still impressively economical. Quattro four-wheel drive is available on some models, but it saps fuel economy, so consider if you really need it before choosing a 4x4 version.