• Let’s be honest, the last A4 looked good and was well-made, but the driving experience was only mediocre when compared with its compact executive rivals. Audi has listened and the new car is 110kg lighter. The steering was also sharp with a keen turn in and tight body control means negligible roll. The BMW 3-Series, in our opinion, is still the driver’s choice, but the A4 has gone from being an also-ran, to being in the hunt for class honours.
• Our A4 was powered by what Audi believe will be one of the best-sellers for SME buyers – the entry-level 148bhp Ultra version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. Low down torque right from the start is impressive, pulling well from the bottom of the rev range; it is well-matched to the carefully spaced ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox. Noisy from startup, you’ll be pleased with the A8-like acoustics, as the clatter is kept to a distant hum inside the A4. Acceleration to 62mph takes just 8.9 seconds and the top speed is 130mph. Yet this A4 is still capable of a Combined consumption of 74.3 mpg, falls into the 18% tax band and also boasts 99g/km emission figures.

What’s not?

• No Audi is ever cheap and this TDI 150 Ultra in entry-level SE trim has a list price of £28,465
• One of the big issues with the last A4 was its offset driving position, which proved uncomfortable for some drivers. Although not offset, the driver’s side footwell felt cramped, with no clutch rest and instead my left foot was buried into the pile of the transmission tunnel carpet to stay comfortable.
• On top of the driving position issues, there’s a question mark over how our test A4 rode. Ultra models are fitted with stiffer, lowered suspension. This is fine, but it felt unsettled and crashy on some of the cross-country UK test route.
• Audi’s standard Drive Select system might have five different modes, but they all feel very similar.

Verdict on Audi A4 2.0 TDi 150 SE Ultra:

Keener drivers might be better off with the more powerful 184bhp version of this diesel engine, or the amazing 3.0 litre with its 114g/km emissions, but business car buyers would do best choosing the 2.0-litre TDI 150 Ultra with its 18% tax band, 99 g/km emissions and 74.3mpg Combined consumption.