On Avant versions, the boot cover now moves with the boot, plus it has a reversible boot floor and under floor stowage for the rail system. Other clever design features of the Avant include the folding mechanism for the rear seats, now located in the boot and a standard power boot, that’s height adjustable.

As you’d expect from Audi, the A4 is full of the latest clever technology and driver safety systems. Most interesting of them all, considering the current debate about autonomous driving, is the Stop&Go adaptive cruise control, that includes traffic-jam assist. It works by taking into account road markings and the traffic ahead, to make it possible for the car itself to drive up to seven miles hands free – autonomously!

The final choice of engines that will power UK derivatives of the new A4 have yet to be decided, but what we do know is that all engines will have 25% more power. Plus, there will be the choice of six-speed manual, seven-speed S-Tronic and eight-speed Tiptronic transmissions.

However, one engine we know is destined to make it to the UK , is the 2.0-litre TDi Ultra engine, which boasts just 95g/km CO2 emissions and just 99g/km if you go for the Avant estate.

But how will it drive I hear you ask? After all, even Audi would admit that the current car lacks involvement when compared to the driver’s favourite, the current BMW 3-Series. Well, on top of being lighter, the new bodyshells are promised to be stiffer. Plus, there’s electromechanical steering and a new five-link suspension system that the engineers claim will equal a comfortable ride, but on the flip-side, it should equal more agile, precise handling.

So roll on October, as on first look, we think the latest A4 is going to give current compact executive favourites a serious run for their money.