Articles by Karen Porter

But a click of the console button and there it was, live on screen, as I waited for the traffic lights to change. Taking off, I could stay tuned to the episode with audio of the show.It's enough to make you pull over and watch – but not quite – because I'd found what every desperate housewife needs: an Audi A4 Quattro.In fact, the 1.8-litre turbo sedan, complete with sunroof, is what every modern gal needs. After all, who needs a man when you've got the smooth-talking turbo blessed with heaps of power riding beneath you?It's all smooth cruising and a car that you want to linger in.Then there are the extras: the moulded leather seats, the clean, modern design inside and out; the essential vanity mirrors with cute little lights under the visors.And what gal doesn't need those little places to keep the essential items: the centre console, with a small compartment, lifting up to reveal another small compartment to hide the lipstick. There's also a pull-out drink holder for that morning cuppa. Another feature taking my fancy is the rectangular dashboard display, showing what you're listening to, the outside temperature and the road on which you're driving.Apart from the small television screen, the navigation system also features radio, CD player, directory, telephone, navigation, traffic information and system settings, which are easy to operate.Even the comfy seats adjust to fit your size, from backrest angle to lumbar support and seat height. It's sheer luxury, just like sitting in your dad's favourite, well-worn leather chair.Most important is the Quattro's performance. With six gears, the A4's manual gearbox is smooth and sleek. It took me all my control just to stay on the speed limit and not put the foot down.You also notice just how many Audi admirers there are when you flit around the city, especially when you glimpse up from Desperate Housewives to leave the lights. It's definitely a head turner. The hardest part of my week with the Quattro was handing back the keys – I'm heartbroken. I've lost my perfect match – and have started saving.LOVE IT LEAVE ITAudi A4 Turbo QuattroPrice: $56,400LOVE ITLighted vanity mirrorsConsole televisionLuxurious seatsLEAVE ITGiving it back

Affronted, I turned and found the cute blue Audi sitting in the office car park with my name on it.It wasn't topless, it had four doors and while it may have been a little sporty in appearance, it still reminded me of something my mother would drive.My mind was racing: could it compare, could it compete with the convertible, could he be right?At least it had a sunroof.Then I recalled Audi had sold more cars in the first quarter of 2005 than ever in its history and had read the accolades in advertisements appearing in The Advertiser.Admittedly, at first I was apprehensive. After all, the car was blue. Translation: maybe a safe, older man's colour – for many men, blue shirts are a favourite – for safe, conservative cars.But that impression changed when I slid behind the leather steering wheel into the comfortable leather seat, opened the sunroof, popped in a Jack Johnson CD ... and fell in love.I'd been won over in a matter of minutes on the drive home. And while it wasn't a convertible, my hair was blowing with the open sunroof.This was a car I could take home. A car I could drive for months, years. I fell for it! I was converted within minutes.The Audi A4, which is priced from $49,950, had everything a thirtysomething woman would want: lush leather seats, clear-sounding entertainment unit, sporty steering wheel, spacious with plenty of get up and go – and who could forget the bloke-pulling perve value at the stop lights.However, there were downfalls. It's a car you want to cruise in. In fact, I never did so much driving as when I road-tested the Audi A4. On the open road, the A4 is a delight. The drive to Port Willunga didn't seem nearly as long, even though I'd just missed the one-way freeway by minutes and took the long route.The reason: there's barely any road noise, it cruises comfortably and made me feel like queen of the southern expressway on the return journey. And I did appreciate it.But there was just one hitch: I want to change the colour. Doesn't red go faster and black is more stylish? You can see from above, I got my wish – if only for a short time.It was terrific ... but then ...LOVE IT LEAVE ITAudi A4Price: $49,950LOVE ITSmooth, sleek driveComfy leather seatsEntertainment unitLEAVE ITBody colour