Audi A4 2006 review

It delivers 171kW at 3500rpm to 4000rpm and the real fun comes with the 450Nm coming on at a low 1400rpm to 3250rpm.

Audi claims this engine is the most powerful six-cylinder diesel engine in its class and also one of the lightest diesels in the world. But the fun and the upper-class looks of this Audi comes at a price, $86,700 to be precise.

It goes up against rivals such as the BMW 320d and the Chrysler 300C, which are both cheaper but by the time you add some options, you're not far off.

And the BMW offers a less impressive performance, with only a four-cylinder engine, and while the diesel 300C has good figures, it is a lot bigger on the road, compared with Audi's more compact sedan.

Audis A6 model, sharing the same turbo diesel engine, took the award for the best luxury car over $57,000 at Australia's best car awards last year. In the A4, it sprints to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds and offers a good performance and good fuel economy, all wrapped up in a package that delivers surprisingly little noise. Although no need to fret, a revving growl is still present and impresses as you launch from a standstill.

This turbocharged V6 engine uses the latest-generation common rail technology and piezo injectors, as well as twin intercoolers in the turbocharging.

It also provides the security of the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Fitted to a six-speed automatic transmission with tiptronic functions and steering-wheel mounted paddles for quick shifting, this diesel A4 has comfortable and dynamic handling, although it does feel a little firm oncity roads.

Its extra fun when slipping the smooth slider into the sporty "S" mode, as it holds on to the gears a bit longer, like music to your ears. But the steering feels too light and mundane and takes away some of the fun.

The benefits of a diesel are evident when looking at the fuel economy of the Audi. The official claimed fuel consumption of the A4's latest edition is 8.4 litres per 100km and our test showed it to be accurate, with even better figures reaching below 8 litres per 100km.

Audi's smaller 2.0-litre A4 petrol model produces similar figures, with a claimed 8.3 litres per 100km, but doesn't have such an inspiring performance as its diesel sibling.

And as can be expected, the Audi offers all the elegance of a classy, luxury car, the only way to really contrast such an impressive engine. These features include leather interior, electric front seats, wood trim and cruise control, to name a few.

But while the package has an aura of classiness and elegance, it is plain in design. There is also limited leg room in the back and the car could do with some more storage compartments in the front.

The A4 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers, a front centre armrest, and a good sound system with 10 speakers.

It looks sporty in appearance with an attractive single frame grille on the front and features high levels of safety, including Electronic Stability Program, anti-lock braking system and brake assist. It also has front, side and curtain airbags.

Open the boot, and the A4 has plenty of storage space, as well as a full-size spare.