Audi A4 News

More than $1 million dollars worth of luxury Audi vehicles rolled into Darwin on May 2 as part of the company's push to raise awareness of the brand in regional areas of AustraliaAudi Australia has achieved its fourth all-time record sales result, as the month of April drew to a close.Closing the month with sales of 605 units, Audi is now 41 per cent ahead of its April 2006 result, or 177 units.Cumulatively, the brand is now 41 per cent ahead of the same period last year, up 740 units to 2536 units for the year.Audi Australia's managing director Joerg Hofmann said the result is yet another sign of confidence in the Audi brand in Australia.A further sign of commitment from the German luxury brand in Australia is the recent appointment of AP Eagers/Stuart Motor Group in the Northern Territory.The dealership, officially known as `Audi Centre Darwin', is headed by dealer principal David Russell.“AP Eagers prides itself on customer satisfaction and service excellence and will bring a professional sales and aftersales model to Audi customers in Darwin and the Northern Territory,” Mr Russell said.“Audi is the fastest-growing luxury brand in Australia and will end 2007 with another year of record growth.“The growth of Audi in the market is a clear sign of growing interest in the brand from the luxury car-buying public and the Northern Territory is another important region to assist Audi in its mission to become the No.1 premium brand.”Audi is yet to launch several key new models this year, including the new TT Roadster, Audi S3, Audi A5/S5, Audi R8 and the new Q7 4.2 TDI quattro.Another feather in the cap of the new Audi Centre Darwin is the Audi Roadshow, which showcases the most sought-after models for prospective customers, including the rare Audi S6, TT Coupe and RS 4 models.The roadshow aims to build awareness of the Audi brand around the country, particularly in relation to its top-most models.The roadshow will be in Darwin until May 14 and any interested Audi customers are encouraged to visit David and the team at Audi Centre Darwin to arrange a personal appointment for a test-drive.An official dealership opening cocktail party will be held on Tuesday.Audi Australia's regional sales manager Peter Barron and regional after-sales manager Robert Montgomery will attend the event. Be sure not to miss the AUDI ROADSHOW, showcasing the eight vehicles listed below, at Audi Centre Darwin on the Stuart Highway, Berrimah, until May 14AUDI A3 3.2 V6 Quattro S TronicCharacterised by the sporting elegance of a coupe and the versatility of a five-door vehicle, sophisticated technology and well-defined driving dynamicsDIMENSIONS: L: 4286. W: 1763, H: 1423. wheelbase 2578m.ENGINE: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm. 0-100km/h in 6.3sec. Maximum speed 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: Quattro permanent four-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, electronic diff lock.PRICE: $65,500.AUDI RS4 AVANT 4.2 V8 QuattroThis is a thoroughbred sports saloon with supreme everyday qualities.ENGINE: With maximum output of 309 kilowatts (420 bhp), the 4163cc, V8 revs to 8250rpm and reaches peak torque of 430Nm at 5500rpm, with 90 per cent of total torque available between 2250-7600rpm. 0-100km/h in 4.8secs and 200km/h in 16.6sec. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of Audi's permanent four-wheel drivePRICE: $168,100.AUDI CABRIOLET 3.2 V6 FSI MultitronicNewly designed body with emphatically sporty stylingDIMENSIONS: L: 4573mm, H: 1391mm, w'base 2650mm. Luggage compartment: 315L (246L with the hood open).ENGINES: 3.2 FSI V6 developing 188kW (255bhp), 330Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.8s. Top speed: 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: 7-speed continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive). Front-wheel drive.PRICE: $107,800.AUDI A6 AVANT 3.2 V6 FSI Quatro TiptronicAudi A6 allroad quattro. New, distinctly sporty designDIMENSIONS: L: 4.93m, W: 1.86m, H: 1.46-1.52m, wheelbase 2.83m.ENGINES: Powerful 3.0 V6 TDI developing 171kW (233bhp), 450Nm. TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic gearbox. Quattro permanent four-wheel drive for all engine versions.PRICE: $109,150.AUDI S6 5.2 V10 Quattro TiptronicDistinct sports appeal, elegant style and supreme comfortENGINE: 5.2L V10 engine with FSI technology. This is the first time a V10 engine has been incorporated into a member of the A6 family. Output of 320kW at 6800 rpm and peak torque of 540Nm achieved between 3000-4000 rpm. 0 to 100km/h in 5.2secs. Top speed: 250km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $195,900.AUDI A8 4.2 TDI Quattro TiptronicPowerfully dynamic, elegant design.DIMENSIONS: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 mENGINES: High-revving V8 developing 309kW (420bhp), 430Nm between 4500 and 6000rpm. Acceleration 4.6secs. Top speed: 301km/hTRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel. R tronic sequential gearbox (optional). quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 per cent to 56 per cent.PRICE: $210,000.AUDI Q7 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro TiptronicPowerful yet elegant exterior and interior design.DIMENSIONS: L: 5.09m, W: 1.98m, H: 1.74m, wheelbase 3.00m. Five, six or seven seats available.ENGINE: 4.2 V8 FSI developing 257kW (350bhp), 440Nm at 3500 rpm.TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $116,800.AUDI TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-TronicNew dynamic, striking exterior and interior design. Body using innovative ASF principle incorporating aluminium and steel, with roadster-specific reinforcements.DIMENSIONS: L: 4.18m, WL 1.84m, H: 1.36m, wheelbase 2.47m.ENGINES: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm.TRANSMISSION: Six-speed S tronic quattro permanent four-wheel drive for the V6 versionPRICE: $88,900.

Never mind the sunburn — from $35,000 to nearly $300,000,open cars are being lined up for eager buyers.The flood of new models is heating up the rivalry between traditional fabric-roofed convertibles and a new breed with foldaway hardtops.Holden, Volvo and VW will make the switch from their soft-tops to solid roofs as replacement models arrive.Mitsubishi is joining the trend, with an open-air version of its Colt hatchback due next month. The Italian-made cabriolet, expected to cost $35,000, will have a retractable hard roof.And Mazda is having an each-way bet. Its traditional canvas-topped MX-5 — billed as the world's best-selling roadster — has been joined by a folding hardtop version, called the roadster coupe.The $47,660 "coupe", costing $2930 more than the basic model, has a composite plastic roof that folds away in 12 seconds, claimed by Mazda to be the fastest in its class.MX-5 program manager Takao Kijima said he expected traditional enthusiasts to prefer the soft-top original."Even so, there are many potential customers who . . . have hesitated because of concerns about security and comfort."Mazda expects 60 per cent of MX-5 buyers in Australia to take the hardtop.The latest fabric-roofed models to arrive are the Audi A4 (from $83,000) and the Chrysler PT Cruiser cabriolet (from $36,000).On the way late this year is the Alfa Romeo Spider, based on the Italian marque's new Brera coupe, expected to be $70,000-plus.The soft-top ranks will be further boosted in December when Mini introduces a new cabriolet version, called the Chilli, from $41,100.And Sweden's Saab is marking 20 years of convertible production by releasing a $68,400 anniversary model.Holden dealers say the present Astra soft-top — now $39,990, a $6000 price cut — is to be replaced by a radically different TwinTop, so named because of its two-piece solid folding roof. It is expected to be unveiled late next month, and be on sale for summer.Mercedes-Benz already has both fabric-roofed (CLK) and hard-top (SLK, SL) convertibles.In the extra-pricey league, Audi says it will introduce a high-performance version of the A4, the $187,500 RS4, in January.Only 25 V8-powered cars will be imported from Germany, and the company says it has 15 orders already.Its rival, BMW, is to introduce an M6 convertible with a 10-cylinder engine, expected to cost about $290,000 and arrive before Christmas.Safety-minded Volvo has a second-generation C70 convertible on the way, introducing a three-piece steel roof in place of the previous model's fabric top. The five-cylinder model will be priced from $69,950.Early next year, VW is to release the Eos, a larger hardtop model replacing the fabric-roofed Golf convertible. The VW is likely to be the first convertible to have a diesel engine as an option.FAST FACTSMitsubishi Colt Cabriolet-Turbocharged 1.5-litre MIVEC engine.-110kW (150hp) @ 6000rpm and 210Nm of torque @ 3500rpm.-18-inch alloy wheels.Audi A4 Cabriolet-1.8T with 120 kW and 225 Nm.-new 3.2 FSI petrol direct injection V6 is also now available with 188 kW and 330 Nm.-$83,400 and $107,800 for the 4-cylinder and V6 models respectively.PT Cruiser Cabrio-power-folding soft retractable roof, which can be raised or lowered in just 10 seconds.-normally-aspirated 2.4-litre petrol engine.-105 KW at 5, 200 rpm and 214 Nm of torque @ 4,000 rpm.-16" alloy wheels.-$35,890Alfa Romeo Spider-3.2 JTS V6 and 2.2 JTS.-twin phaser continuous variator for control of the intake and exhaust valves.-191kW and 136kW.-Q4 permanent AWD.-0-100 km/hr in 7 seconds.-18” sport or multispoke.-$70,000-plusMini Chilli-1.6 litre, 4 cylinder/16 V.-85 kW (115 hp) at 6000 rpm.-150 Nm at 4500 rpm.-0-100 km/hr: 9.1 s.-top speed: 200 km/h.-$41,100Saab limited edition 20th Anniversary-turbocharged 2.0 L.-110 kW and a powerful 240 Nm of torque.-five-speed automatic transmission.-17-inch alloy wheels.-$68,400Astra Twintop-petrol and diesel.-77 to 147kW (105 to 200hp), with the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre turbo motor reaching a top speed of over 230 km/h.-two-piece electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof.-likely to be named 'Astra Convertible' in Australia.Mercedes CLK-5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 (peak torque of 530 Nm).-0-100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds.-top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited).-CLK 63 AMG uses AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm.-CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR: $99,400-CLK 280: $109,100-CLK 350: $134,100-CLK 500: $163,100-CLK 63 AMG: $213,100SLK SL class-285 kW and 530Nm.-V8 engine in the SL 500.-0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.-six-cylinder engine in the SL 350 is another new unit, with 200-kW V6, and accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds.-SL 600 has a V12 biturbo engine, with output of 380 kW and torque of 830Nm. Accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.SL 350: $214,900SL 500: $299,900SL 600: $374,900SL 55 AMG: $374,900SL 65 AMG: $457,900Audi RS4-4.2 FSI V8 engine-V8 engine with an output of 309 kW and peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm.-electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds and can be operated up to speeds of 30 km/h.-$187,500BMW M6-5.0-litre V10.-373 kW, 507 bhp, 520Nm.-0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds with the standing-start kilometre completed in 22.9 seconds.-top speed limited electronically to 250 km/h.Volvo C70LE-2.4 (125kW), 170hp, 230Nm.-5-cylinder petrol.-0-100km: 10s (auto).-Max speed: 215km/hr (auto).-$69,950.00-T5-5-cylinder turbo charged petrol.-162kW, 220 hp, 320Nm.-0-100km/hr: 8s (auto).-Max speed: 235 km/hr (auto).-$79,950.00-VW Eos-two engines are available: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder motor putting out 200 horsepower and a 3.2L VR6 motor that makes 250 horsepower.-200hp 2.0T FSI or a 250hp 3.2l VR6 FSI (according to current data for the US market).-five-section roof structure with glass/sliding/tilting roof integrated as standard

The suggestion that, in some months at least, Corollas would outsell Commodores would have got you locked up. Back then, of course, oil was but $30 a barrel.Although the VE Commodore is set to remain Australia's single, top-selling model range (see pages eight and nine) at least for the time being, the ground on which the passenger-car market is played has shifted seismically.The immediate consequence is the ever-increasing popularity of relatively economical, four-cylinder, petrol-engined vehicles. Beyond that, cars powered by alternative fuels are with us in a way that's only going to get bigger.Although diesel power comprises but a fraction of private-vehicle sales, that fraction has expanded this year to the point where "alternative" is too flighty a term.Diesel has long been the dominant fuel in Europe, where tax incentives make it affordable. But even its comparatively heavy price at the pumps, and the premium Australians are obliged to pay for diesel cars, haven't curtailed the segment's growth.At mid-year 12,182 diesel cars and SUVs had been bought by private owners. That's about one-twentieth of the number who bought petrol vehicles.But twice as many diesel cars had been bought by June 30 as had been by mid-2005.Volkswagen, now the best-selling German marque in Australia, sells more of its direct-injection, turbo-diesel models than its petrol variants.The oilers available in cars of other marques — notably Audi, Peugeot and Citroen — make their near-equivalent-capacity petrol cars redundant.VW's Polo Match diesel ($22,990) and the Citroen C4 1.6 HDi ($29,990) are just two diesels easily capable of more than 1000km on a tank.The counter-claim that this superior-to-petrol economy barely compensates for a higher purchase price is diminished by two factors.The first is that petrol equivalents of these cars demand costly premium unleaded. The second is that, increasingly, purchase prices are coming into line with those of petrol-driven cars.Although hardly the most affordable example at $86,500, the recently launched Audi A4 3.0 V6 TDI Quattro literally drives home the point that diesel doesn't mean forsaking fun.This A4 is a legitimate sports sedan that provides greater torque and superior dynamics to the $130K Audi S4 with its V8 petrol engine.The A4 TDI benefits from essentially the same technology that powered twin Audi R10 diesels to victory and third place at Le Mans in June.So, too, does parent group VW, whose range of 1.9 and 2.0 TDI Golfs starts from a less exotic $30K.If diesel provides the most readily available and popular petrol alternative (VW has an oiler model in every range, including the forthcoming Eos drop-top), petrol/electric hybrids are coming hither.If the most notable, Toyota's Prius, is a platform to showcase technology rather than a decent car, then the cheaper Honda Civic Hybrid shows that petrol-electric combinations need not mean complete compromise.And the superb GS450H by Toyota's luxury subsidiary, Lexus, points to a future where V8-equivalent performance can be had for four-cylinder fuel economy, although an affordable way of accessing something so seamless (the GS450H costs $122K) is some way off.Hydrogen vehicles are up and running, but not thus far as practical, mass-produced units.BMW has been involved in hydrogen-cell research and development for 15 years, as product chief Burkhard Goschel told CARSguide last week."It will grow up, but how fast I don't know," Goschel said."The issue is storing hydrogen. You need about 10kg for a good range. It should be in liquid form, but some issues over storage in cars has to be solved."Expect BMW to reveal a major development on this front later this year.Once omnipotent in Aussie family-car dominance, Holden and Ford Australia are belatedly getting hip to a world where unleaded petrol costs $1.50 a litre.Both manufacturers' parents have access to first-rate diesel engines. The prospect of a Falcon packing the superb 2.7-litre V6 bi-turbo diesel that also powers Citroens and Jags, is intriguing.More immediately, Ford Australia has been galvanised to harness a readily available technology.In an elaborate 23-day, 13,000km trial, an LPG-equipped Falcon is travelling around Australia for about $1000 in fuel. Lexus GS450hPrice: $121,900Engine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol & 147kW electric hybridPower (total): 253kW/368Nm plusO-100km/h: 6.0 secs (est)Fuel consumption (urban/open road combined): 7.9 litres per 100kmThe first practical rear-wheel-drive luxury hybrid sedan makes Lexus's petrol V8s obsolete.The hybrid Lexus betters the performance of the latter for fourcylinder economy. Only the lack of boot space - compromised by the RWD and battery gubbins - detracts from the package. Toyota Prius IIPrice: From $37,000-$46,500Engine: 1.5-litre hybridPower/Torque: 57kW/115Nm0-100km/h: 10.9 secsConsumes: 4.4L/100kmOutstanding economy doesn't mitigate a prohibitive price tag, laughable looks and appalling driving experience.You can have a petrol/electric hybrid without too much compromise, but not in this, the model that is unfortunately - synonymous with the technology.Honda's Civic Hybrid is not only cheaper, it also looks like a car. Peugeot 407 HDiPrice: From $61,990Engine: 2.7-litre V6 bi-turbo dieselPower/Torque: 150kW/440Nm0-100km/h: 8.5 secsConsumes: 8.4L/100kmThe Ford/PSA joint venture twin-turbo diesel engine has won friends and influenced people since making its local debut in Jaguar's S-Type.Available now in Pug's medium sedan and wagon, the thing can be accessed for $40K less. Ignoring the usual French-car caveats, these models render the V6 petrol irrelevant. Ford Territory TurboPrice: From $53,990 >Engine: 4.0-litre six-cyl turbo petrolPower/torque: 245kW/480Nm0-100km/h: 7.0 sec (est)Consumes: 14.2L/100kmAustralia's favourite SUV just got more go. Only problem is that it won't go as far - between refills, that is.The all-wheel-drive Territory Turbo is an immensely accomplished SUV that really does have car-like handling, and a superb ZF six-speed auto gearbox.Not only is the Tezza Turbo's claimed consumption figure considerable, however, it's also optimistic. Holden Commodore OmegaPrice: From $34,490Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrolPower/torque: 180kW/0-100km/h: TBAConsumes:10.9L/100kmAustralia's favourite fleet and government hack is finally here and it's pretty good (see page 24).But is it too little, too late? Or, rather, too much, too late? Holden have made much of the fact that the incoming VE range drinks no more than the VZ series it replaces. Still that translates to almost $100 to fill from empty. Mazda 3 Maxx SportPrice: $28,500 (auto)Engine: 2.0-litre four-cyl petrolPower/torque: 108kW/182Nm0-100km/h: 9.0 secsConsumes: 8.9L/100kmIt's Australia's favourite fully-imported car and with reason - combining bullet-proof Japanese quality, strong performance, driver-orientated dynamics and good economy.Recently upgraded, the 3 comes as either a five-speed auto or six-speed manual gearboxes (another economy fillip), improved refinement and Euroequalling safety packages.The 3 range starts from $21K, but punters typically go for the upperechelon models.  COMPARING FUELS  PetrolBy degrees of magnitude the most common fuel used in passenger vehicles.PROS: Ready availability, almost infinite choice of capacity, relative affordability.CONS: Petrol prices are going in only one direction - north. DieselDiesels comprise a rapidly growing segment of the passenger car market.PROS: Economy (more than 1000km per tank in some models). Performance.CONS: Most diesel pumps are filthy. Diesel contains higher levels of sulphur. Biodiesel is rare and expensive. HybridRefers mainly to vehicles which use a rechargeable electric energy storage system and a fuelled propulsion power source.PROS: Low-polluting and low-consuming. Increasingly affordable. Near silent.CONS: Far too expensive (Prius). Dangerously silent. LPGEmission reducing and half the price of petrol, liquid petroleum gas is most commonly used in dual fuel large sedans, especially taxis.PROS: Much cheaper and much cleaner than petrol.CONS: LPG provision can eat boot space. Do you really want to drive a cab? HydrogenIn combustion variants, hydrogen is burned in much the same method as a petrol engine. In fuel-cell conversion, the hydrogen is converted to electricity through cells that then power electric motors.PROS: A BMW internal combustion hydrogen car has attained 300 km/h. Mazda has developed rotary engines to burn hydrogen. General Motors is investing in fuel cells.CONS: Making hydrogen a practical fuel is proving very difficult with no infrastructure at fuel stations to support it. EthanolWhile the grain-derived stuff is "greener" than pure petrol, by no means is it so certain that all cars will run happily on the 10 per cent recommended ethanol mix.PROS: Nice for Manildra. The Liberal Party loves it.CONS: By no means nice for your car. The Liberal Party loves it.

If you mention the words diesel and engine to most people they trigger memories of noisy trucks and buses that crawl down the road and belch black smoke from their tails. Or they think of an overweight four-wheel-drive heading into the outback. But times are changing - and fast - in the diesel world.A new generation of high-tech, clean-burning diesel engines is coming on fast in everything from compact cars to luxury limousines and new-age four-wheel-drives. And eventually there will also be diesel-electric hybrid vehicles in Australia.Take a walk around the motor show and you will see almost all themajor brands have a high-profile and high-tech diesel engine.They are coming thanks to cleaner fuels with a lower sulphur content, as well as developments on what are called common-rail and direct-injection diesels - which deliver fuel at higher pressures and with better control to boost combustion.Turbos also get huge gains from low-pressure turbocharging, so most of the hero motors are turbodiesels. The old days of glow plugs, which took ages to warm then fire the engine, are also gone.Carmakers are also attracted to the massive torque available from diesel engines, which means strong acceleration at low revs, and the fuel economy benefits, which have become more important as petrol prices have risen.Diesel power has become so impressive that Audi, which is looking to stretch its domination of the classic Le Mans 24-Hour race, has fitted a turbocharged diesel engine to the R10 racer it will use in France in June. The motor show will highlight the arrival of several leading-edge diesels.BMW has its first diesel sedan for Australia, the 530d. It is a genuineluxury car and comes with impressive performance of 160kW and 480Nm of torque, aswell as fuel consumption of just 7.5 litres per 100km. But BMW is also pushing harder and will have its X5 and X3 all-wheel-drive diesels as well as a 320d - a huge hit in Europe and potentially BMW's biggest-selling diesel car - along with a 120d for a preview at the show.The Volkswagen group is big on diesel and Audi has just introduced a fresh 2-litre diesel A4 and even plans tointroduce a high-performance 3-litre diesel in the A4 later this year, as well asconsidering a diesel version of its A8 limo.Not surprisingly, Audi's turbodiesel hero at the show is the giant new Q7 all-wheel-drive wagon, which will be availablein October with a diesel.Volkswagen will have its diesel twins, the latest Polo and Golf, along for the party at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and intends to put diesel power into its upcoming Jetta and the new Beetle before the end of 2006.There is also a chance that Honda could preview the Accord Euro diesel it has developed for Europe.Even Jaguar has jumped on the diesel bandwagon, fitting a high-tech dieselengine to its luxurious S-Type sedan.The $101,950 S-Type diesel runs a 2.7-litre diesel with twin-turbochargers, whichbump power to 153kW, and has 435Nm of torque.Jaguar does not expect to sell too many but says that some customers will enjoythe new engine. "We know other luxury brands are doingthis but we are yet to see diesel onpeople's radar when they are shopping for a luxury brand above $50,000," says Jaguar spokesman Todd Hallenbeck.Still, the biggest problem for any car company is getting customers to take a taste test. The task for carmakers is to get customers to test drive the new dieselmodels."We know that anyone who drives one (an S-Type diesel) will want it," Hallenbeck says."We are not just talking about people with fuel economy in mind. We are talking about a $100,000 car here; these people can afford to buy any type of fuel they want."This diesel offers great performance, very, veryclean emissions and, by the way, it also returns fuel economy of 8 litresper 100km."Diesel power will also be coming from two of the pioneers in Australia, Peugeot and Mercedes-Benz, with the French company even doing a turbodiesel for the sleek 407 Coupe, which is its stand star.The two-door model is available with a 3-litre V6 petrol or the dieselengine.Mercedes-Benz has four new diesels this year in the latest R-Class, the compact B-Class, the mid-range E-Class wagon and its four-wheel-drive hero, the upcoming GL.

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