Peugeot 208 GTI 2016 Review

Peugeot 208 GTI 2016 Review - Since Peugeot launched its famous 205 GTi in 1984, it’s been going through the dreaded ‘second album phase’ with fan boys constantly asking the question – will anything ever instil the same hot hatch panache as the beloved 205? Well, the Peugeot 208 GTi has been received incredibly well since its launch in 2012 – so well that Peugeot launched a limited run of 30th Anniversary special edition models – which later went on to inspire a new range-topping model in the standard range, which is this, the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport. So as well as getting the standard exterior GTi treatment with a larger rear spoiler and chequered-grille – this also gets 18-inch matt black alloys, red Brembo brake callipers at the front and a host of performance-inspired changes, which we will explore in a few minutes. This Peugeot Sport model also gets appropriate badging and some additional red highlights inside as well with these red carpet mats – very snazzy – and the red stitching you find in the standard GTi is now added to these figure-hugging Alcantara sports seats, which might I add are brilliant, definitely one for the office chair wish list. Now as this interior is very similar to the standard 208, let alone the 208 GTi, it offers a very plush, up-market finish, without going overboard with toggles and switches, thanks to Peugeot’s de-cluttering design. And I think this is one of the most solid hot hatch interiors actually. 

Kit wise you get DAB radio, parking sensors, sat-nav and air-con – plus you get the likes of this leather-wrapped gearstick and steering wheel. And this steering wheel, again carried over from the standard 208, remains the rather small elephant in the room. I think it definitely suits the GTi more than the standard model, but many will still find that it can block the speedometer, depending on your height of course. Oh yes, due to the GTi only being available in a three door, you get these heavy, wide-opening doors, worth noting if you have a cramped driveway. Now looking into the back seats you may not expect there to be much space, but – you will be pleasantly surprised when you’re back here. Leg room is par for the course, but head room is great… bit of an optical illusion really. Boot space is manageable at just under 300 litres, so small shopping bags and rucksacks shouldn’t be an issue. So, on paper, what is different about this range-topping model? Well, it has wider front and rear tracks, a 10mm lowered ride, special shock absorbers and springs and it even has a Torsen Differential – helping it appropriately distribute torque to either of the front wheels. 

But what does all this mean? Well, you get tons of grip that allows you to grapple onto an apex and slingshot your way out of a bend, the steering is weightier and more responsive and the ride is firm enough to keep the car planted, but not so much that it shudders over bumps – it’s actually quite comfortable. It does have its limits and niggles of course, like its torque steer under heavy acceleration – the small steering wheel doesn’t help here – and it can break loose when pushed hard, especially in the wet. But once you get used to how the car behaves, you learn from it and find it’s easily manageable. Of course the likes of the Ford Fiesta ST doesn’t have this problem. There’s no denying the GTi’s composure though. And the Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres really fill you with confidence when you squeeze the brake pedal, very important when gunning it on a B-road. This six-speed manual is quick and snappy as well. Under the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbo petrol producing 205bhp and 300Nm of torque, getting it from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds. 

It comes accompanied with a decent rumbling soundtrack as well. And you don’t have to work this engine very hard at all to get tasty results – and it’s got that great mid-range punch too. One of the best attributes of the GTi though is arguably one of its worst ones as well. Cruise around town and its sensible styling and comfortable ride make it feel like a normal supermini – great news for some, but not necessarily for hard core hot hatch fans. You end up seemingly paying a price for that subtle hot hatch package as well, with GTi prices starting from around £19,500 – that’s about the same price as a top-of-the-range Fiesta ST. And you’ll pay around £22,000 for this Peugeot Sport one. Fuel economy is pretty good though, as you should get an average return of around 40mpg and up – depending on how much you hoon it. The Fiesta ST may be the better track day option, but the 208 GTi can still hold its own on a twisty road – and it will certainly go down in the history books as a great, competent hot hatch. And if you are a younger driver that wants to pitch a car to your parents and hide its beast lying beneath the surface – then this might be right up your street. Thanks for read Peugeot 208 GTI 2016 Review.

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Ford Galaxy 2016 Review

Ford Galaxy 2016 Review - If you’ve got a ‘go large or go home’ attitude and the seven-seat Ford S-MAX simply isn’t big enough for you, then the next step in Ford’s MPV range is this, the Galaxy. And although it’s based on the S-MAX platform, it’s just that tad bit more practical and luxurious. And okay, it’s not going to be a huge seller for Ford, but the Galaxy is more like it’s second fighter in the MPV ring, helping it tag team competition like the SEAT Alhambra and the Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. Now let’s just forget for a second that this is an MPV. I mean, even by saloon standards, this interior is lovely. You’ve got your obligatory couch-like, leather seats, standard kit that includes DAB, Bluetooth and Ford’s voice-activated SYNC2 system – plus, this Titanium X model comes with a reversing camera. And the layout is really no-nonsense and easy to understand too. As it does fall into that luxurious bracket, the options list lets you really splash out. For example, with this Titanium X model we have a SONY navigation system, £450, and Adaptive cruise control & Active city stop – which cost £900. The Titanium X model does get self-parking capabilities as standard though. One thing that has managed to irritate me on numerous occasions is the positioning of the electric handbrake, which is on the other side of the centre console, so you may end up encroaching on your passengers’ personal space. 

Someone’s comfort is usually jeopardised when it comes to seven-seaters – but that’s not the case in the Ford Galaxy. I mean sitting back here there’s tons of space, tray tables and adjustable seating positions for each individual seat, allowing you to recline or slide these forward, which still leaves you with enough leg room to get comfortable. And, hop into the furthest seats and you almost feel like you are in the second row again as it manages to stamp out the usual third row niggles of an MPV - the seats are slightly raised so your knees aren’t high up, there’s loads of headroom, cup holders for good measure and huge windows to avoid claustrophobia. £400 if you want that. Now, when you’ve got all the seats in place there’s only 300 litres for storage, but that’s still more than its key competitors. Use this incredibly clever switch to fold the third row down, which can also electronically fold them back up, and you get 1,301 litres of space. Press this and fold the second row and you have 2,339 litres – that’s more than the Grand C4 Picasso and Alhambra – you also get a flat, van-like loading surface. 

Engines are plentiful in the Galaxy – and there’s even two petrols to choose from, a 158bhp 1.5-litre EcoBoost and a 237bhp 2.0-litre EcoBoost. But come on, a massive seven-seat MPV, you don’t want a petrol. Which brings me on to the diesels. Now, all diesels are 2.0-litre units, but power outputs include 118bhp, 148bhp, 178bhp and 207bhp, the 207 one being bi-turbo. But as you may expect, you are better off going down the middle for either the 148 or the 178 that we are driving today, because they offer the best balance of power and efficiency. This 178bhp model can reach 62mph in under 10 seconds, which for a car its size is very impressive, but it still only emits 129g/km of CO2. MPG wise, it claims to return an average of around 56mpg – but expect more like 40-45mpg in day-to-day driving. When it comes to six-speed manual or six-speed Powershift automatic, the manual models are more efficient, but the automatic just seems to suit the car that bit better – especially when it comes to motorway cruising. Speaking of motorway cruising, and the fact that it’s an MPV, comfort is of course a priority and the Galaxy is on the money, as it eats up bumps with ease, it’s incredibly well-refined from the likes of wind and road noise and there’s loads of glass around, so you always feel… I don’t know, nice and fresh. 

And even though it is uber comfortable, the Galaxy’s still got a bit of personality about it when it comes to its drive and engagement levels. I mean you’re unlikely to be thrashing it around a country road, but if your route requires that type of driving – then you can go into it confidently. As with the C-MAX and S-MAX models, prices for the Galaxy are quite steep, starting at around £27,000 – or closer to £35,000 if you go a bit tick box crazy with the options. But what it really comes down to is whether you want to go above and beyond necessity. There are plenty of seven-seat MPVs out there that do the job. But if you don’t want it to simply ‘do the job’ and you are after top notch comfort and practicality – and general ease of use – then the Galaxy is spot on. Thanks for read Ford Galaxy 2016 Review.

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Jeep Wrangler 2016 Review

Jeep Wrangler 2016 Review - If you’re the type of person who wants a proper, rugged off-roader that looks like something the army would use, then allow me to introduce you to the Jeep Wrangler – a 4x4 inspired by the old Willys Jeep of World War II. Of course, from the outside it certainly fits the bill, with huge wheel arches that make it look like it’s flexing its muscles, a rear-mounted spare tyre and a black paint job that – maybe Batman would pick if he moved to the countryside – but what’s it like as a whole package. Well, its rugged character starts before you’ve even got in, because when you click the key, it sounds like someone un-bolting a large cellar door. Once you climb in – emphasis on climb – there are a few other features that give you that raw and rustic feel as well, like the old school, letterbox windscreen, removable roof panels and, as always, Jeep has dotted some of its little emblem Easter eggs about the place. Build-quality wise, everything seems solid, there are loads of scratchy plastics – but that can be said for a lot of down and out 4x4s – Land Rover Defender included. It’s not short of toys though, this mid-range Overland model gets a Uconnect touchscreen with USB compatibility and sat-nav, cruise control, climate control and you even get heated leather seats. You get a few useful storage compartments as well, including this huge centre console that can swallow a War and Peace-sized owner’s manual. 

Once you squeeze in these submarine-like doors – mind you head – space isn’t too bad, well head room is okay, foot well room… not as good. We would definitely advise the 4 door Wrangler though – the 2 door is just a nuisance. Swing this tailgate open and pop the glass and you have almost 500 litres of storage space – and this rubber mat makes it a bit more hard-wearing too. You can fold these seats down and the headrests fold back, but you will have to remove the centre headrest yourself. Do this and you get 935 litres of space. You can either go for the V6 petrol or the torquier 197bhp 2.8-litre diesel, which is what we’ve got, and this sprints from zero to 62 in under 11 seconds. And you can probably tell just by me revving it out, that yes, it’s very loud, you can clearly hear it grumbling and whistling under the bonnet. Personally though, with a car like this, I think that’s all part of the rugged experience. 

There are aspects of its road manners that will most likely rub all drivers up the wrong way though, like its vague steering, questionable body control when you take corners at speed and the way it can shake when you hit large bumps on the road. It’s manageable, as long as you are sensible, but there is no denying that day-to-day, the Wrangler feels like a bit of monster. If you want to channel its mammoth characteristics and four-wheel drive, then you will want to take it off-road. Here it’s a different story, because its utilitarian personality pays off as the Wrangler can pretty much climb, scale or mount anything. Ideal of course if you live on a farm. Its massive wheels and substantial ground clearance obviously help here. There’s also something called shift-on the-fly, which allows you to change between two-wheel and maximum-grip four-wheel drive when you are on the move by the shift of a lever – although this is quite obviously located for left-hand drive models. 

Although some may prefer a manual for off-roading, the five-speed automatic we’ve got is probably your best bet all-round as the manual requires a lot of work and can really take it out of you. The Jeep Wrangler is definitely not cheap though, starting between £30,000 and £32,000. To put that in perspective – a Land Rover Defender cost from £23,000. Saying that, some of the Jeep’s equipment was never available in a Defender. The Wrangler is a real mean-machine off-road – and sure, there are certain elements of its interior and drive that could do with some work – but this car is almost ten years old, if you look past its numerous refreshes, plus those who need its off-roading prowess probably won’t care about any of the other stuff. Whether you would go for this or a nearly-new Defender will certainly come down to badge loyalties and of course price, because both are highly-capable off-road. Thanks for read Jeep Wrangler 2016 Review.

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Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review

Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review - The Nissan Juke is one of the original crossovers, offering a quirky alternative to hatchback’s like the Volkswagen Golf, and it has proved to be a smash hit for Nissan. The Juke was face-lifted in 2014 to keep it fresh against a slew of new rivals, and the car behind me was also tweaked. Called the Nissan Juke Nismo, and now the Nismo RS, it offers something quite unique, because it’s a crossover with the specification of a hot hatch. Power has been increased from 197 to 215bhp, the Juke’s body structure has been reinforced and the brakes and suspension uprated. So what’s it like? Well, the driving experience is actually a bit of a mixed bag, with some things we love, and some we don’t. The steering wheel feels great thanks to this grippy alcantara covering, but because it only adjusts for rake, getting comfortable can be tricky. Set off and the steering feel is good and the gearbox is superb, slotting into place really quickly and with a lovely mechanical feel. The ride quality is also pretty good, so the Juke is more comfortable day-to-day than something like a Fiesta ST, but, it’s the 1.6-litre engine which lets the side down. Where most modern turbo petrols pick up from really low down, the Nismo’s is quite lethargic below 3,500rpm and then feels strained above 5,000 revs, so you are left with quite a narrow power band to get the best from it. 

For such a sporty car, it also doesn’t sound like it relishes being exploited. Drive along a country road and the Juke’s extra height gives you a good view of the road and the suspension works well, allowing some body roll, but keeping the car planted and stable, without getting upset by bumps. Front wheel drive versions like this one get a limited slip differential, which helps the car hold its line when you accelerate through a corner, while four-wheel drive versions only come with an automatic gearbox, so wouldn’t be our choice for driver involvement. If you are familiar with the Juke, the Nissan Juke Nismo RS will be familiar, but with go-faster touches. The best option to tick is the one for these Recaro seats, which might come with a hefty £1,300 bill, but really change the character of the car and pin you in place. Beware though, this side bolster does make getting in and out a bit of a workout. It’s also worth considering Nissan’s Safety pack (use B-roll), which adds Around View Monitor, Safety Shield, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot warning and Moving Object Detection to help avoid collisions. Being fairly tall, headroom shouldn’t be a problem and there’s just enough room in the back for two adults. 

There are also two deep cupholders in the front, large door bins and a place for your wallet and keys in the centre console. The boot was improved for the facelifted Juke, and with 354-litres it’s not far off a Golf’s in size. The artificial floor can be moved and the rear seats folded down if you have more luggage to carry. It’s another vote for two-wheel drive here, because the four-wheel drive system takes up precious space, shrinking the boot to 207-litres. Nissan say’s the Nismo RS is infused with maverick engineering, and we’d agree. Our favourite thing about it is the fact no one seems to know there’s a quick Juke, so driving this oddball makes journeys rather amusing. But, despite its abundent character, there’s no denying the hottest Juke isn’t perfect, and a car lower down the range would make more sense for most people. 39mpg economy and a gruff engine won’t suit everyone, but like the Juke’s looks, this is a polarising car and some customers will absolutely love it, warts and all. Thanks for read Nissan Juke Nismo RS Review.

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Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review

Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review - When it was released in 2009, I didn’t expect the Skoda Yeti to do as well as it has, because it’s boxy, utilitarian shape seemed out of kilter with the rest of its stylish crossover competition. But the fact is, it quickly become one of the most talked about cars in its segment, and for all the right reasons. Refreshed in 2014, the Yeti line-up offers everything from 2WD city dwelling models to 4WD Outdoor models – and even this style-orientated Monte Carlo edition. Regardless of which model you go for though, Skoda claims that the Yeti offers a balance of performance, style and family practicality. Well, let’s see if it lives up to that promise. The interior may not be that quirky or stylish, but it does offer a familiar Volkswagen Group feel, meaning build quality is great. This chunky steering wheel along with a slightly raised ride height, offers a solid, SUV feel as well. Equipment levels can be lavish if you go for the likes of the flagship Laurin and Klement model, but entry-level Yetis are well-equipped too, with Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility, air con and a host of safety kit. The Monte Carlo model gets dipped in vibrant red and black paint and has a custom body kit, sportier seats and carbon touches added to the dash. The rear and boot is what really impresses though Leg and head room is great in the back, but it’s the flexibility of being able to slide the whole row back and forth and even recline that gives it the edge over some of its competition. These clever seats also come into play with storage space, Open the boot and there is 416 litres on offer, a tad smaller than the Nissan Qashqai. 

However, there are loads of different folding seat combinations, courtesy of Skoda’s Varioflex seating system. You can even take the rear seats out all-together, allowing for 1,760 litres. So in this case, it beats the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008 for overall storage space. You may expect the Yeti to be quite bland to drive, but that definitely isn’t the case and you’re sure to be surprised how nippy it feels. It certainly doesn’t sway into bends like its boxy shape might suggest. Its steering adds to this enjoyable feel, with plenty of feedback and weighting that is not too light or heavy – offering a great mid-point between inner city and outer urban driving. The only time you will ever register its boxy looks is when it comes to visibility, but that is for all the right reasons, as there is plenty of glass around. Actually, tell a lie, you will be reminded of its boxy shape at motorway speeds – because unfortunately there’s some wind noise. 

A plus point for refinement however is its composed suspension set-up. Its ability to tackle multiple environments is reflected in its engine line-up, as the range starts with a 104bhp 1.2-litre petrol, and is topped off with a 168bhp 2.0-litre diesel, which we’re driving now. And with this diesel, you get plenty of punch, and a 0-62 sprint time of just 8.4 seconds, although it is accompanied by a fairly large rumble. The efficiency option is the 1.6-litre Greenline diesel, which will return an average of around 50mpg, not quite on the same level as the Qashqai and its 70mpg figure though. As I mentioned earlier, the Yeti does come in four-wheel-drive, so it’s more than capable of tackling dodgy mud trails and the added traction will easily get you up a slippery hill. Some will argue that crossover SUVs are all about style, and the Yeti goes against the grain in that respect. But the undisputable fact is, it sells. And although it may not be a typecast crossover SUV in terms of looks, it offers a surprisingly enjoyable drive and plenty of comfort. Thanks for read Skoda Yeti Monte Carlo Review.

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Mercedes SLK Review

Mercedes SLK Review - Now in its third generation, the Mercedes SLK has carved itself a niche as a comfortable, stylish roadster, which is particularly good to live with day-to-day thanks to its folding hard top roof. And, despite MERCEDES mastering the tin-top roadster in the 90s, all its rivals, like the BMW Z4 and Audi TT roadster still come with a soft top. So, is that alone enough of a reason to choose the Merc? Time to go for a drive. It's a cold October morning, so we're starting with the roof up, and you know what, you can see why MERCEDES' engineers came up with this design, because it really does feel like driving a coupe. Definitely a small coupe though, because it's quite snug in here and you sit very low to the ground. Mercedes offers x petrol engines, but we're in the 250d, which is really popular in the UK thanks to its punchy performance and spectacular economy, which sets it apart from all its rivals except for the TT. At first it's a bit odd hearing the diesel, especially when the roof is down, but Mercedes has done a good job of hushing any clatter and you soon get used to its muted growl. In fact, after a while I found myself enjoying the way you can whizz through the countryside at the crack of dawn, almost like you're in 'stealth' mode, without any loud cracks from the exhaust. Acceleration to 62mph takes 6.6 seconds, but the most important pub fact is xxxNM, which is how much torque it sends to the rear wheels. Oh, and there's now a standard 9-speed auto, which is smoother and faster than the old 7-speed tiptronic box, has nicer shifter paddles and improves the mpg to 64.2mpg How's the handling? Well, your opinion will probably depend on how you approach the Mercedes SLK. This car is fitted with AMG sport suspension and wheels, but it steel feels like a small grand tourer rather than an aggressive sports car. 

As a road car it works well, with lots of grip, enough comfort and precision to be satisfying and appeal to a wide range of drivers. What it isn't, is a car you'll take on track at the weekend, so if that's you, the Boxster will be more your thing. Nope, drop the roof, and the SLK is happiest at 70 or 80 per cent effort, threading between the hedges letting you soak up the sun, on those rare occasions we get any sun of course. Cruising along also gives you chance to enjoy the sLKs other big strength, it's well-finished interior, which takes its styling cues from the SLS supercar. With black leather, a really good to hold steering wheel and clear dials, this is a Roadster which treads a happy line between luxury and sportiness. This brushed aluminium not only looks expensive, but it feels it, because it's cold to the touch. The controller wheel for the COMAND system is intuitive to use, as are the climate control knobs, but there are quite a few buttons to get used to. The switch for the roof, thats neatly hidden under this leather flap, to avoid any accidental knocks. And, one thing you can't see, but you can feel, is the fact the SLK is shaped so the breeze goes over your head without spilling into the cabin and ruffling the you and your passenger even at fairly high speeds. 

The boot is easy to load items into and big enough for a weekend away, with 335 litres of space when the roof is up. But, if you want to stow the roof it shrinks to 225 litres and you need to pull this safety device down. The SLK isn’t cheap, costing from £33,020 for the 250d, while the range-topping AMG 55 is much pricier at £55k. It’s undercut by the Audi TT Roadster, which starts from £27,150, while the BMW Z4 costs from £29,690, but there are attractive finance deals available, which make the SLK more affordable than it first appears. The SLK offers drivers a small and affordable Roadster, which has feels expensive and looks stylish and has boasts comfort than its rivals. It's appeal doesn't lie in its ability to set track lap times, or ultimate handling precision, but just how easy and rewarding it is to own for the everyday driver. Thanks for read Mercedes SLK Review.

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Volkswagen Passat Estate Review

Volkswagen Passat Estate Review - Now in its eighth generation, the Volkswagen Passat Estate is a stalwart of the motoring industry, racking up 22 million sales worldwide. If it was a goalie, it would be considered a very safe pair of hands. But, as good as the last Passat was, it could never be described as particularly exciting. With sharper looks, a lighter body and stylish new cabin, the latest Passat is hoping to attract more customers through its sheer desirability, not just attractive leasing deals. Having just been made European Car of the Year, it’s off to a good start. We often praise Volkswagen interiors for their logical dashboard layouts and impressive quality, but not for being very daring. So, by VW standards this continuation of the vent detailing across the dashboard is borderline radical and gives the Passat a contemporary feel. Even the standard S model gets DAB radio, Bluetooth and eight speakers. Sat-nav is included with this SE Business trim level and above, bringing an crisp 8.0-inch touchscreen and the possibility of adding Car-Net. This brings online traffic info, points of interest and google street view. From later this year, you’ll also be able to choose a 12.3-inch display to replace the instrument panel, as seen in the Audi TT. 

The previous Passat was hardly pokey inside, but this one has a 33mm longer cabin thanks to all four wheels been pushed out to the corners of the car. Knee room for rear passengers is very good, as is head room. The estate’s boot has increased in size by 47 litres to 650, easily surpassing the Mondeo’s 500 litres and Insignia Sport Tourer’s 540 litres. The Passat is around 85kg lighter than before, the equivalent of asking one large adult to get out and walk. It also comes as standard with driver profile selection, sharpening up the throttle and steering in Sport mode. Like the outgoing model, the Passat makes an excellent motorway cruiser, but it also has faithful handling, with plenty of grip. It might not be exciting to drive, but comfort is excellent, with bumps soaked up with little fuss and very little noise in the cabin, which is crucial for the Passat owners who will spend several hours in their car each day. 

The all-diesel line-up starts with the 118bhp 1.6-litre TDI we’re testing, followed by a 148bhp or 187 2.0TDI and even a four-wheel drive 237bhp model. We’ve found the 11.0 second acceleration to 62mph of the 1.6 feels rather sluggish, so we’d recommend the 148bhp diesel which is expected to be the best-seller. The 1.6 will appeal to business drivers though, returning 68.9mpg and emitting only 107g/km of CO2, costing £20 each year in road tax. The latest Passat might only look subtly different, but that’s just the Volkswagen way, it’s actually been thoroughly improved. The interior is now so good it can hold its own against the likes of Mercedes and BMW, and the Passat is smooth and quiet to drive. The Ford Mondeo and Mazda 6 are slightly more fun to drive, but the gap is now far smaller and the Passat is a great all-rounder. Thanks for read Volkswagen Passat Estate Review.

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Audi A4 Review

Audi A4 Review - While crossovers and SUVs might be flavour of the month with buyers, the big German manufacturers still see executive saloons as critical to their success. So, this latest Audi A4 has a tough fight on its hands against some of the world’s best: the 3 Series, C-Class and all-new British upstart, the Jaguar XE. To win over customers, Audi has gone all out on its interior quality, smartphone connectivity and refinement. In fact, this run-of-the-mill A4 is about as quiet on the motorway as the A8 luxury saloon. Audi is already known for its great interiors, but even by its own high standards, the A4 is on another level. It looks incredibly smart in here, with a wing-shaped dashboard sweeping across the cabin. The large centre console is stylish and functional with the gear selector in this automatic doubling up as a hand rest when you’re using the MMI controller. Every button oozes quality, and little touches like the climate control icons which expand as you reach for them, just help to set the experience apart. 

Even the SE trim gets a seven-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with rear parking sensors. Unlike the 3 series, sat-nav isn’t standard, it’s fitted when you step up to the Sport trim, which also adds sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and better speakers. Choose the S line and you’ll get LED headlights and sweeping rear indicators, 18-inch wheels, sports suspension and a body kit. Of course, being an Audi there are plenty of options, like the Virtual Cockpit which we’ve already heaped praise on in the TT and Q7. Hop in the back, and the A4 has become more spacious, with 23mm extra legroom. It’s wider as well and you can sit three back here, so some may even question if they need the larger A6, when the A4 is this accomodating. 

As for the boot, it’s on a par with rivals and beats the XE, with 480 litres of space behind the folding rear seats. Of course, this being the saloon, the boot opening is wide, but its height is somewhat restrictive, so if that’s an issue you’ll be better off with the Avant estate with its larger hatchback. There are a couple of things you need to know about the A4. Firstly, it’s over 100kg lighter than before, and secondly it is incredibly aerodynamic, helping it cut very cleanly through the air. Now, along with improved suspension, you can really sense this as you drive, because the A4 both feels lighter on its feet and much quieter than before. In fact, this car is fitted with glazed noise-reducing side and rear windows, and at almost any speed it’s serene inside the cabin. 

We just drove to London and back in the same day for an event, and after 400-miles and about 8 hours behind the wheel, the lack of fatigue was really noticeable. Every part of the car, including these door-mounted and ridged door mirrors has been fine-tuned to reduce turbulence, cutting wind noise. There are of course lots of options to go for, including manual or automatic, diesel or petrol and front or Quattro four-wheel drive, so Audi has most bases covered. This car could be the pick of the bunch though, it’s the 2.0-litre TDI with 187bhp, front-wheel drive and an automatic. It gets from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds so feels plenty fast enough, the auto suits the A4 far better than the manual and you can still return 67.3mpg. 

The 148bhp Ultra diesel might be even greener, but the step up in performance here is noticeable. The steering isn’t dripping with feel, but it’s accurate, and while the A4 never feels playful like the XE or 3 Series, it just gets you down the road with minimum fuss and in comfort. Yes, even with this S line sport suspension and optional 19-inch wheels, it rides pretty well, and comfort or adaptive suspension is available to make it even better. The A4 1.4-litre petrol starts from just under £26k, which gets you get an incredible amount of car for the money. 

This 2.0 TDI S line S tronic costs from £33,345, although this one has some quite pricey options, taking it up to £40k. It compares well with rivals though, even undercutting the C-Class slightly. The new A4 might look quite similar, but it is a very different beast. The way it drives, its refinement, efficiency and technology have all been given a major upgrade. Not only that, but the interior is a sensational place to spend time. It might not excite like the 3 Series or XE can, but if you spend more time on motorways than an idyllic mountain pass, the A4 will make a great companion and you might even start accepting far-flung meetings all over the country. Thanks for coming in Audi A4 Review.

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