So what did I choose?

Those very nice people at Southampton Audi let me have an A4 S-Line, 2.0 TDi for a couple of days - and I have to say, that pretty much made my mind up for me!! (Volvo were just going to let me drive round the block!! - So I didn't bother!)

As soon as you get into the Audi, it screams quality at you. But not in a garish, Ford sort of way, but in a subdued, well ordered German way. The switches make a sound that reminds you of a German WWII foot soldier clicking his heels as he stands to attention and the dials with their authoritative red lighting add to the overall effect.

So that's BEFORE you turn the key. How does it drive? I currently drive a police spec' Volvo V50 and so I naturally used that as a bench mark.

I have to say, the Volvo has no turbo lag, whereas the Audi seemed to keep hold of its turbo for a little too long. But once it got over its sulk and decided it wanted to play, it was well worth waiting for! The Audi was then eager to show off its sports seats by pushing you back into them so you could feel the superb support. The anti skid light on the dash was just as eager to come on as the Volvo's equivalent, as the wheels spun from a quick take off from the traffic lights.

The main gripe with the Volvo is its lack of space. With my kit in the back, there is very little space for anything else. Yet the Audi's boot takes all my kit and then says "is that all?!"

The story of space continues inside the car too. The kids love the Audi as they can actually put their legs onto the floor without me threatening to amputate them as I put my seat back!!

I've decided to go for the Quattro version of this saloon, with its full time 4 wheel drive. It will be interesting to see the difference in the handling. Alison reckons it's just because I want the Quattro badge on the back!

So is there anything bad about the Audi?....... Yes! The waiting time from placing the order to taking delivery - 12 weeks!!

12 weeks! 3 months! A QUARTER of a year!! What do they do with it? Hand build it? Now there's a thought!