The updated eighthgeneration Audi A4 takes the fight to the German competitors using a variety of better fuel-efficiency, enhanced powertrains, sharper looks and additional characteristics and specs.

The midsized Audi A4 is a key model to Audi's Australian operations, together with the model accounting for 21 percent of total income, making it the hottest "A" vehicle for the German manufacturer. So far this season (Jan-May) the outgoing A4 version has attained 1,174 sales, putting it under the everpopular MercedesBenz C-Class (2,644) as well as the allnew BMW 3-series range (1,694).

Audi claims the modifications to the A4 are considerable, with nearly every region of the vehicle enhanced and examined in a way, although technically a midlife facelift. The changes begin with the engines, which have found an average fuel-economy improvement of approximately 15-percent throughout the scope. That is not to mention that almost all powerplants have obtained added power and torque (and even discard a couple of kilos) in the procedure.

The butt includes up-to-date U - shaped taillights and flat elements within the diffuser.

Available in both frontwheel drive and allwheel drive 'quattro' drivetrains, all of the A4s available vary considerably when you step-up through the number.

To see the Audi A4 range where we drove several versions on our way to Launceston via some twisty mountainous roads that encompassed periods of the well-known Targa Tasmania rally we flew to Hobart.

It even uses the same quantity of gas because the S4, having 8.1L/100km.

It's one seriously quick auto and set all that into perspective, helped along by the system which does wonders for grip. It does not seem quite as great as its S4 brother, but for those who have about $ 93, 400 to spend and desire something sporty it is a great compromise.

With 150kW and 400Nm, this familyfriendly wagon also occurs to be the most fuelefficient V6 diesel within the nation (in all groups), consuming a miserly 4.9L/100km.

The entry-version 1.8 TFSI petrol multitronic ($55,500) was next in line so when one of the very famous versions it has received considerable developments to the drive-train. A figure we had be pleased to have from a fourcylinder diesel. This almost makes the A4 2.0 TDI immaterial because it uses only 1L/100km more gas.

Talking about the 2.0 TFSI quattro, that is generally our favorite design for the cash ($64,500). Even though the added 30kW of energy and 30Nm of torque over the 1.8 TFSI do not look like much, the inclusion of the allwheel drive system significantly improves the drivability and dynamics with this A4. It rushes from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, meaning it can be enormously enjoyable to drive.

Around the stuff, power is easily distributed by the quattro system where needed and there is an overwhelming sense of trust around corners that is absent in the multitronics.

If it's necessary for you to possess the top A4, at least for the time being, the supercharged 3.0litre Audi S4 will be the one to really go for.

In dynamic manner the steering feel is nearly race carlike: exceptionally accurate and large. Meanwhile relaxation style alters the damper settings, steering transmission configurations and weight, acceleration sense for an even much more docile encounter. Essentially, it is an ideal family car should you appreciate the occasional energetic drive. It provides all of the creature comforts of a normal A4, but tremendous functionality certificate once the time is appropriate.

In most cases all A4 versions are quite and instead civilised. They're also fairly comfortable even on rough surfaces. It is difficult to say the frontwheel drive CVT versions drive and trip better-than their equivalent rearwheel drive BMW 3-series challengers, but they're definitely on par with all the category - top MercedesBenz C - class.

Is its inside, where the A4 does outshine its German competitors. While the new BMW 3-series has received considerable interior improvements and also the C-class' remains fresh, the A4?s cottage is unrivalled for simplicity and uncluttered interior layout.

All models come standard with a 6.5inch display that takes good care of the sound and auto system configurations. Audi has made subtle improvements to the interior, like a brand new threespoke steering wheel ($300 alternative for a flat-bottom steering wheel), glossy black finishes, new interior colors as well as small changes for example chrome surrounds in the boot release button. There is just something about the way the entire cottage atmosphere comes together that provides an advantage to the A4 over its competitors.

Unfortunately, satellite navigation remains an abnormally high-price alternative at $3450 and it is the sole way you'll gain access to Bluetooth audio streaming (phone connectivity is conventional), and that means you'll nearly don't have any alternative except to tick it if you aren't fond of transmission lines imprisoning your iPod/iPhone. Within the Technik bundle, which also contains xenon headlights with front and rear parking sensors and LED daytime driving lights it's possible, however, get navigation and consequently Bluetooth audio streaming.

The inclusion of new active safety characteristics, for example adaptive cruise-control and active lane assist will also be welcomed ($1900 alternative). We found Audi's lane assist setup, which automatically directs the car back into its lane when the motorist fails to proper program, to be the best we have analyzed to date. Supplying a straightforward and seamless nudge to keep class without all the over - the - top perceptible and visual warnings that comparable methods provide in vehicles.

Overall, the present scope of vehicles obtainable within the midsized luxury segment is quite healthy. All three German luxury brands are providing exceptional vehicles for acceptable coin, making picking one a difficult choice.

But with category - top fuel-economy in both diesel and gas guise, better affordability and sharper appears, the new Audi A4 range is a much more complete package than in the past.

2012 Audi A4 Test Drive & Luxury Car Video Review