AT12MARWhen you produce a car as consummate as the Audi A4, it must be hard to know what to do next. Thankfully the compact executive saloon market is amongst the most competitive so Audi couldn’t afford to be complacent.

With the refreshed A4 they’ve concentrated on the minutiae, refining every possible aspect to make it more refined, more economical and more technologically advanced.

As befitting a new premium saloon, the A4 is stuffed with kit. It isn’t limited to high-end stereos and massaging seats either. The new A4 features wireless internet connectivity and sat-nav powered by Google Earth.

Safety kit is uprated, with the latest generation lane departure warning systems and active lane keep assist (systems designed to keep you in lane, and warn you when you stray out of it). All systems can be controlled by a dash-mounted touch screen with handwriting recognition.

The engine range has also been given a thorough going over, with efficiency improvements of 21 per cent over the old model. Stop and start, direct fuel injection and turbocharging have been used to great effect, to maximise available power, whilst minimising the thirst for fuel.

Performance enthusiasts may be disheartened to hear that the 3.2-litre V6 is no longer available. Fear not, however, as the sublime S4 performance iteration is back, equipped with a 328bhp 3.0-litre V6 and Audi’s trademark Quattro four wheel drive system.

It’s also likely that Audi will bestow its hallowed RS badge on the new A4. With the previous generation RS4 regarded by many as the best sports saloon of its generation, the prospect of a new one will have BMW M3 drivers quaking in their boots.

12-plate wish list

Feb 01: Hyundai i40 Tourer
Feb 02: Audi A4
Feb 03: Ford Focus
Feb 06: Citroen DS4
Feb 07: Volkswagen up!
Feb 08: Vauxhall Astra GTC
Feb 09: Audi A1 Sportback
Feb 10: Renault Scenic
Feb 13: Subaru XV
Feb 14: Renault Twingo (video)
Feb 15: MINI Coupe
Feb 16: Nissan LEAF
Feb 17: MINI Coupe (video)
Feb 20: Hyundai i30
Feb 21: Chevrolet Camaro
Feb 22: Porsche 911 (video)
Feb 23: Kia Picanto
Feb 24: BMW 1-Series
Feb 27: Honda Civic
Feb 28: Hyundai Veloster