It certainly looks the part. While more understated than the radical TT, the new A4 is immediately attractive, and a perfect fit for Audi's urban professional market. There are hints of the TT in the front fascia and the A6 at the rear, but the rest is all A4. The design strikes a unique balance, aggressive enough to spark fires of passion, yet exuding good taste rather than ostentation.

While the design integrity is obvious, under the skin its structural integrity is increased by 45%. This is immediately noticeable when the roadway becomes less favorable, keeping its composure over uneven highway joints, frost heaves and pavement wrinkles. The A4's independent suspension has been reworked to take full advantage of the newfound stiffness and longer wheelbase. It bites into tight corners in any weather condition, making a hero out of juvenile drivers and experts alike - aided much by quattro AWD and one of the best traction control systems I've tested.

Audi's wonderful 20-valve 1.8-L turbo 4-cylinder engine has been tweaked to 170-hp, making the base engine a force to be reckoned with. As good as it is, it seems strange that VW, Audi's parent company, has fitted a more powerful 180-hp version of this engine to their GTI and Jetta models. Shouldn't VW's premium brand sedan receive the hottest performing 1.8T? Still, it was only a few years ago that Audi's 6-cylinder produced just over 170-hp. Now, the new 3.0-L V6 puts out an impressive 220-hp, due much to its 200cc increase in displacement. When you spring for the engine upgrade the 5-speed manual that comes standard with the 1.8T gets replaced by a new 6-speed manual transmission. It shifts smoothly, but 1st gear is very short. If you're not in a rush, the 6-speed actually takes off smoother from 2nd gear, but this could result premature clutch wear and isn't recommended. A Tiptronic automatic is optional.

Speaking of new transmissions, Audi has created a continuously variable type (CVT) - dubbed Multitronic - for use in their front-wheel drive A4 1.8T - the new base model. How does it work? Rather than increasing engine revs over repeated intervals between gear changes, the CVT allows the engine to remain at a constant rev range, manipulating the final drive seamlessly from within the transmission. Just like a snowmobile, you keep going faster just by applying the throttle. Why a new type of transmission? The performance numbers speak for themselves. The Multitronic is 1.3 seconds quicker than Audi's Tiptronic transmission and 0.1 second faster than the manual gearbox in 0-100 km/h tests. What's more, fuel economy improves by 0.94 km/L (2.2 mpg) over the automatic and 0.21 km/L (0.5 mpg) better than the standard. Audi's Multitronic CVT was recently awarded "Best New Technology" by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at their annual Car of the Year test-fest.

Awards honoring Audi vehicles are nothing new. The quattro Coupe was made legendary by annihilating its rally competition in the early 1980's. The A4 repeatedly took title to the prestigious European Touring Car Championship until its quattro AWD was disqualified due to an 'uncompetitive advantage'. Active safety is important, but Audi doesn't forget that accidents are occasionally unavoidable. Therefore the A4 comes with front and rear side-impact airbags and OnStar.

Audi's interior treatment is as attractive as its exterior. Standard equipment includes the usual luxury fare such as power windows, mirrors (with heat), and locks that include keyless entry. The A4's dual climate control includes an A/C smog sensor that automatically changes from fresh to re-circulate when exterior air becomes foul. Other unique features include side-rearview mirrors that automatically dim and turn signals that stay on for only three flashes when lightly pressed, or continual when fully engaged. The Audi's seats are first rate too, with improved rear legroom. As comfortable as the A4 is, be careful when getting in. If it's been raining, water will collect in the door sills and immediately gush out when opened. While this doesn't seem to be a major problem, you might get your shoes and socks wet.

Minor point aside, the new A4 improves on every aspect of the old car. It is quicker, more nimble, more stable at high speed and controllable in adverse weather. It's bigger inside, more luxurious and adds impressive new features. What's more the new A4 appears arguably more distinctive from every angle. While daunting, Audi has done it again. No doubt, the new A4 will be a runaway success.