When Audi decided to put its new A4 model head to head with the ubiquitous BMW 3-series in the mid-1990s BMW must have hoped it would be nothing more than a brief skirmish. Battered and bruised, the Audi team would return to Ingolstadt and continue producing competent but boring cars, leaving BMW to battle it out with Mercedes-Benz for the title of Germany’s best car maker.

How wrong they were. The original A4 was a huge success and established Audi as a global prestige car manufacturer. So when Audi launched the new A4 model in March 2001 the competition, critics and customers alike looked eagerly to see whether the replacement would be as good as the original. The answer was yes.

The new Audi A4 had matured: it was larger, prettier and better to drive. Under the bonnet the new A4 still offered a huge range of engines that would eventually span 1.6 to 4.2 litres and 100bhp to 344bhp, as well as a choice of four or two-wheel drive.

On the second-hand market this choice can cause problems. To simplify things it’s best to start with the fuel type you want by asking whether the improved economy of a diesel will outweigh the extra purchase price. As a rule of thumb an annual mileage of 20,000 or more makes the diesel option look attractive — otherwise you should favour petrol, unless you are towing.

The next choice is one almost exclusive to Audi: do you want front-wheel or four-wheel drive? Think carefully about the pros and cons. On the upside the four-wheel-drive quattro feels more secure and on a muddy field you are less likely to bog down. On the negative side that four-wheel drive adds weight, dents fuel economy and adds £600-£800 to second-hand prices.

Audi also makes the choice of gearbox a little more awkward than usual. The manuals (which come in both five and six-speed) are great but so are the tiptronics and multitronics. The latter uses a continuously variable transmission system and only purists will appreciate the slightly crisper shifts of the tiptronic.

The Audi A4 is a delight to drive and be driven in. Audi improved the steering on the second generation A4 and while it’s not quite as good as the BMW 3-series it’s noticeably better than before. Front space is excellent and the large, supportive seats will shrink the longest of journeys. Boot space is good and rear accommodation is on a par with the competition.

Build quality is superb and the fit and finish are without compare, leaving a Mercedes, regardless of price, flailing in its wake. Equipment levels are generally high with climate control, alloy wheels, ABS and electronic stability program (traction control) as standard. And if you like your music then finding a used example with the upgraded Bose stereo system is worth the effort.

Used examples of the A4 should be complemented by a complete service history, although the variable service interval can mean that on low mileage examples dealer visits may be infrequent.

The original A4 reinvigorated the Audi brand; these second generation cars proved the four rings of Audi were here to stay.

Servicing A variable service interval means low mileage cars may show few stamps in the book, so ask for original invoices to confirm work completed

Gearbox Multitronic gearboxes require automatic transmission fluid changes every 40,000 miles

Quattro The Audi four-wheel-drive system was an option on most models. It is now well proven, and its reliability is without question, but it adds weight and will dent fuel consumption

Stereo Optional Bose system offers superb quality, but do not pay more than a £100 premium on a used example

Diesel Water pump on V6 TDI models is driven by the timing belt and needs replacing at the same time

Wheels Alloys are standard on all models but beware of larger rims that can be expensive to repair if kerbed and are shod with expensive tyres

Sport models Larger 17in rims, sports suspension, leather steering wheel and sports seats come as standard. Pay about £500 more for a Sport than an SE

Turbo The 1.8T engine is available in a range of power outputs from 150bhp-190bhp. Avoid heavily modified or chipped examples that may shorten the life of the engine

VITAL STATISTICS

Model Audi A4 2.5 TDI Sport saloon
Engine 2496cc, six cylinders
Power 163bhp
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 40.9mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 10.1sec
Top speed 130mph

THE ONE TO BUY

Audi A4 2.5 TDI Sport 2003 53 with 20,000 miles. Pay £16,195 at a franchised dealer or £15,000 privately

OR, FOR THE SAME MONEY...

2003 53 BMW 330d Sport
2004 04 Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDi
2004 54 Jaguar X-type 2.0D Sovereign
2005 05 Saab 9-3 1.9Tid Vector
2005 05 Lexus IS 200 Navigator

VALUES



‘Trade’ is what a dealer would pay to buy your car; ‘retail’ is what you would pay a dealer. Multitronic and tiptronic models fetch about £800 more than manuals