AUDI continues its evolutionary styling strategy with the ninth-generation A4, but beneath the surface is an all-new car awash with weight-saving measures and high technology.

These are par for the course in luxury cars nowadays, but where the A4 comes bang up-to-date is how it drives.

On that front it is now more than a match for Audi’s German rivals, provided the buyer is willing to invest in the optional adaptive dampers that we suspect were responsible for our test vehicle hitting the sweet spot of everyday comfort and dynamic poise, despite wearing 19-inch alloys and low-profile rubber.

That, combined with a terrific engine and beautiful interior, means new A4 shines brightly enough to be seriously considered as a contender for class leadership.

It’s a refreshing change to the established order and an achievement for which Audi deserves to be proud.

Back-slaps at Ingolstadt.

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