In terms of safety, the best feature is always the way a car handles and the confidence it gives you. We recently tested an Isuzu Ascender, sister to the GMC Envoy, and I found myself totally isolated from the road. If there were any need for accident avoidance moves the tall, soft handling SUV would never make it. The Audi gives you a sense of being in control at all times thanks to an array of electronics such as four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and stability control. If that is not enough there is also side airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags for the front and rear, and optional seat-mounted rear side airbags. The results have been very good in government crash tests.

I found the Audi friendly to drive, and except for the fairly wide turning radius and small trunk opening, it was a pleasant way to get to work or for highway journeys. I must warn you though, that the high trunk and rear seat headrests do reduce rear vision.

Dad's view: This is a polite car, but nothing special. I would spend the extra money and buy the very fast S4 with its 340 horsepower. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of return on my investments (read children), and so the 220 horsepower A4 is adequate. Nothing more. It certainly handles well, and it is easy to see why Audi claims the new chassis is 45% stiffer than the previous generation car because the A4 has a stiff ride. Despite this rigidity, the Audi still is not up to a BMW in terms of cornering.

You can get a base model Audi A4 for about $25,000 US, which is a great price, but you won't get the smooth six-cylinder engine and the options are dear. For example, the cold weather package is over $2600, which comes with a lot of ingredients from heated seats to a ski pass through and much more. The Bose stereo and satellite radio cost another grand, and the sports suspension and xenon headlights are $700 plus for each. By the way, don't order the sports suspension unless you test-drive an Audi with this option. You might find the ride too harsh.

In daily driving the Audi is composed and offers little too complain about. However, when you need more power the engine does not have the answer despite the smooth five speed automatic transmission. I also found fault with the HVAC controls which took some time to master. The night lighting is quite good and the interior noise never intrusive. Basically, I was not passionate about the A4, but we didn't assess it during a storm either.