2003 Audi A4 TDi Quattro Sport Avant review from UK and Ireland

Airbag warning light stuck on; Audi main dealer changed the airbag igniter computer thing, cost £350 under warranty, and light came on again... found to be a dodgy connection on steering column.

Xenon headlights in UK are to be washed when headlights are switched on. The pump had to be replaced.

Car visually looks great, especially on 18" RS6 alloys. The Avant looking better than the 4 door sedan/saloon IMHO. New BMWs seem to have lost their way...

Full heated electric leather seating is very good & comfortable. Fully adjustable steering wheel allows best set up for driving position.

The engine is fantastic... although very heavy, so car feels like it's under steering in quick bends... tends to roll a bit as well... even though it's the Sport model rather than SE.

4 wheel drive is very sure footed in the wet.

Bose sound system is good, but a little too much base IMHO.

Xenon lights are fantastic.

Audi (RNS-e) Nav system is excellent.

For a 2.5 litre engine, it does at least 34 to 35mpg on mixed motoring. With the cruise control on, this car is a very relaxed motorway cruiser. You cannot tell it's a diesel, until you open a window.

6 speed gearbox is very good.

Performance in 1st is pretty poor really, but once up in 3rd, 4th & 5th.. the car really flies.

I still think my old 1999 E36 328 Sport Coupe BMW was much more fun to drive (much more of a grin factor), but with a new child in tow, this is a cracking practical car...

One niggle, not much room in the back.. so child seating is not great when you have a new baby seat fitted...