1991 Audi 90 2.3 E review from Australia and New Zealand

Radiator blew one hour after collecting from car from dealership.

Temperature gauge works sporadically.

Steering rack leaking, requires reconditioning.

Front bushes need replacing.

Strange clattering noise in engine when running cold.

The 90 is kind of the best of both worlds - it's the 80-style bodyshape, with the more powerful engine from the 100.

My favourite feature of this car is the 5-cylinder engine. It just oozes torque and pulls strongly from as little as 1500 rpm, with the unusual, but pleasant exhaust note unique to these cars. The broad torque curve means there's hardly ever a reason to take it all the way to redline, which is good because it's a bloody thirsty old beast!

Handling is good, but requires more steering wheel input than most cars I've owned. Steering would be the 90's biggest weakness - it's vague, flighty at speed and squirmy under braking.

Ride quality is excellent, and the cabin is decked out in plush blue velour.

Overall it's a rewarding car to own and drive, although I'm not under any illusion as to the long-term running costs of this vehicle. Having said that, the Audi 5-cyl engine is capable of racking up enormous mileages, so I think it's a good car to hang on to for a while.

It's also the most unusual car I've had, which is saying a lot after a Peugeot, a BMW and a string of Fiats.

Dealer service is truly excellent, especially considering it's a 13 year old car.

To sum it up, the Audi has the character and styling originality of an Italian car, with all the engineering hallmarks of a German one. They don't make them like this anymore.