Audi A6 1.8

Three months ago i bought a two year old example Audi A6 1.8T SE.I must admit i hadn't considered this initially as i thought it a little too large for my needs.As i've now got it i can confirm, yes it is too large for me to justify as i have no family but what the hell i would never have suited a fiesta anyway.

Where to start;aha the styling.Now you may disagree but i think this is a beautiful car with crisp lines and no fussy detailing and it looks really good in the 'metal'. Some could argue that it is too similar to the A4 and Passat but i would say 'Pah to you sir'.

The performance; now this is where you think that the 1.8T isn't big enough to haul along a car of this size, but you're wrong. Granted the traffic light race is always going to be tricky, but a 0-60 time of 9.4 and top whack of 135mph is not too shabby, and added to that combined cycle of 34mpg and you start rather liking that 1.8 under the bonnet.

Ride and handling;This is an autobahn muncher, no doubt about that. it has a fairly firm ride which is nice on the motorway (no wallowing) but hit a b-road and you can feel too many of the roads imperfections beneath you, but the flipside to that is in the corners it is very neutral and sticks to the road very well.If pushed the nose will push outward but you'd have to be going at a speed not recommended for a car of this size

Interior and comfort. Now this is where this car comes into its own. The cabin is near silent with quality materials abound and the switchgear feels like it would withstand even the most ill co-ordinated heavyweights treatment for years to come. As this is the SE version we have leather seats of the highest quality and comfort and every bit of kit imaginable except sat nav. Special mention to the stereo and autochanger which produces the most clear sound i've heard in a car.However its not just you fancy dans in the front who are looked after, there is acres of space in the back with cup holders and gubbins to keep even the most impatient young professional busy.After doing a 400 mile trip with four others in the car i'm glad to say we all felt pretty fresh and not too tired.And talking about space,that boot! It has its own timezone i'm sure but it can swallow an awful lot of luggage or bodies, depending on your profession.The back seats also fold down and it will accept a surfboard, i know.

All in all i'm very happy with my purchase,its insurance group 12 so very reasonable with one major service cost me only £165 so the horror stories aren't true, and its alarm and immobiliser (standard fit) mean i sleep easy at night.Rather glad i didn't go for the focus after all.