The Audi A4 has taken the lead in the race for the title of most popular company car in Germany. German business magazine, Capital, reports the mid-range model overtook all its competitors in the first quarter of 2005 and even increased its market share in the fleet market, which has grown by 1.2% overall, to a current level of 6.7%.

Since its Australian launch in late February 2005, the initial sales trend for the new A4 has been strong, says Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Joerg Hofmann.

“The national Audi dealer network is reporting excellent enquiry levels, especially for the A4 1.8 Turbo models, reflecting the success of our sporty positioning,” Mr Hofmann said.

This latest accolade for the A4 in Germany has been boosted by the launch of the new generation. Both the A4 saloon and the Avant were given a new design with the characteristic single-frame grille one of the car’s most obvious identifying features.

What the new styling promises, the technology delivers. In Europe there is a choice of no fewer than ten powerful, yet economical engines available for the A4, delivering up to 225 bhp. FSI and turbo technology represent the most advanced state of the art for petrol engines, as do the revolutionary piezo injectors in the three-litre TDI. Diesel particulate filters can be ordered for both the six-cylinder 3.0 TDI and the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI.

The sporty yet comfortable dynamic suspension converts the power delivered by these units into driving enjoyment - on every bend and on every mile of the journey.

At the same time, all elements and components of the vehicle are notable for innovative and highly developed technology. The optional xenon plus headlights with dynamic adaptive light technology are proof of this, as are the continuously variable multitronic transmission, still a unique feature, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive.