NeoCars / TOP 5 NEO CARS / Audi

Solid German engineering or understated overperformance? Both, when it comes to Audi.

The fire-breathing Audi RS 4 quattro was the winner in the Best Luxury Sports Car category of the 2006 Australia's Best Cars (ABC) awards, presented jointly by the state motoring organizations annually. While it was pipped at the post this year by the BMW M3, owners are still glowing in the praise handed out to the car by the judges at the previous awards.

Their enthusiasm was unrestrained: "When a car combines that indescribable 'wow' factor with the good manners to be used every day, you know you're on a winner."

They also said, "Audi has taken its Quattro all-wheel-drive system to new levels in the RS4 while turning up the wick on performance. With a high-revving and powerful direct-injection 4.2-litre V8 under the bonnet and the surety of four massively-tyred wheels delivering power and gripping like pit bulls, the RS4 is an inspiring machine.

It dominates the class for outright pace and never proves tiring, even though the only gearbox is a six-speed manual."

And, in keeping with the ABC's previous recognition over multiple years of the Audi A8, they added, "The usual Audi fundamentals apply, which means a finely-crafted cabin, impressive build standards, high security levels and plenty of active and passive safety features" ... more