Independent Reviews of New and Used Cars

Did Audi do enough with the C8-series eighth generation version of this A6? Many thousands of managers who between 2018 and 2025 put thousands of miles under the wheels of their new A6s seemed to think so. As with previous designs in this model line, they valued this one for its quiet, understated professionalism, further marvelling in this guise at its sophisticated technology and highly advanced cabin. Yes, there are probably more characterful cars in the class from this period than this smart, efficient and perfectly mannered business conveyance. But there’s no doubt that in this form, it was a very complete and cost-effective choice in this sector. If this A6’s blend of cool design, cutting-edge technology and peerless build quality sway you over a supremely relaxing Mercedes E-Class or a slightly sharper-handling BMW 5 Series from this period, no one could accuse you of making the wrong choice in this segment. Yes, to really like it, you’ve still got to really like Audis, but if you do, you’ll find it easy to bond with this one. Some may still see this A6 as being a little remote compared to a status-conscious Mercedes or a proudly opulent BMW. For others though, that’ll simply be part of this car’s vorsprung durch tecknik appeal, its design full of intelligent technologies created to make your life easier and save you time. Is that all that really matters? At the end of the kind of very long day this A6 has been designed for, you might well think so.

The Audi S4 is a car that makes sense in such a wet country as ours, particularly in this B9-era TDI diesel form. With all wheel-drive traction and a whole raft of electronic safety measures, it’s effortlessly secure, offering less of the heart in mouth moments that often accompany a combination of big power, damp roads and an enthusiastic approach. That’s not to say the S4 is a fuddy duddy that’s forgotten how to entertain. Learn to drive the car properly and you’ll be able to use more of that power more of the time than you ever thought possible. It’s so addictive that only the realisation of quite how much fuel you’ve burnt per session could possibly quell the temptation to repeat ad infinitum. All of this will appeal to many people out there. As will the switch made here to diesel power. As sensible yet quick and capable transport for five people, from its period this S4 remains tough to beat.

Land Rover’s Defender 130 offers a unique option for well-heeled large families. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

The Mercedes CLA is a very different proposition in third generation form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

The fieriest kind of MINI Hatch is this one, the John Cooper Works variant. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the latest version.