THE smaller it gets, the better it looks - Audi's new corporate grille, that is.

It's difficult to argue against the feature's visual impact but, somehow, it seems to work better when it's not stretched across the nose of something large from the German firm's fleet.

A case in point is the maker's completely overhauled A4. Although in the past the car's look has leaned heavily towards understatement, the chrome adornment that frames the grille, badge and number plate of the latest iteration is just the right size so as not to frighten oncoming traffic, children and old people.

Although the most obvious change to the A4, the new grille isn't the only improvement to the car's exterior. In fact, it would be easier to list what isn't new - the roof and, er, that's about it really.

The improvements are hardly radical, but the designers have given the car a noticeably sharper appearance without sacrificing the A4 brand's classy, conservative kerb appeal.

To assume that all the changes are purely cosmetic is to do the A4 (pictured) a huge disservice, however.

Aside from the car's exterior, a certain amount of fiddling has gone on under the skin.

In a bid to make the A4 appeal more to the enthusiastic driver, Audi has tuned the suspension to deliver a more responsive and rewarding experience.

Wade through the comprehensive list of variants on offer and two models stand out, although there are no turkeys in the range.

Audi's two-litre, 140bhp TDI four-cylinder diesel variant is expected to be one of the most popular models. The first prod of the throttle pedal only serves to confirm the company's assertion.

The standard six-speed manual gearbox is light and precise, and also standard is well-weighted power steering and brakes that neither snatch nor jerk.

Power delivery is smooth, near-seamless in delivery, devoid of any real turbo lag and thrust is always available in copious quantities when you feel the need for speed - but never intrusive when all you want to do is potter around town.

Crucially, there doesn't appear to be a downside to this particular model - being a diesel, its CO2 figure is good and the claimed fuel economy figures are impressive.

Pick the SE spec over the Sport if you want a supple ride and some wood trim, or take the latter to experience fractionally sharper turn-in and more supportive seats. The only thing that could improve the two-litre TDI is four-wheel drive.

Ah yes, Audi's famed quattro all-wheel-drive system. It's no gimmick and comes into its own on damp, greasy roads and rain-drenched motorways.

When connected to Audi's sporty 200bhp, two-litre turbo direct injection FSI petrol motor, this particular permutation of A4 is an adept sports saloon - or Avant if you fancy the compact estate.

Like the diesel, turbo lag is all but absent and the engine's keen response to commands complements the quattro drive train's ability to catapult you from corner to corner with considerable ease.

You can, of course, opt for less dramatic four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, just as you can push the boat out with V6 unleaded and derv drinkers.

The featured TDI and FSI options are likely to provoke considerable interest in both company and private buying circles, though.

Performance improvements aside, it's largely business as usual with the A4 - which is a good thing.

Cabin fit and finish is superb, while the controls are clear and concise.

The options list includes the likes of widescreen DVD-based sat-nav, high-quality audio and adaptive front lights that "see" around corners.

For more information, call Martins Audi on 01256 867020.