Audi A4 SE Technik

In this trim, the Audi A4 SE Technik is a more appealing option than the standard SE on which it's based. The 'Technik' part is meant to hint heavily at what's been added to the standard equipment list. Other than that, there's very little to tell if you put the entry-level SE alongside the Technik edition.

The reason why there's more appeal to the SE Technik is due to the fact that, along with other features, two very desirable options are thrown in. Full Milano leather is draped across the seats and satellite navigation with 3D mapping is included too. The Technik also escapes Audi's rather firm sports suspension setup, and is treated to larger alloy wheels. Metallic paint is free too, which is rather rare for a car of this class.

The SE Technik can be ordered with one of four diesel engines, ranging from a super-efficient 134bhp Ultra to a 188bhp quattro, and a solitary 1.8-litre petrol engine that develops 168bhp. The 2.0-litre diesel 134bhp Ultra engine can return up to 68.9mpg. Emissions can be as low as 108g/km, meaning road tax of just £20. Benefit-in-kind tax is 19%.

Just like any Audi A4, the SE Technik's interior is impeccably well built. The switches are robust and the dashboard just oozes quality. The SE Technik's "standard" suspension setup should mean it's more comfortable than Audi's usual sports version.

Good points

The SE Technik's addition of sat nav and leather seats add a huge chunk of extra luxury to the A4, which should make it a very comfortable business express.The A4's engine range delivers a lot of choice. They're all strong performers (even the more efficient Ultra models) and yet all manage to return very good levels of fuel economy and reasonable emissions levels.The Audi A4's interior and dashboard is impressively well put together. In fact, Audi in general score well for interior build quality.

Bad points

The A4's design is becoming a little forgettable. That may not necessarily be a bad thing for some, but it means that the A4 isn't a saloon for those who want to stand out.Although it's not exactly bad to drive, you'd be better off with a BMW 3 Series if you want a sharper driving experience.The A4 in general is getting a little long in the tooth now. It's due a facelift that's set to arrive towards the end of 2015.

What you get

• Alloy wheels
• Metallic paint
• Folding rear seats
• Tyre pressure sensors
• Passenger & Driver airbag
• Front side airbags
• Curtain airbags
• Auto climate control
• Full leather seats
• Leather steering wheel
• Front electric windows
• Single CD player
• AUX stereo input
• DAB Radio
• Cruise control
• Sat nav
• Stop/Start
• Automatic wipers
• Rear electric windows
• Bluetooth

Our choice

We'd go for the lower powered Ultra diesel. Fuel economy will be great for company car drivers and its 0-62mph time will still be good for most buyers, at 9.3 seconds.