Frankfurt motor show 2007 - Audi A4

The new A4 is the star attraction on Audi's stand. It's a car that, the company claims, will finally dislodge the BMW 3 Series as the 'ultimate driving machine' among compact executive saloons.

From its style and stance to many of the technologies it employs, the new A4 clearly has the 3 Series in its sights.

It has a short front overhang and long bonnet like the BMW, and you can even get something similar to BMW's Active Steering system.

Audi calls it Dynamic Steering, and its purpose is to reduce the effort needed in low-speed manoeuvres.

The A4 is based on the A5 coupe launched earlier this year, although many of its critical dimensions are different.

However, it has the same under-bonnet layout and aluminium suspension in an effort to make it agile and nimble.

There's also the option of two sports suspension set-ups and something called Audi Drive Select, which electronically varies the engine, automatic gearshift, steering and suspension responses to suit your driving style and mood.

There will be five engines at launch next February, all but one of them - a 3.2 petrol V6 - turbocharged.

There's only one other petrol engine, a 1.8, alongside three turbodiesels, a 2.0-litre, plus 2.7- and 3.0-litre V6s.

Some use less fuel than their counterparts in the current A4, while power outputs range from 143bhp to 265bhp.

There are six-speed manual, six-speed auto and continuously variable auto gearboxes, as well as front- or four-wheel drive, depending on the model.

Features available on an A4 for the first time include air-conditioned front seats, a Bang and Olufsen hi-fi, a rear-view parking camera and devices to warn you if you're in danger of hitting the car in front or lane-changing into the path of one coming up fast from behind.