Audi A2

One of the brave cars, particularly in its class. Though not to be continued beyond its current natural life, it is speculated. It becomes a surprisingly likeable car with a bit of experience, and you can feel good that you are driving state of the art in aluminium body technology. And they give you a couple of freaky bits, like a front flap that allows access to water and oil check so that you don’t over have to look at the engine unless you know enough to do your own annual service. The engines are both VW 1.4-litre, one a 4-pot petrol, the other a 3-pot diesel, and they both, uncannily, have the same 75bhp power output and almost equal acceleration, which just goes to show how diesels have equalled up with petrol at this level. Stars: 6/10.

Audi A3

A Golf in Audi guise, and unfortunately it’s no longer ahead of its lesser-badged sibling in the way it used to be when it was the first of the group to get the new platform. But it is a competent performer even in its 1.6-litre basic form, if at a price. Though how anyone could consider paying the 51,250 for the 225bhp Quattro 1.8T S3 is simply beyond understanding. Failing your total commitment thataway, you could plump for 1.8-litre ordinary petrol or a simple 100bhp TDi 1.9. This is probably an Audi for the company car driver who has retired and doesn’t want to lose the badge but can’t afford the bigger car he’s used to. There’s an amazing number of option levels for a relatively niche car. As always in this area, a TDi is probably the best buy. Stars: 6/10.

Audi A4

They wanted to get into the ‘elite’ brand area, to compete with BMW, and this is the car that has actually got Audi very close to doing just that. To the point that it has been one of the fastest-selling models in the brand in its history. Deserves to be, too, because it is arguably the best Audi yet. As long as you don’t squeeze the cents to go for the entry-level 1.6-litre and its asthmatic 102bhp. Beyond that, what has happened with this grown-up version of the model is a leapfrog of the A6 bigger brother in real value for money terms. Really. Take your power choice between 130bhp-150bhp and you can stay in the relatively affordable up-to-40,000 mark. Add Quattro, and anything between 170bhp-220bhp, and you can hit up to 56,070. It all depends on your perception of value. But you get driving dynamics and comfort up there with best in class in all versions. Stars: 8/10

Audi A4 Cabrio

Expect so-so. And be absolutely surprised. This is the cabriolet of the year, really. Without doubt, driving this one changes the whole perspective of the classy soft-top. Good style, better engines, and a complete lack of anything approximating the endemic scuttle-shake of most built-on-a-saloon-platform cabrios. But don’t expect cheap, it’s no Astra cabriolet. But it’s not as expensive as the latest BMW Z4. And some more affordable versions coming in new year with engines better suited to the Irish economic climate. But if you want to give it as a Christmas present this year, you just get choices of 2.4- and 3-litre, the latter outputting a whopping 220bhp that could increase the draft rate substantially. Stars: 8/10

Audi A6

The biggest problem with the A6 is the matter of choice. There’s a truly bewildering range of engine and even of power options within engine sizes, not to mention Avants, quattros, and a variety of automatic types. But it is the quintessential luxury mid-ranger from the elite brand in the VW group, and in roominess terms has only been upstaged by the Superb from cousin Skoda. Like the other cousin Passat, it’s getting a bit long in the tooth, and suffers from a couple of niggling downsides, such as a poor ventilation setup unless you go for climate control. Some people also find the seats not quite right on longer trips. But there’s truly one for everyone in its particular audience, from a basic 130bhp 2-litre to a 4.2-litre V8 ‘S’ versionb with 340bhp and a price tag close to that of a BMW 7-Series. Stars: 6/10

Audi A8

The brand’s flagship, and on the way to change since the Paris Motor Show. The specs of the current car are impressive in the power department, and a little easier to choose from than in the A6. There’s a 2.8-litre V6 for the starter buyer, and after that a choice of three V8s of 260-, 300- and 360bhp outputs, but even the V6 looks like it can pull this big car along in smooth and confident style. The biggest engined is an ‘S’ model. The A8 has always looked very anonymous, which suits a sizable section of the German buyer base who are always conscious of their security, and the incomer remains true to that requirement. But it is silky-smooth in operation, and has all creature comforts and safety gizmos. Stars: 7/10

Audi TT Coupe, Roadster

Slightly revised for 2003, this remains the sexiest Audi ever. In fact, the only sexy Audi ever. And the sheer funkiness of the interior particularly has it destined to remain much as it is for some years to come. The early disaster of its handling on high-speed bends has been taken care of with a number of rather expensive modifications, and it is now truly a car you can feel comfortable letting your nearest and dearest scoot out in. All are powered in this market by 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engines, of either 180bhp or 225bhp, and you can choose from roadster or coupe. Strangely, the more powerful engines are marginally more economical than the smaller ones. Stars: 8/10