IT ISN'T entirely compulsory for motor industry honchos to possess racing credentials. But Mr Reinhold Carl, the boss of Audi Singapore, happens to have a Formula Renault licence.

In his 20 years with Audi, the athletic 52-year-old was also once an advance driving instructor.

The background check came after Mr Carl got behind the wheel of a new A4 - Audi's latest 3-series challenger - and put it through its paces on this Mediterranean isle.

It was his first drive of the car and he was probably not trying too hard to impress us. But impress he did, as he fed and punched the A4 through apexes on the island's smooth, sweeping roads, with effective trail braking through the faster bends.

The inputs were measured and the pace was devastating - especially to the egos of us pen-waving, non-competition licence holders.

If I has been in the back seat of that A4, I would have been staring at my partially digested breakfast after Mr Carl's quick blast. Maybe with a slight concussion too from whacking my head against the car's sloping roof-line.

In the new car, with its bigger cabin and sharpened dynamics (and a roof that slopes well after the rear seats), you get the thrills without the spills.

The ride, for one, is never jarring as the suspension soaks up the bumps with amazing aplomb.

With a longer wheelbase, the new car has more rear leg-room. Despite not being too tall, head-room is decent.

The exterior, which isn't too far a departure from the model it replaces, has design cues seen on the recently unveiled A5 coupe. And even though the new car is actually wider and longer than the outgoing A4, it appears trimmer.

First impressions behind the wheel are that the car seems a lot tighter and more urgent. All the technical fettering with subframe, suspension and steering rack set-up has paid off.

From initiating a turn right through to straightening after the bend, the new A4 is a quantum leap over its predecessor. The steering definitely possesses more precision while the suspension is a lot more stable in the face of the mounting inertia, giving less body roll than before.

For V6 models, Audi is offering a Drive Select option. Via a dash-mounted button, you can choose Dynamic, Comfort or Auto for the car's engine and transmission programming on the fly. The package includes active damping too.

The biggest news in Drive Select, though, is the Dynamic Steering feature. Similar in concept to BMW's Active Steering, it varies the rack ratio to achieve the two opposing strategies of manoeuvrability at lower speeds and stability at higher velocities.

The system also introduces an additional tool for the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to do its work. When necessary, it actually makes minor corrective steering inputs to keep the car pointing the right way.

Acknowledging the needs of the more advanced driver, ESP can be fully disabled.

Although Drive Select is a definite boon for those looking for higher grip levels and absolute pace, driving the standard A4 without the aid of clever electronics reveals the true qualities of its engineering.

The ride may be a tad softer and there is slightly more roll to contend with, but body control remains very decent.

The steering actually boasts better feedback and, under most circumstances, the car feels no slower or less keen.

The only petrol V6 engine available to Singapore drivers is a 3.2-litre unit, which comes with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

Drive Select is expected to be standard issue for Singapore-bound cars.

The other version slated for our market is a direct injection 1.8-litre turbo with 158bhp. This engine scores well on low- to mid-end torque, making it a decent alternative to the 3.2-litre V6 - even if it isn't quite as gifted in the vocal department.

And the best thing is, you don't need a racing licence to enjoy either car.

The writer is Editor of Torque, a monthly published by SPH Magazines

AUDI A4 1.8 T/3.2 FSI QUATTRO
Price: From $140,000 with COE (est)
Engine: 1,798cc 16-valve inline-4 turbo/3,197cc 32-valve V6
Transmission: Continuously variable with eight slots/Six-speed automatic with quick shift
Power: 158bhp at 4,500rpm/261bhp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm at 1,500-4,500rpm/330Nm at 3,000-5,000rpm
0-100kmh: 8.9/6.7 seconds
Top speed: 225/250kmh
Fuel consumption: 13.5/9.9 litres per 100km (city)
Agent: Premium Automobiles