Not necessarily the car that you want the most but which one ticks the most boxes for you and why?

For me (perhaps surprisingly) it would have to be this!



I would be a bit concerned about being classified as just another Audi (particularly Audi A4) driving knob but I really can't fault it!

As a family man, I need something practical but don't want anything too big.
I appreciate a well-equipped, comfortable and high quality interior.
It's fast, has a manual gearbox and sounds fantastic.
Although most of my favourite cars are RWD, I have never owned a powerful RWD car so wouldn't really feel confident driving it quickly in the wet (I've heard the RS4 is quite playful for an Audi).
The styling is subtle yet agressive, particularly in my chosen shade (Daytona Grey).
They are now (relatively) affordable!
Although traditionally the Avant version is way cooler and more practical, I rather like the (rarer?) saloon.

I could probably live with the stigma of driving an Audi A4 for the noise and performance (same goes for proper M BMWs)!

So what's your favourite car on paper and why?

• I don't have kids at the moment but would like one in the future
• I generally like British cars
• Must have at least a 6 cylinder engine
• Must have been produced before 1980 (I like old cars)
• I like an interior with an abundance of wood and leather
• I prefer 2+2 GT's to saloons (in general)
• I like 'showy' cars that I can take to classic car meets

So narrowed it down to ...


OR

Its new - (wont break down- maybe)
Its big - (Ikea, shopping)
Its a four seater - (kids)
Its rear wheel drive - (tail out)
Its massively quick - (I'm a kid at heart)
Its discrete - (Can park it anywhere)
Its luxurious - (I like being comfortable)

My perfect (on paper) allround car:

Assuming we're talking about a daily drive here, I'd have to go for an Audi B5 RS4.

We don't have (or plan to have) kids, but we do regularly take our dog on long muddy walks in the countryside. So something fairly discrete, 380bhp fast with AWD in estate form ticks, pretty much, all the boxes.

FFRR. On paper it's the best car in the world. In real life it's the best car in the world. Nothing combines so many virtues whilst retaining a character that is unique and unmistakable.

For me it has to be the car I currently own; why, well thats easy:

• Its comfortable,
• It's easy to drive,
• Its fast,
• It makes a great sound,
• Looks great and it a bit different,
• It isn't European or Japanese,
• It goes as well on the drag strip as it does on the drive to and from work,
• Its totally practical,
• Costs less to insure, service and tax than a hot hatch.

Honestly cannot think of another car that would do the same job.

e36 Touring with M3 Evo running gear and "Sport" spec (ie, 328i Sport wheels/kit/etc)

This also for me. They really are wonderful things. Preferably petrol, but I wouldn't be gutted to end up with the latest TDV8 either, even though that means living with the blingier looks and gimmicky TFT dials, rather than the more restrained original BMW 4.4s.

One of these would see me out too and ticks more boxes:

A car needs to have a certain 'objective' for me to truly find it perfect.

For instance, a normal Ferrari 360 doesn't really do all that much for me, but a Challenge Stradale has me wet in the gusset area. It's all to do with how much more focused the 360 CS is.

• Needs to be far more 'driving' orientated than 'comfort/cruising'
• Needs to sound like a god having some really kinky sex
• Needs to be light (now that is relative to what market sector they are going for)
• Needs to have really good steering
• Needs to look the part
• Needs to have good build quality

That gives me a few options, but this one ticks all the boxes:

Not in RHD. But go LHD and in due course I expect an ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Allrad will be available.

Apparently there'll be an AWD M5 available for the North American market too...