I bought a 2011 model the year previously to 'test the water'. It was an outstanding car but a few things irritated me. The 4 digit postcode on the SatNav rendered it often of little use, and the car phone pairing on the Audi MMI system did not do the job despite Audi intervention. I also intended to have a sun roof fitted, but decided an aftermarket one may devalue the car, so opted for a later model with a factory installed one. The 2012 model astounded me by how much better it was than the older model. Quieter, smoother ride, more economical, and the 7 speed automatic gearbox was considerable better than the previous model.

Like a previous reviewer, I chose the Allroad for the air suspension (I know it can be specified on the regular Quattro model, but buying second hand makes that a bit of a lottery). The quality of the ride is outstanding (my brother has a regular Audi with S-line trim and hates the ride). The build quality is superb and the level of equipment is excellent. Again, buying second hand, especially with a German made car with so many options available, can be a bit of a lottery again, and you have to shop around, but I was able to get the full electric seat package, automatic dipping headlights (quite a revelation) and a heads up display (which I would not have specified on a new car).

The car is a pure joy on long journeys where I can easily get over 40mpg (overall economy is around 38 mpg). The Audi's replaced a Jaguar XF which was a fine car and arguably quieter and a smoother ride, but the luggage space was very poor and didn't suit me needs.

So far the car has been totally reliable, and looks set to stay around for a very long time. My wife drives a Lexus but prefers the Audi because all the controls are so intuitive. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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Volvo XC90

reviewed by ocsine on 4 September 2012