The nine model Audi A4 saloon range gains a new flagship with the intro-duction of a manual 3.0 quattro version featuring a six-speed gearbox.

Available in tiptronic automatic form since the UK launch earlier this year, the A4 3.0 quattro now gains a six-speed manual trans-mission which helps to extract the very best from the sophisticated and highly efficient new V6 engine.

Featuring five valves per cylinder, an aluminium head and crank case plus a balancer shaft for maximum refinement, the range-topping A4 engine develops 220 bhp and 300Nm of torque.

It enables the saloon to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, and to reach a top speed of 151 mph, while also giving it the potential to cover up to a maximum of 35.3 miles per gallon.

The A4 range boasts the largest choice of engines and transmissions in the sector, the 3.0-litre unit being just one of eight petrol and turbo diesel options.

The line-up currently includes Britain's most environmentally friendly premium upper medium saloon the A4 1.9 TDI which also boasts the lowest running costs in this class.

The majority of front-wheel-drive models also reap the benefits of Audi's much praised multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission which is unique in combining all the advantages of stepless automatic transmission with the ability to maintain performance, fuel economy and emissions at almost exactly the same level as an equivalent vehicle with a manual gearbox.

This advanced new engine and transmission technology is under-pinned by light and agile fully independent suspension constructed almost entirely from aluminium.

The front features a development of the original A4's sophisticated four-link arrangement, and the rear an update of the advanced trapezoidal link set-up.

The end result is a car which is both more responsive to drive and more refined on the move than its already highly regarded predecessor.

Also contributing to the A4's more unruffled character is a remarkable aerodynamically sculpted under-body, which helps to reduce interior noise.

The smooth, low-resistance under-side was developed in the new wind tunnel at the Audi plant in Ingolstadt.

This is one of very few tunnels worldwide capable of analysing underbody airflow while at the same time taking into account the rotation of the wheels and moving belts under the vehicle.

The same technology has been applied to the Audi R8 sports cars which conquered the gruelling Le Mans 24 hour endurance race this year and also in 2000.

Available in a choice of over 50 colours, and with eight alloy wheel options, the manual version of the A4 3.0 quattro saloon remains at the original March 2001 launch price, as do the other models in the range.

Saloon on-the-road prices range from £17,640 to £24,840 and Avant estate models currently start at £19,770 (entry Avant 1.6 model due for introduction at £18,770 in spring 2002), running to £25,970 for the 3.0 quattro.