We also drove a bright red S-Line trim car with the 3.0L TDI engine and eight-speed Tiptronic automatic. With more power than the blue car (272 hp) and buckets of more torque (443 lb-ft), the acceleration of this car is impressive, pulling smoothly and linearly all the way to its modest redline. Audi claims this diesel to be a half second quicker to 100 km/h than the 2.0 TFSI engine (5.3 seconds versus 5.8).

Better still, it burned less fuel during our mixed driving that included highway cruising around 150 km/h and plenty of aggressive driving in the mountains (mid-9 L / 100 versus low 10’s for the gasoline car). Audi claims a combined average consumption rate of 6.3 L/100 km for the 2.0T and an astonishing 5.2 L/100 km for the 3.0L TDI.

Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the V6 TDI package will make it to North America, instead seeing the 2.0 TFSI accompanied only by a four-cylinder TDI diesel variant delivering 190 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Likewise, on this side of the Atlantic we’ll also be deprived the great looking A4 Avant wagon to be launched simultaneously with the sedan, instead relegating those seeking more cargo capacity to settle for the butch-ified Allroad edition. Five additional engine options will be available overseas, with and without Quattro all-wheel drive.

While pricing for Canadian A4s won’t be available until closer to the car’s release here late next year, it is likely a safe bet that Audi will continue to price it competitively against its BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class compatriots.

The A4 is a large-volume seller that Audi really needs to get right to go toe-to-toe with the excellent German, American and Asian competitors. Fortunately for Audi fans, the 2017 A4 is a stylish, luxurious and tech-laden sport sedan that is sure to continue to appeal to those looking for luxurious and fun all-season transportation.

One final word of caution: despite all the driver aids, it’s probably still best to keep the A4 out of the canals.

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