The Audi is a revelation. Perhaps it's the totally redesigned suspension, or the shorter overhangs and wider track, but after experiencing it on two launches and on this test period, we're all highly impressed by its poise, grip and precision around corners. What's more, that traditional 'Audi dead' steering feel is a thing of the past; it now feels solid and communicative.

It must be added though, that our test car was fitted with the optional Dynamic Steering system that tightens up the steering at higher speeds and it was also optioned with the Continuous Damper Control shock absorbers that varies the damping according to the road and driving conditions — essentially stiffening things up during fast cornering and softening the set-up on harsher roads.

The Merc is available with a similar system, which it dubs Agility Control. As we've said before, the latest C-Class is superb around bends, it's very positive and even surprisingly firm for a Mercedes — it really takes advantage of being the only rear-driven car here. The Accord was another pleasant surprise in the road holding stakes, it's easy to keep balanced, with a grippy front end and a slightly loose tail.

The ride quality was nothing short of decent on all four cars, which brings to mind that much of the time these four-door sedans also have to double as family cars. In this regard, passengers would be most pleased with the Honda's rear legroom, although the Audi, which is significantly bigger than its predecessor, is not far behind. The remaining two are a little smaller, but not too much of a squeeze.

Step inside

The Audi's interior is definitely the most inviting, although our car did have R110 000 worth of extras. Audi has a way with cabins, and the A4 takes this to new heights with granite-like build quality, exquisite materials and a sporty driver-focussed dash design. The MMI interface fitted to our car can take a bit of getting used to, but it's certainly more user-friendly than BMW's iDrive.

The Merc's cabin looks neat and modern, but the materials seem too cheap for a car in this class, but everything seems solid and works well. The Jaguar's inside shouts traditional and old-fashioned and an especially nasty touch is the touch-screen interface fitted to our car, with graphics that remind us of a 1980s arcade game. The Jag does offer a great degree of personalisation though, with numerous interior colour and trim schemes to choose from.

Step inside the Honda and you realise why it's cheaper than the others. While there are some sporty touches, the design is even fussier than the exterior and it does impart a decidedly plasticy feel. But you'll probably appreciate the arm-chair-like seats, which are the only set that left a comfortable impression on our behinds.

We were impressed with the level of specification in these four. All pack the basic luxury fare you'd expect as well as leather seats and cruise control. The Honda is slightly better specified though, with heated and electrically operated seats and a sunroof as standard.

Choosing a winner

Now that we've been through the most important aspects, it's time to choose a winner. First to go is the Jaguar. While refreshingly distinctive and generally competent, it's fallen behind its more modern rivals in too many areas. We'll have to say goodbye to the Merc too, as while it's stylish and very refined on the road, its performance is too average, it's pricey and the interior is not appealing enough.

The Honda can't win this either. Though playing the trump card for value, comfort and practicality, it simply failed to inspire. The Jap might be the sensible choice, but the Audi is almost as sensible, and certainly a jack and master of all trades — it's both objectively excellent and subjectively desirable.

Its rivals can't be sleeping too easily.