If you're looking for a satisfying luxury car this summer, be sure and put Audi on your shopping list.

With newer models like the upcoming ultra sporty R8 and the luxurious Q7 crossovers getting a lot of coverage this year, Audi's sedans and wagons haven't been touted quite as much. Don't make the mistake of overlooking them.

	The Audi R8. Click photo for larger image.

I've driven more than a few Audis over the years, and all of them share the same positive attributes.

First, there's the styling -- always fashion forward, always understated, contemporary and ahead of its time. Then there's the interior. Audi's won numerous awards for their interior designs, which feature interesting presentations and top notch materials.

There's the performance, too. Audi products typically rank at the top when it comes to acceleration and handling, and the steering is so well balanced and brakes so efficient that handling is just about beyond reproach.

You can start your search with the Audi A3, a luxurious hatchback compact powered by either a 200 horsepower 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine, or a 250 horsepower 3.2 liter V-6. Quattro all-wheel drive is available on the V-6, and there's also an interesting S-Line package that includes a sports suspension and lots of other sporty goodies. Mileage ranges from 23/32 to 25/32 depending on engine and transmission combination. Prices start at $25,340 to $33,980.

The A3 is what I'd call a premium compact; just because it's small doesn't mean that you'll be lacking anything. They are lusty performers on the road with strong acceleration and handling make the A3 feels as if it's glued to the road.

All the usual equipment is standard, including side and side curtain air bags, stability and traction control, full power equipment, air conditioning and other niceties.

The A4 is Audi's bread and butter car, listing for between $28,240 and $66,000 for the scorching RS4 AWD sedan. Suave and sophisticated, with a modest size that makes it a treat to drive in the city, the A4 is a styling trend setter each time a new styling cycle comes out.

With supportive seats, a thick steering wheel and the Quattro all-wheel drive that comes with most models, the A4 is the perfect companion for winding roads.

Engine choices? There's a turbocharged 200 horsepower four, 255 horsepower V-6, 340 horsepower 4.2 liter V-8 and even a 420 horsepower version of the same engine.

Coming in 2008

Over the next year or so, you will see some utterly breathtaking products coming from Audi.

First up will be the all new TT Coupe and Roadster. Don't cry, they haven't done away with the classic, Bauhaus style of the current model, just improved upon it -- if that's possible.

You can get either a 2.0 liter turbocharged 200 horsepower engine or a 3.2 liter, 250 horsepower V-6. both can be had with the superb DSG direct shift Shiftronic transmission, which uses a double clutch system that changes gears in .2 seconds.

Next year also brings the curvaceous A5 and S5 coupes, which feature either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Both have graceful, voluptuous semi- fastback styling, gorgeous road wheels, and a choice of engines that include a 3.2 liter direct-injected V-6 or a 354 horsepower V-8 in the S5. I expect prices to start in the mid 40,000 range.

There's also the fabulous R8, an exotic, $100,000 supercar powered by a 420 horsepower V-8. Its lean, low to the ground, fastback looks will be the stuff of dreams for years to come.

You will also want to check out the imposing Q7 luxury crossover. It comes in five-, six- and seven-passenger versions, with standard and premium trim options. You can buy one for about $49,900, and it's powered by a 350 horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 rated at 14 mpg city and 19 highway. A 3.6-liter V-6 (rated 16/20) starts at $39,900.

Standard equipment is generous, including full-power equipment from windows and locks to steering, leather seats, cruise, air and just about every kind of air bag you can think of.

Driving this car off road couldn't be simpler -- or more fun. You set a button on the console, dial in the right road height and you're off, with the Q7 sticking like tar paper to whatever course you're on. It includes Quattro all-wheel-drive, too.

The interior is absolutely beautiful, but then again, that's what I've come to expect from Audi, one of the world's foremost interior design teams. Colors are soothing earth tones, with beautiful stitching and chrome and wood accents, and the very best construction to boot.

My only concern is that the Q7 is a bit heavy, and that impacts both fuel mileage and performance. It doesn't feel fast, but I suspect those people who buy it won't mind.