Naturally before it rubbed shoulders with these two it had to go for a pre-meet pampering, in the form of its first service. This was carried out by Northgate Motors, Bury St Edmunds, along with a front to rear tyre change, for which the total charge was ΂£255.17. Not cheap, but with new oil and filter, and a full valet inside and out, we were ready for our appointment with the stars.

Aston first, and a half-past-five-in-the-morning start and numerous hold-ups on the construction site that is the M11 threatened to spoil the occasion. But even with everyone else on the road re-enacting their own favourite scenes from The Shining, the Audi soothed me along so that I arrived at Lynx Motors unfatigued and relaxed.

When Audi met Aston... Well, not really; more a case of 'When Audi sat behind Aston for a few seconds then caught it up when it stopped'. But we all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. The Aston may be twice as fast, but it has to stop twice as often to refuel too...
With an outstanding voice, a small but perfectly formed body, and an 'I bet she goes like the clappers' stance, the Alfa GTA could have performed at this year's Brits. Out on a cold Gloucestershire hilltop it was fascinating to see how much the size and style of cars has changed over the years.

The Audi seems huge in comparison, much as the Virage had done a few days before. One of the big differences is in boot spaces. The Audi's boot is basically HUGE. It swallows not only all my camera gear, but four layers of much-needed wet weather gear and lots of cleaning tools, and it still has room for dessert.

The Audi might not have the star quality of the Aston or the Alfa, but then it's happy to play a supporting role. And no temperamental behaviour. Another month, another 2500 miles, no sweat.