But it got me thinking (yet another sign that I'm ageing!) - since I've started driving the new addition to the Fast Fleet, my whole attitude has changed. Before, I would revel in taking on the local lads with their childish games of racing away from the traffic lights. Tsk. I don't have to now. I've got a bloody great big V8 under my bonnet, four-wheel drive, 18in alloys and, oh yes, shiny mirrors.

Thing is, I've got nothing to prove. The S4's 4.2-litre V8 provides 344bhp at 7000rpm; its top speed has to be artificially limited to 155mph. Oh, and it has the most comfortable Recaro seats I have ever sat... Oops - what I really meant to say is that those figure-hugging Recaros really hold you in place in hard cornering.

I like the fact that it's an auto (with the option of using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel). I like the way it makes a resounding thump when the door shuts. I like the Bose stereo; it really does make you feel as if you're with the cast of the Archers on the farm at Ambridge. And I like the fact it's an estate; a really cool-looking estate at that.

I now drive at a steady pace instead of Mad March Hare rate. The V8 does that to you, lulls you into driving in a more sedate, grown-up way. At 80mph the engine is spinning at a relaxing 2500rpm, barely letting out a murmur. Cruising is so... well, easy.

In fact it wasn't until the other day, having read Dickie's report on the flawed 'F1' gearchange of the Maserati Quattroporte (065) that I decided to try the paddle shift on the S4.

The back-road I found myself on was dry and deserted - perfect for a spot of experimentation. So engaging Sport mode, I launched myself down the road. The shift is so smooth you can hardly tell that you've changed gear. When you change up the Audi just continues to build speed again at an astonishing rate and when you change down there's just a nice muted deceleration. The S4 makes even paddle-shifting feel effortless. I guess it's a long way between Modena and Ingolstadt.

It's interesting to compare the S4 with our dearly-departed RS6. It's not blow-you-away quick like its bigger brother, but the S4 gives a far better ride. And it also feels less nose-heavy, more agile.

The whole chassis works better, is more together on the S4. But for me the difference over the RS6, on this road, was that I had so much more confidence in the S4 and no more spine-compressing thumps from the suspension. The S4 might not be as quick out of the blocks as the RS6, but on this road I doubt I would have been any quicker.

The S4's thirst could be a problem though. With an average of 21.3mpg over the past 3000 miles, I'm hoping it's purely down to the engine being a little tight. Well, that's what I tell Harry anyway.

All in all, I'm one happy chappy with our new addition. In fact I think I'll take my slippers off, put my pipe away, slip on my driving gloves and go for a drive. I could get used to this 'grown-up' thing.