Jumped back into the Audi at the weekend. I know I always say this, but after a string of different test cars, it’s always good to get back in the A4.

The quality of the materials; the solidity of the car; and the low-down turbo thrust of the 143PS engine. It all makes driving the A4 again a ‘welcome home’ experience.

Also good was walking up the road to David Rose Lighting. I needed some replacement bulbs for the office. David is always good for a chat on a Saturday morning. He runs a specialist lighting shop – although normal light bulbs are also on sale I should add.

David always has interesting and thoughtful views, especially when it turns to cars and vans. So I enjoy the feedback. Although this time his view of MPs and expenses was not repeatable here. Except that some of the excuses presented by MPs for their ‘accidental’ excesses would cut no ice if you or I were explaining to the VAT or tax man about a doubtful expenses claim. “Oh sorry, accounting’s not my strong suit…” Yeah, right…Imagine what they would say to that.

One of the things that always amazes me is the ability of technology to make items more efficient. David showed me these new downlighters with globular rather than tubular bulbs. The former is new – and reflects light back out. In other words, the bulb creates more light. Which means you can either choose the more light option; or a lower wattage version for the same existing light output – but take the energy saving.

All of these small details add up. Like the LED headlamps on the new Audi R8 V10 – the world’s first application of such technology. The saving is only small – some 4g/km fewer CO2 emissions (about 1mpg). But all these small bits of technological advance add up.

Like on-demand air conditioning or on-demand power steering – using these items only when you need and save on the fuel.

The new Ford Fiesta has electric power steering, for instance. This provides assistance only when necessary to save fuel. But it also performs something Ford calls ‘pull-drift compensation’: the system automatically makes the subtle steering corrections often required during a car’s normal life after tyre and suspension wear from pothole bangs and so on.

It’s a neat piece of technology that we’ll never notice in our everyday driving.

But it’s for reasons such as these that the motor car, and the business car, have such an interesting future ahead.

Back in the Audi A4; and fuel-saving new-tech