27/06/2008 09:42. I recently gushed to an old friend of mine who owns a 2002 Audi wagon that I just drove the best car on the market. It's the 2008 Audi A5 coupe.

He wanted to know, "Is it the best 'Audi' you've driven, or the 'best' car?" I told him it's the best car I've driven in the past 12 months.

That's saying a lot because I drive scores of new cars. I'm in and out of new cars and trucks all of the time - and there's plenty of good, quality stuff on the market.

The last time I felt this strongly about a vehicle was my time with the Mazda CX-9. That vehicle went on to become one of the most award-winning products, capturing Motor Trend's SUV of the Year, as well as the North American Truck of the Year.

I have good instincts. I trust my judgment when I declare the A5 as the best car I've been... // San Francisco Chronicle