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TOO BAD for Audi. The German automaker’s mid-size 1987 5000Sstation wagon easily is one of the best on the market. But it’llprobably fall victim to a firestorm of bad publicity over “suddenacceleration” in its 1978-1986 5000S models.

Sudden acceleration — some are calling it “unintendedacceleration” — typically occurs when a driver moves an automaticgearshift from “park” to “reverse” or “drive.” The affected vehicleshoots backward or forward, often causing loss of driver control.

Sudden acceleration can lead to accidents, injuries — and death.

Nearly every major automaker doing business in the United States hasreceived complaints of sudden acceleration, an idiopathic maladyprimarily affecting cars equipped with computerized, fuel-injectedgasoline engines linked to automatic rear-drive transmissions, or toautomatic front-drive transaxles.

“Nearly every major automaker” includes Toyota, Nissan, GeneralMotors, Ford, Chrysler, Volvo — and Daimler-Benz, maker ofMercedes-Benz cars and trucks.

But based on recent media coverage, you might believe that Audi aloneis affected by sudden acceleration. That’s unfair.

Audi’s portion of complaints on the matter is larger than that of itscompetitors. But it’s hard to say if those complaints are the productsof actual experience or, for Audi, the unhappy returns of months ofpublicity on the issue.

What is certain is this: The front-wheel-drive, test-model 1987 Audi5000S station wagon runs perfectly. It handles exceedingly well. It getsmy vote.

Complaint: The rear-hatch lock cylinder came out in my hand. Icouldn’t believe it. I inserted the proper key, turned it to the right,pushed in the spring-release lock cylinder to open the rear hatch, andthe darned cylinder — with key still inserted — popped out into myhand.

“A one-time-only occurrence,” one Audi official said. “Yeah,” I said,thumbing through my Rolodex, looking up the phone number of the NewYork-based Audi Victims Network.

Praise: One of the best-riding, best-handling station wagons I’veever driven. The 5000S goes exactly where you point it. There is noguesswork here. Excellent maneuvering in tight spots and in panicsituations — of which there were several, thanks to an apparentover-consumption of holiday spirits on the part of some drivers. Panicbraking was superb, largely because of the test wagon’s optionalanti-lock braking system. Had I been in a lesser vehicle, I would’vebeen creamed.

Acceleration: Smooth, sure, competent. No surprises in 400-plus milesof city-highway driving, much of it in inclement weather. Power comesfrom a 2.2-liter, 5-cylinder, electronically fuel-injected gasolineengine.

Head-turning-quotient: The 5000S station wagon got lots of looks. Butwith all of the bad publicity surrounding this model line, it’sdifficult to determine if these were looks of envy or pity.

Sound system: Electronically tuned AM/FM stereo cassette radio wi thfour speakers and a roof-mounted antenna with signal boosters, by Audi.Very good.

Mileage: About 23 to the gallon (21.1-gallon tank), combinedcity-highway, running with mixed loads (one to five occupants) and usingclimate control system most of the time.

Price-as-tested: $25,945, including $4,220 in options and a $335destination charge.

I’m suddenly depressed.