Audi A6 Avant

More desirable than the saloon, the Audi A6 Avant looks better than its booted brother and is hugely practical. Not the most inspiring thing, but neither are Wellington boots and we love them.

• Comfort

  Can be a bit stiff with sportier suspension set-ups, especially if you carry lots of stuff a lot of the time, but generally comfy. Plenty of space and a nicely ergonomic cabin make for relaxed cruising - we especially like the seats for taller drivers.

  

• Performance

  The best version we've driven is the 3.0-litre TDI BiTurbo, and it's a 313bhp monster that'll hit 62mph in 5.3 seconds. Elsewhere there's a 2.0-litre (174bhp) and 3.0-litre oil burner (200bhp and 240bhp), as well as a 3.0-litre TFSI.

  

• Cool

  Cooler than the saloon, but still not very. S6 nearly gets there as an Avant.

  

• Quality

  Audi's exceptional mastery of the interior continues with the A6, and it's a classy, solidly built environment. 

  

• Handling

  Another big Audi with huge reserves of grip but a slightly divorced feel. It's just not that interesting from behind the wheel although there's plenty of solid cornering ability. The Avant still handles when loaded, unless you put a whacking great lump in the very back. Make the mother-in-law sit up front. The Quattros are the best luggers.

  

• Practicality

  Hugeness is the key here; the boot holds 565 litres with the seats up, a monstrous 1680 litres with them folded. You don't need an SUV if you have this - it'll happily swallow anything you care to throw into it.

  

• Running costs

  Resale values are strong on the A6 thanks to a rock-solid image, the Avants especially so, but be wary of the tax brackets if you're a company car driver.