Audi A4 Avant

Our verdict

Another great-but-magnolia A4 variant, the Audi A4 Avant does absolutely everything well. Hard to pick fault, but it still feels anonymous.

Comfort

An A4 that rides. So, so much better than A4s of old, the new car is quiet, comfy and composed - especially on long motorway hauls. Your wardrobe will rarely have a more serene journey.

Performance

Most people will opt for the company credit 2.0-litre TDI with 140bhp, which is reasonably quick(0-62mph 9.4 seconds, 134mph max). The 1.8-litre TFSI petrol turbo is quicker but thirstier. The engine that really stands out is the 3.0-litre V6 with Quattro, but the diesels offer more torque for serious load-lugging.

Cool

Actually a bit cooler than the saloon. There is no reasoning behind it, it's just the truth.

Quality

As with all Audi product recently the quality is high and the finish superlative.

Handling

Can handle quite serious loads before giving up its composure. The Avant doesn't seem to lose out to its saloon counterpart when it comes to going fast.

Practicality

You're looking at around 1200 litres of loadspace with the seats folded - and that's a shedload. There are also lots of neat touches in the rear load compartment, and it's the little things that make all the difference.

Running costs

Low-ish company car tax brackets for the smaller-engined petrol 1.8TFSi and the 2.0-litre diesel, with the diesel achieving 51.4mpg. Then again, the A4 is a good value buy as long as you stay off the tempting options list.