Audi A4 Avant

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 1430 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 64.2mpg. Then again, the A4 is a good value buy as long as you stay off the tempting options list.