Audi RS4 Avant

Our verdict

The RS4 Avant is still the last generation A4, but with the RS4 running gear and space for dogs. The best small, super-fast estate you can buy.

Comfort

The RS4 is a bit firm for all-out cruising, but you pay dividends when you want to go fast. Batwing seats can be a touch intimate for fatties and the engine is noisy, but that's noisy good, not noisy bad.

Performance

It shifts. You'll find 0-62mph in around five and a limited 155mph top speed plenty - in-gear times are the real eye-openers. The 4.2-litre, 414bhp V8 with direct-injection is one of the best engines in the world - just hear it rev...and rev... and rev.

Cool

Even though it's a little bit old, yes this is one cool car.

Quality

As close to Audi perfection as it gets.

Handling

The Avant loses a negligible amount of handling capability versus the saloon variant, so that means solid Quattro handling and supreme all-weather grip. Can be a bit boring if you want to power slide though.

Practicality

It's not the biggest estate in the world, ‘lifestyle' being a word we hate to use. Still, you'll get 442-litres with the seats up and 1184 with the back folded down, so there's plenty to play with as long as you're not into HGV-style loads.

Running costs

Supercar-style insurance at Group 20 and only 20mpg - less if you drive it hard. A lot less. If you can swing one on a company car scheme, we'd like to work there too.