Boot-iful new Audi A4 Avant

What is it?

The king of the compact, premium estate cars. If you're after a classy estate then you'll undoubtedly have considered the A4 and its BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class rivals. All offer that oh-so-important badge cachet, but it's the Audi that heads the sales charts, with one of the most comprehensive ranges possible. Like its rivals there's a wide choice of petrol and diesel powerplants, diesels taking the majority of sales here, but the A4 is the only car in the UK among the German trio to be offered with four-wheel drive. Even so, the majority sold feature front-wheel drive, the smart A4 appealing to the practical premium car buyer.

Is it any good?

Many will argue that the front-wheel drive of the A4 lacks the precision and enjoyment behind the wheel that comes from its rear-wheel drive rivals. Ultimately that's true, but with the current A4, Audi's engineers have closed the gap significantly - to the point where only the most committed drivers will care. The steering is precise and well-weighted, with little corruption through the steering wheel's rim. Opt for a model with quattro four-wheel drive and the traction is superb, the A4 able to use all its ample power as effectively as possible.

The 2.0-litre diesel units are the engines of choice here, Audi admitting that some 77% of A4 Avants fill up at the diesel pump. There are three TDI units in the range: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 2.7 and 3.0-litre V6s. Three outputs are offered in the best-selling 2.0-litre TDI guise: 118bhp, 141bhp and 167bhp. All are refined and deliver a satisfying slug of torque to give them impressive in-gear flexibility and performance, while easy 40+mpg consumption betters the petrol alternatives in the range. There are three petrol choices on offer: two turbocharged units of 1.8- and 2.0-litres, and a 3.2-litre V6. But the important part here is the boot, the A4's additional space not quite as generous as its Mercedes rival, but still hugely capacious with 1,430 litres of load space in seats-down-fully-packed mode - few are likely to find the boot lacking in capacity.

Should I call the bank manager?

That might not be a bad idea. With its hugely classy interior, ample interior space and enjoyable driving dynamics it's easy to see why Audi shifts so many Avants. This new car builds on the strengths of the old car, while adding real driver appeal. It's comfortable, refined and spacious, the A4 Avant an inconspicuous extravagance that blends practicality, style and fantastic build quality in a compelling all-round package. Opt for one of the diesel choices, as most do, and you'll not even have to spend much on fuel either, all offering excellent economy and tax-friendly CO₂ emissions. The petrol engines also deliver decent economy compared to rivals, but impressive as they are, it's difficult to recommend them over their turbodiesel relatives.

Summary

Audi created a highly competitive saloon car when it introduced its latest A4 in the compact premium segment and the Avant builds strongly on its foundations. It's got the same unsurpassed cabin for quality feel, looks and operation, a wide range of engines that convincingly blend performance and economy and a day-to-day driving experience that's enjoyable, comfortable and refined. All that is combined with some additional boot space and the arguably neater lines of the two-box Avant shape. It's little wonder that Audi sells so many of them, the A4 Avant a very desirable all-round proposition indeed.

Kyle Fortune