AUDI A4 AVANT

Audi's A4 Avant is what can be termed a lifestyle estate, that's because although it is a five door version of the A4 it has been designed to look superb and a definite option for a buyer who may only occaionally need to shift a large load. The shape is vey important and thankfully in the latest version the designers haven't strayed from what made it so enticing in the first place. It still looks refined, yet has that hint of muscle about it from the strong front end. The redesigned front has a single-frame grille, clear-glass headlights and an enhanced engine hood. There's also some discreet fog lights by the lower grilles. The rear section of has some sweeping lines from front to back, which blend into the arching shape of the new, two-piece light units. So it does manage to combine the look of power and class.

The chassis is much improved giving a great ride whether loaded or not and there is plenty of space fot those who need it. There is 442 litres of space with the seats up or 1,288 litres with them folded. This has a longer wheelbase and passenger space. The quattro system is available and with a superb suspension this model really is very impressive. That's because it has an all-independent four-link front suspension and trapezoidal-link rear suspension. It feels right when you take it out on the road. It's difficult to put into words but everything is in tune and you can feel the engine willing you on. The automatic version has of course a sports option on the multitronic stick, but I never had to use it as this just ate up motorway, urban road and country lane alike with glee. There's some strong torque in here and with traction well under control you really feel as if this can do anything you ask of it.

The first thing that you notice when slipping behind the wheel is indeed the steering wheel. This model had built-in gear change buttons as well as some audio controls, they are simple to use. This also delivers Servotronic steering which is a responsive, efficient and delicate power-steering system. It delivers a balanced amount of power assistance to precisely control movement in the car's mechanical rack-and-pinion steering system. Out on the road it certainly assists and gives you confidence in handling such a big car. Naturally it is very comfortable inside and as a tall, long legged driver I was also impressed with the rear seat leg room and height. There is nothing worse than having your hair brush the ceiling!

There is acoustic parking and adaptive light technology which improves night visibility by intuitively following where you are pointing the A4 Avant, so you can see exactly where you are going before you get there. This combined with Xenon Plus headlights all aid to improve road safety, which is further enhanced with ESP and ABS.

As for the engine, well, there is a new two-litre TDI with 16 valves and 140bhp as well as a 200bhp FSI Turbo two-litre petrol, from the A6 two V6s. I drove the two litre version which has plenty in reserve when out on the road. The price ranges from £22,680 up to £26,865 for the most advanced Quattro option.

So ten years after its launch the new design is still proving popular and with the new engines and technological enhancements it really does feel the business.