Audi A4 Avant 2.6 SE

Another day, another brace of Audis. But we like them. This time it’s the A4 Avant range. Replacing the 80 estates, the Avants compete directly with BMW’s trend-setting Tourings. All models share equipment specification, multi-link front suspension and engines with their equivalent saloons, with the arrival of a 2.8 V6 now imminent.

Load space is greater than that in the 80, but the weight penalty is negligible. The 2.6 (as tested) will still reach 134 mph and hit 60 from rest in 8.5s.

Handling precision is maintained as the naturally flimsier estate’s body has been braced for extra rigidity. Ultimate sharpness is a micron removed from the saloon, but the Avant is just as chuckable and fun from a driver’s point of view whilst ride quality is undiminished. However, despite the extra load capacity, never in a month of Sundays could you call it a genuine estate car and £23,568 for the 2.6SE may seem a little steep. You get what you pay for Audi’s unsurpassable build quality, safety-conscious ideology and a little flair as a no-cost option. R R B