THE latest generation Audi A4 benefits from an attractive body apparently sculpted in one piece, front and rear of the car merging into each other.
A coupe-like sloping roof adds a flow of elegance to a profile designed to give the impression of dynamic energy, while a distinctive front end gives that self confident appearance to a very handsome estate car.
The good looks are enhanced by elegant headlights flanking the legendary Audi four linked rings decorating the radiator grille while the integrated white LEDs are a further indication of Audi's presentation of technology as a work of art.
Thanks to new high tech materials, this latest estate version, the A4 Avant, is stiffer and subsequently safer than its predecessor. Meanwhile its lightweight steel construction results in a remarkably low kerb weight and its unusually sizeable appearance for the medium size class has been used to good effect delivering a generous level of interior space for both driver and passengers.
More thoughtful space and comfort has been made available to the inside compared to that in the previous model. This new A4 Avant is bright and roomy for four passengers plus driver and there is an on-board ambience which is a delight to savour.
In fact, the effect of taking your seat in the new Avant is one of feeling completely at home in an interior where increased dimensions have been used to good effect with headroom aplenty and leg room which allows for plenty of space for rear occupants' feet under the front seats.
The well thought out luggage bay with electro-mechanically operated tailgate can take a family style 490 litres of cargo, which extends to 1,430 litres with rear seat backs folded flat.
The boot also comes with some high quality velour carpeting. In addition, the low loading edge and high opening tailgate help to provide the A4 Avant with impressive carry-all qualifications while closer showroom investigation will reveal a bootroom well versed in facilities for the ski slopes, including a reversible cargo floor.
Set sportingly low, the Black Milano leather air conditioned front seats are comfortably supportive and the S Line model driven here enjoys a generous level of standard kit including the usual creature comforts such as climate control, electric windows all round, multi speaker sound system with CD player and automatic headlights. In addition the electro-mechanical parking brake adds further to a comfortably agreeable driving environment within which the driver faces a neatly laid out dashboard.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine paired with a six-speed manual gear change, the car did full justice to the 168bhp label on its box. Extremely grippy when going through a series of bends the A4 Avant proved a satisfying drive.
Well weighted steering helped to deliver some nicely balanced handling and despite ride quality being perhaps a little on the firm side this proved a practical and very well rounded piece of family/business transport, particularly when the uprated quattro all wheel drive system kicked in to successfully combat the recent ice and snow.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI quattro S Line
Price: £32,784
Mechanical: 168bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 133mph
0-62mph: 8.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 45.2
Insurance group: 12
CO2 emissions: 162g/km
BiK rating: 19%
Warranty: 3 years/ 60,000 miles
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw