ALTHOUGH the motors name game has been a popular pastime in my family over the years, estate cars have always proved a problem over the long haul for my children and grandchildren.
For, despite major protestations, yours truly always insists on the proper name being used, which has posed quite a few arguments over the years, particularly when the likes of BMW, Renault or Alfa Romeo are involved, their respective estate car translations of Touring, Sport Tourer and Sportwagon tending to confuse the issue.
I was reminded of this when embarking upon a recent road test in the company of an Audi, for the German car giant features the individual label, Avant, for the load-carrying versions of its saloon and the model in question was the Audi A4 Avant.
Quality surfaces abound throughout a cabin in which a very attractive variety of cloth upholstery, sumptuous leather or Alcantra and leather fabric options are available to complement tastefully used brushed aluminium inlays in dashboard and doors.
A comprehensive line-up of engines is on offer to give sufficient power options to suit virtually everyone, In total there are ten EU4 compliant engines - six petrol and four diesel - available with five-speed or six-speed manual gearboxes, plus six-speed Tiptronic auto for quattro models and continuously variable multitronic auto transmission for front-wheel-drive models.
Equipment levels are five-fold - Standard, SE, S Line, S4 quattro and S Line Special Edition - and driven here is the no cost option SE-trimmed model which includes the likes of electric windows all round, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, cruise control, Driver's Information System (DIS), Electronic dual-zone climate control, 10-speaker Concert II sound system with single CD and MP3 compatability.
Also fitted as standard are plenty of driver safety aids which include ABS braking, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) to rein in the power when required and Electronic Stability Control (ESP) to help keep you on the right road while the provision of security and safety kit has also been well addressed.
While the intrusive transmission tunnel could prove rather inhibiting to a fifth passenger, there is sufficient head and legroom in the rear to comfortably transport two adults and, while the A4 Avant is perhaps more lifestyle estate than full-blown load-lugger, the luggage area does provide a pretty generous 442-litres of stowage space with all seats taken and extends to 1,345 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The smooth-floored luggage bay is user friendly via the automatic tailgate which has a wide opening and agreeably set loading lip while a flexible under floor boot area adds further to the A4 Avant's versatility.
Inside a superbly well put together cabin where legendary Audi quality is very much in evidence, the driving environment is comfortable and an agreeable place to be.
Audi's usual wide range of steering wheel and seat height adjustment make things easy for drivers to arrive at a position to suit them with the dials and controls well positioned and easy to operate. And, while overall vision is good, timid parkers can buy a rear acoustic parking aid for £350.
While all the diesel engines on offer make for agreeable roadway companions, this car was powered by the most powerful of the line-up, the three-litre TDI. This powerful persuader is paired with a smooth-switching six-speed automatic transmission.
Also on hand here is the added facility of the Tiptronic system which provides clutchless gear changing to offer a little light relief from the strictly auto box operation for the driver who likes to get fully involved.
Capable of providing stacks of low-down pull courtesy of a broad torque band, the 3.0 TDI uses its maximum power of 233bhp to good effect. The 0-62mph mile post is passed in well under eight seconds with a top speed, where legally allowable, of 149mph while, dependent upon individual driving style, extra urban mpg revolves around a respectable 43-plus.
This power source is a smooth operator and, coupled with very little road and wind noise, the result is pretty refined progress, particularly over the long haul during which the Audi A4 Avant delivers a comfortable ride in all parts.
The Avant is nicely composed, handling well even when under full load and, while progress over the urban trawl can be a little on the firm side, it is certainly not unforgiving.
The fact that it is more lifestyle estate than out-and-out load lugger does provide the A4 Avant with a much more stylish look which, combined with its thoughtful practicality and the quattro all-wheel-drive capability, certainly makes this a car for all reasons.
FAST FACTS
Audi A4 3.0 TDI quattro SE Avant auto
Price: £30,725
Mechanical: 233bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 7.5 secs
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 219g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs rust