AUDI is about to open the order book for the Avant version of the latest A4 saloon, which has proved a storming success since its arrival here just a few months ago.
The new load carrier is expected to carry a premium of about £1,200 over its saloon equivalent.
There is an expanded 1,430 litre load bay with a new suspension set-up and the longest wheelbase in its class, which translates into more interior passenger leg room.
Access to the load bay can be made easier by the optional powered tailgate and loads can be secured using the standard luggage net and tie-down straps or with the telescopic bar and securing belt system available at extra cost.
The new A4 Avant arrives here with a choice of either SE or more sporting S line specification options and with five direct petrol injection and common rail TDI engines. The initial range will take in the 160bhp 1.8 Turbo FSI four-cylinder, the 265bhp 3.2-litre V6 FSI, the 143bhp 2.0TDI, the 190bhp 2.7-litre TDI and the 240bhp 3.0TDI.
Depending on the engine chosen, there will be the option of either the latest six-speed manual gearbox or an updated version of the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission.
The advanced engines and transmissions propel a body that is considerably more rigid than its predecessor, yet around ten per cent lighter despite being 120mm longer.
Buyers will also be able to specify the Audi 'drive select' option at extra cost. Available in three packages, it enables the driver to fine-tune the driving characteristics of the car including suspension settings, steering behaviour, throttle response and transmission shift points via dashboard-mounted controls.
Driver assistance options will also include 'side assist', which uses sensors to warn of vehicles approaching in mirror blind spots and `lane assist', which guards against unintentional lane changes by activating steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver.
The Avant joins the A4 saloon range, which encompasses 1.8 litre, two-litre and 3.2-litre petrol engine models plus an impressive array of diesel options for which the Audi brand is renowned.
In the case of the saloon the long wheelbase has increased rear leg room by 36mm and the boot space is increased to 480 litres, which is expandable to a total of 962 litres.
There is an intelligent key system that communicates with the vehicle electronically and advanced features from the larger A6 range have also been adopted, including a space-saving electromechanical parking brake, the Multi Media Interface operating system and the DVD satellite navigation system with seven-inch colour monitor.
Luxuries including ventilated 'climatic comfort' seats and a 505-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system which are available at additional cost.
Prices range from £22,960 for the entry-level 1.8 T model to £52,170 for the awesome 414bhp RS4 Quattro.