THE stylish Audi A6 range expanded when the Avant model was introduced to the UK market.
Based on the A6 saloon, the Avant is the estate version - although fashion-conscious owners will never call it that.
They prefer to think of their Avant as a lifestyle sports holdall which provides plenty of prestige in the office or golf club car park.
Believe me, the Avant is an immensely practical vehicle especially when it comes complete with the super 2.7 TDi engine.
Prices of the A6 Avant series start at an acceptable £24,340 for the 2.0T FSI SE model but rise all the way up to £44, 810 for the flagship 4.2-litre quattro SE.
The 2.7 SE in six-speed manual mode costs £27,630. However the car is fitted with leather at an additional £1,625 and metallic paint at £600.
Some fancy alloys, another £875, and some other goodies were also fitted to this car which brought total price to £33,965.
Nevertheless if you opt for the standard 2.7 SE TDI, I think you would be getting good value for your money and just about everything you need.
The A6 Avant is a very handsome vehicle thanks to its sharp clean lines and Audi's now familiar new grille.
The Avant is superbly built and exudes quality from the moment you look at the car.
Inside, the cabin is one of the best in the business and equipmet levels are generous and just what you would expect in an executive express,
They include a fine ten-speaker CD sound system, full climate control. electric heated door mirrors, cruise control and a multi media display.
You also get traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and an electronic stabilisation programme, as well as a space-saving electronic parking brake.
There is plenty of room for five adults to travel in comfort and the luggage bay is extremely versatile allowing you to carry up to 1,660 litres of kit.
You can opt for all kind of extras to make the A6 Avant even more versatile, including cycle racks, nets and dog guards and a secure underfloor storage area is already fitted.
But the best thing about this car is its super engine. The 2.7 V6 TDI is magnificent and willing at all times. It will whisk you to 62mph smoothly in just 8.3 seconds and then take you all the way to 139mph without fuss, if you can find anywhere legal to do it.
It is mated to a smashing six-speed box and the economy is excellent with the Avant returning almost 40mpg on the urban cycyle and over 51mpg on the extra urban test. Over a period of mixed driving, I averaged 48mpg, a great figure for a car of this size and performance.
Thanks to its wider track and increased rigidity the new A6 Avant also handles better than its predecessor and it was an ideal companion over a variety of roads and a superb motorway cruiser.
In short, the A6 Avant has real quality and style and combined with its great engine is a car anyone would be happy to own.
FAST FACTS
Audi A6 2.7 TDI SE Avant
Price: £28, 415
Mechanical: 180bhp, 2,698cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 139mph
0-62mph: 8.3 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 190g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust