WHILE the quest to produce the ultimate family transport goes on unabated among the ranks of the MPV design teams, the faithful estate car continues to do what it does best - shift people and their belongings relatively painlessly.
Whether small, medium or large, there is a loadlugger to suit most requirements in terms of volume and flexibility while also having the ability to perform just as well as its saloon/hatchback stablemate.
One of the best examples around at the moment in the large luxury estate car sector is the new Audi A6 Avant.
The new A6 Avant comes with a choice of four V6 engines - 2.4-litre 175bhp and 3.2-litre FSI 252bhp petrol plus 2.7-litre 177bhp and three-litre 222bhp diesel - while flagship models get 4.2-litre V8..
Driven here is the A6 Avant 3.2-litre FSI quattro which comes with good standard kit including a ten-speaker sound system with CD, electronic climate control, electronic parking brake and cruise control.
The new A6 Avant most certainly majors on space and comfort and this car also benefited from Audi's S-Line upmarket trim package.
This £2,890 optional extra includes special 18-inch alloys, upgraded braking system, sports front bumper and S-Line badging front and rear.
Inside the S-Line finish includes black cloth headlining, matt brushed aluminium facia and door trim inlays, and part leathered seat upholstery with S-Line embossed backrests.Electrically adjustable front sports seats also come with the package.
The Avant features a highly accommodating luggage bay, providing 565-litres of space extending to 1,660-litres with the rear seat backs folded. The cargo area can also be partitioned off to prevent items moving around.
Overall vision is excellent for such a big car and Audi has a £300 rear parking system option.
Powered by a 3.2-litre FSI petrol engine paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gear change, this A6 Avant is a top performer capable of 0-62mph in seven seconds. However you do pay the price for this impressive power with an average of 25mpg. If you are looking for lower running costs the diesel versions are the better bet.
Overall, the new A6 Avant is well equipped to raise more than a few eyebrows in the camps of German rivals, BMW and Mercedes.
FAST FACTS
Audi A6 3.2 FSI quattro S line Avant
Price: £36,480
Mechanical: 256bhp, 3,123cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 7 seconds
Combined mpg: 25.4
Insurance group: 17
CO2 emissions: 266g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw