IF there was ever any question as to why a luxury car driver might choose an estate model then a glimpse at the latest Audi A6 Avant dispels all doubts.
Cars of any type, let alone estates, don't come much sharper looking than this stylish yet hugely practical executive model.
Nor does the feelgood factor, because everything from the high quality touch of the switches and steering wheel to the solid comfort of the seats oozes class.
The latest A6 Avant, on sale since April, comes with a choice of four powerful V6 engines and a range-topping V8. There are 14 versions on offer, the majority benefiting from Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Those choosing the 3.0 TDI, higher powered of the two turbodiesels, can be certain of a strong yet near silent power delivery, pin-sharp handling and relaxed ride - a bonus for long distance trips.
Optimum comfort though means having four people, rather than five, aboard. An adult squeezing into the rear centre position has to contend with a back massage from the rock-hard centre armrest and legs splayed either side of the transmission tunnel.
Ultimately though the acid test with an estate regards the way it handles load-lugging, and in the Avant's case the answer is very cleverly.
For starters, the Audi is the largest estate car in the executive class boasting an impressive 60 cubic feet of luggage space.
Its two tier floor is more than 40 inches wide and has a wipe-clean plastic tray built into the lower level specifically for wet clothing and dirty boots, while the upper level can be fitted with a unique cargo securing system that uses telescopic bars to hold luggage in place.
All clever gear, even if the load restraining clips can be quite awkward to slide.
Better still is the car's adaptive air suspension. Onboard electronics allow the Audi's ride to be switched from a softer, comfort setting to a harder sports set-up but in every case it makes for a settled, comfortable ride - or the system can be left in automatic mode to work things out for itself.
The air suspension also ensures that the ride height remains constant no matter how heavy the load, something demonstrated to great effect when I shifted a term's worth of clobber up to Scotland.
Problem is that both these options cost extra - £1,500 for the suspension and £125 for the fixing kit - on a car that isn't cheap anyway.
Comfort-oriented SE models are generously specced up to start with, yet the test car still came with no less than 21 extras ranging in price from £20 for a first aid pack to £1,750 for the DVD-based satellite navigation system.
What it does mean is that the high level of bespoke ordering on the A6 means it's unlikely any two cars will be presented exactly the same.
FAST FACTS
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro SE Avant auto
Price: £33,715
Mechanical: 225bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 7.6 secs
Combined mpg: 33.2
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 229g/km
BiK rating: 32%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust