• Audi has worked hard to give the new A4 a keener driving experience and this remains unchanged in the transformation from saloon to estate.  Also, the Audi’s 110kg weight-loss equals light, sharp steering and tight body control. We’re not quite at BMW 3-Series levels of involvement, but like the saloon, the A4 Avant is good company on twisty country roads.

• Our A4 Avant was powered by what we and Audi believe will be one of the best-sellers for SME buyers – the entry-level 148bhp Ultra version of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. Low-down torque right from the start is impressive, pulling strongly from the bottom of the rev range; it is well matched to the carefully spaced ratios of the six-speed manual gearbox. Typically noisy from start-up, this is where the A8-like acoustics are welcome, as the clatter is just a distant hum inside the A4. Acceleration to 62mph takes just 9.2 seconds and the top speed is 130mph. Yet this A4 is still capable of a Combined consumption of 70.6mpg, falls into the 18% tax band and also boasts 104g/km emission figures.

What’s not?

• With a list price of £31,500, even in entry-level SE trim, the new Audi A4 Avant isn’t a cheap option.

• We’ve driven right and left-hand drive versions of the new A4 and in right-hand drive have some reservations about the driving position. We’ll wait until we drive right-hand versions of the Avant to make a final decision, but we think the wide transmission tunnel could be a problem.

• We weren’t sure about how the 150 Ultra SE saloon on the stiffer sport suspension rode in the UK, although this European spec Avant seemed better.

• Audi’s standard Drive Select system might have five different modes, but they all feel very similar.

The Verdict

We think the new A4 is at its most impressive in Avant estate form, as its styling is even more elegant than the saloon. Go for this Ultra with 148bhp from the 2.0-litre TDi diesel and you get 105g/km emission and 70.6mpg Combined consumption, although the equally frugal, more powerful, 184bhp version of this engine felt keener from lower down the rev-range.

On top of the affordable running costs and keener driving experience, the A4 Avant adds even more practicality in the form of the bigger 505-litre boot.