Review Audi A6 Avant estate

"Wider and taller than before, with enough room in the back for two tall adults" Few estate cars are as desirable as the new Audi A6 Avant. Built out of lighter materials, the latest version of the load-carrier is faster yet more economical than ever. The first class cabin is stunning to look at, and stuffed full of all the gadgets you'd expect on a flagship executive saloon. There's a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, including a new 309bhp diesel that's hugely fast but still highly economical, along with the option of quattro four-wheel drive too. Drive4.2 /5 The Avant is a quiet and accomplished cruiser Thanks to its clever aluminium construction, most A6 Avants – except Quattro versions – are lighter than German rivals like the BMW 5 Series Touring and Mercedes E-Class Estate. The A6 Avant doesn't feel particularly agile, but has a reassuring, planted quality that makes it a superb motorway cruiser. On a twisty road the steering doesn't offer much feedback, but it's an easy car to drive and strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness – even the entry-level 175bhp diesel has more than enough pace for most, while the 3.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre turbo petrol models are fast if expensive. The big TFSI petrol V6 is by far the most engaging, as it's hugely refined and powerful, but high running costs mean that diesel versions are likely to be most popular. Comfort4.7 /5 SE models have soft and compliant ride Opt for the entry-level SE versions and you get 17-inch alloys and steel suspension as standard – and that makes for a very comfortable ride indeed. There's little road noise or wind noise, and long journeys are easily dealt with thanks to the supremely cosseting standard leather seats. Sportier S line versions look great with their 18-inch alloys, bodykit and lowered sports suspension, however they also have a very firm ride, which fidgets around constantly and disturbs the cabin. The new Avant is both wider and lower than before, and there's now enough room in the back for two tall adults to sit in complete comfort, with plenty of head and legroom for all occupants. Reliability4.6 /5 The Audi A6 uses tried and tested components This model is brand new and comes with Audi's well earned reputation for build quality so there's no reason to doubt its reliability. It also uses tried and tested engines and other components – such as the seven-speed S tronic automatic gearbox – that have already proved their worth in models as across the range from the compact A4 to the flagship A8. Practicality4.2 /5 The boot has a wide load area Despite being shorter than the old car, the Audi A6 is wider and there's room in the back for two tall adults. The boot has a wide load area, and at 530 litres, sits between the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. You can fold the rear seats down for extra luggage space, but if you want to carry really big items, you’re probably better off waiting for the A6 Avant estate version which will arrive later this year. Value for money3.8 /5 Tempting options can cause the price to skyrocket To keep things simple, the A6 comes in just two trim levels; SE and S line. Both are very well equipped. Entry-level SE models get satnav, Bluetooth, climate control and a 180 watt sound system with 10 loudspeakers. S line trim adds posher leather and electric sports seats as well as a bodykit. Tempting options include night vision, a head-up display, a voice and touch operated satnav system, as well as a Bang and Olufsen stereo and a TV. Start to add these, though, and the price can sky rocket to in excess of £60,000. Running costs4.2 /5 Diesels return up to 60mpg Thanks to the Audi A6's aluminium construction, even the range-topping 155mph, 0-62mph in seven seconds 242bhp 3.0-litre diesel returns almost 50mpg. However, 80 percent of A6s will be sold in 2.0-litre diesel form – and these versions are even more economical, capable of almost 60mpg while emitting just 129g/km of CO2. Residual values are good – the 2.0 diesel is on a par with the BMW 520d while the flagship 3.0 diesel is slightly ahead of a 530d.