Audi A4 Avant review

If you fancy an estate car with a swanky premium badge, the Audi A4 Avant really should be on your shortlist. It has all the positive attributes of the A4 Saloon, but adds a bigger, cleverer boot to combine driving prowess with practicality. 

It’s Audi's smallest estate model, and you don't need to be a car buff to know what its chief rivals are because they're pretty well known: the BMW 3 Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate. Plus, don't forget the Volvo V60 (a slightly left-field option, admittedly) or, if you want more car for less money, the Volkswagen Passat Estate. We'll talk more about how they compare in terms of value later in this review.

On that subject, we'll also mention, when relevant, how the Audi A4 Avant compares with bigger premium estate car rivals. After all, if you're looking at one of the more expensive versions, you could well be spending the sort of money that will get you an Audi A6 Avant, a BMW 5 Series Touring or a Mercedes E-Class Estate, so it's all useful info.

Wow, there really is so much to talk about, and we haven't even got to the niche versions yet, which we've reviewed separately. Those include the potent Audi S4 Avant, the properly quick Audi RS4 Avant and the off-road inspired Audi A4 Allroad.

Here we're keeping things simple by concentrating on the regular versions. We’ll be comparing them directly with the rivals mentioned above and telling you which version of the A4 Avant makes the most sense.

So, please do keep reading through the next few pages of this Audi A4 Avant review and, don't forget, if you want to buy one – or indeed a new vehicle of any make and model – you could save a fortune without the hassle of haggling by checking out our free New Car Deals buying service.