We say
The A4 Avant is a well-made car and a decent drive, but not the best car for donkey work.
Performance
The smallest petrol engines will struggle but the diesels will help through the lower gears. There's a huge choice of engines though – choose 1.9 or 2.0-litre diesel engines for the most frugal of the bunch. 4.2-litre V8 power the RS4 Avant and offer enormous performance if you want to transport luggage at high speeds.
Emissions
It’s a big car, so don’t expect to make many savings in terms of running costs.
Driving
The A4 Avant handles well, even when loaded and with power only going to front wheels, but it's a touch stiff. Quattro four-wheel drive is available and lends greater grip into corners.
Feel
Smaller engines complain a little if worked too hard on the A4 range, though the cabin is well-insulated. The A4 Avant makes an excellent motorway cruiser.
Space
The emphasis, oddly for an estate, seems to be on style rather than space. As such it's not a serious load-lugger and the rear seats don’t fold flat in the back of the A4 Avant. Good space for passengers though.
Equipment
Alloys, climate control and remote locking on all models, but no CD player as standard on the Audi A4 Avant range.
Price
Low-ish emissions mean it’s good for company car tax at the lower end of the diesel models, and there are strong residuals.
Quality
Good reliability and materials throughout the range.
Safety
All Audis boasts strong levels of safety equipment; traction and stability controls and several airbags come as standard.
Pros
All the quality of the A4, but bigger. And possibly more desirable in estate form.
Cons
Not as much storage space as you might expect.
Alternatives
BMW 3-Series Touring, Mercedes C-Class Estate