Audi A6 Allroad

The Allroad builds on the A6’s already excellent credentials. The 3.0-litre diesel is strong and efficient, it’s big inside and the combination of air-suspension and quattro 4WD gives it some of the ability of the Q5 SUV. The only letdowns are the high price and the fact that, despite aluminium components, it still feels heavy from the driver’s seat.

We're big fans of the latest Audi A6 Avant and we’ve always had a soft spot for the company’s allroad models. So the latest A6 Allroad has to be a good thing, doesn’t it?

On the outside, the third-generation Allroad has more subtle grey wheelarch cladding, which also skirts the bumpers and sills. There’s a unique front grille, plus stainless steel underbody protection. Large alloy wheels and silver roof rails finish off the rugged look.

The cabin is less rugged, but has impressive standard kit including Audi’s MMI system, dual-zone climate control and a 10-speaker stereo. Build quality is superb and the leather seats comfortable and supportive. It also gets Bluetooth, Hill Start Assist and parking sensors.

The Allroad is wider, longer and lower than the previous model, but 15mm taller. This means more space inside, with greater headroom front and rear as well as an extra 20 litres of luggage room. The Allroad offers 565 litres with its 60:40 split-fold rear seats up, or 1,860 litres with them folded flat.

There are four engine choices – one petrol and three diesel – all mated to a smooth seven-speed double clutch transmission.

We drove the punchy 242bhp 3.0 TDI on German roads, and it delivered a slightly softer ride than the regular A6 Avant, even on optional 19-inch alloys. It handles almost as well thanks to the standard adjustable air-suspension, which lets you pick and choose ride height. And with quattro four-wheel drive, it should be able to handle muddy car parks or rutted tracks.

The main sticking point is that you can feel its 1,855kg when cornering. It’s not cheap, either – this 3.0 TDI version starts at £44,690.