THE estate car was the ‘go to’ vehicle of choice back in the day for the family man who needed a car for all reasons.

Seemingly a dying breed of transport for quite a few years since the advent of the SUV, there’s still a place for them on our roads.

Audi knows that, and their latest A5 Avant (the posh name for an estate) replaces the A4 Avant on a brand new platform.

The economy of the diesels on offer means they’re capable of 700 miles or more between stops for fuel – a figure that stands out more now in a market full of electric cars capable of half that if you’re lucky. The only drawback is the hefty car tax figure you get clobbered with.

Alongside the more traditional means of propulsion the new A5 Avant comes with an automatic gearbox and the option of quattro all-wheel drive depending on the variant.

There are three trim levels: Sport, S line and Edition 1. All get the same cabin and dashboard design with the same comprehensive equipment levels across the range. The Edition 1 gets extras including electric adjustment for the leather sports seats plus a third 10.9-inch TFT screen in front of the passenger.

The front-wheel drive TDI sampled here feels refined and brisk, good Audi traits. Its engine produces enough torque in the mid-range (295lb/ft between 1,750 and 3,250rpm) to tick the necessary boxes for most, while the steering, suspension, brakes and fine automatic gearbox make a good platform to work with.

Refinement is this car’s priority and that comes across behind the wheel.   There’s a definite emphasis on ride quality and the A5 Avant makes a good motorway cruiser. Wind and road noise are well subdued, and you can just about make out the hum from the engine and a faint rumble from the low-profile tyres.

Front seat occupants shouldn’t have a problem getting comfortable. The seats are well shaped and have plenty of adjustment.

And If you like piano black you’re in for a treat here. There are acres of it from the centre console to the steering wheel controls, but as we know from past experience it’s a magnet for untidy fingerprints.

All models come with a wraparound 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen as standard, which has a brilliant Google Earth sat nav display, giving. A new perspective on your route.

Steering wheel controls let you change certain driver display screens and the music settings – and they can do it even if you don’t want them to, if you happen to lightly touch a button when turning the wheel. Sensitivity of the highest order.

Prices for the Audi start at £45,285.

Audi A5 Avant TDI S tronic MHEV

Price: £58,425
Engine: 2.0 litre, four cylinder, diesel
Power: 201bhp
Torque: 295 lb/ft
Transmission: seven speed S-tronic
Top speed: 149mph
0-62mph: 7.7 seconds
Economy: 53.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 138g/km

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