The fifth generation Audi A4 Avant claims to be class-leadingly efficient, hi-tech and, yes, practical.

There’s a 510-litre boot that’s bigger than you might expect from a car in the compact executive market segment and the usual cool, classy Audi ambience.

You’d like one.

The A4 has always struck an appealing balance between handling and comfort and with this MK5 model, the Ingolstadt engineers have sought to improve its credentials still further by developing a new five-link suspension system.

As before, the A4 differs from its BMW 3 Series rival in its use of front wheel drive for most models.

Also as before though, quattro 4WD is optional - and standard on the top V6 variants.

The most powerful of these models even has the option of a sports differential for the rear axle to maximise traction.

Refreshingly in a segment dominated by cars fueling themselves from the black pump, TFSI petrol models are still very much part of the mainstream A4 range, a 150PS 1.4-litre unit offered alongside a pokey 2.0-litre powerplant offering either 190PS or 252PS.

There’s also a 354PS 3.0-litre TFSI sporting S4 model at the top of the range.

Most A4 buyers though, will continue to want a diesel, probably the 2.0 TDI 150PS variant, which gets to 62mph from rest in a brisk 8.6s.

If you want more diesel power, then a 190PS version of this unit is also available, plus there’s a 218PS 3.0 TDI V6 model further up the range.

Only very rarely does an excellent product fail.

When this happens, it is usually down to poor promotion, but that’s certainly not going to be the case with Audi’s marketing machine at work.

The truth is that this MK5 model A4 Avant is a very tough car to fault.

It’s superbly built, it’s big enough to make a decent first of being a properly practical estate car, it rides on the exemplary A4 chassis so is a strong proposition for enthusiastic drivers and, when whole life costs are examined, it’s surprisingly cost effective to run.