Audi A4 Avant (2008 - 2015) practicality

The A4 was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for occupant protection in the more stringent tests introduced in 2009. That's good for this type of car, but not out of the ordinary. It also gets all the safety features you'd expect with a minimum of six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-whiplash head restraints. Optional safety features include adaptive cruise control (which maintains a set distance with the vehicle in front), a system that warns the driver when another vehicle is in the blindspot and a lane-departure warning system that vibrates through the steering wheel if the car crosses a line on the road without indicating.

There are Isofix child seat mounting points on the outer rear seats, and additional points on the front passenger seat can be specified at no extra cost.

The boot is a decent size (490 litres with the seats up and 1,430 with them folded down) and easily large enough for a family of four. The seats also split and fold flat for a very large load area plus there's an optional 'Storage Pack' - straps in the back to help stop items such as shopping from rolling around. A load area mat is another extra - it's reversible - one side is carpet, while the other is wipe-clean and ideal for dogs or muddy boots.

Up front there are cupholders, a large glovebox and door bins big enough for one-litre bottles. An electrically operated tailgate is also available.