AUDI has been producing estate cars since 1977 when the Audi 100 load-carrier hit the streets, and the latest, the A6 Avant, will be in the UK in November.

It's been seriously upgraded and this time round is roomier, sportier, more fuel efficient and comes crammed with new  equipment.

Audi says the age profile of buyers will be around 49 years, many with families, who need space for different activities and the new A6 could find the spot.

Its load capacity has been increased to 1,680 litres with the back seats folded and there is more room inside.

Audi has increased the wheelbase by around three inches and this additional space has been given to rear seat passengers. The front overhang has also been reduced which gives the already distinctive nose an even more aggressive look.

The new Audi is also lighter by 70kg over the outgoing model which makes it even more agile and fuel efficient.

It comes to the market with five engines: two petrol and three diesel units. Fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 21 per cent compared with the previous model.

The most efficient engine is the 2.0 TDI 177 bhp model which will be the biggest seller in the UK, giving a claimed 56.6 mpg on average.

Diesels are the 3.0-litre V6 TDI 204 bhp and 245 bhp forms and the even more efficient 177 2-0 TDI.

I tried all versions and found that the 2.0 TDI was excellent. Power is more than adequate, and when you think of the cost of fuel these days, getting 56 mpg out of a reasonably big estate must be a consideration for most.

Transmission options include a six-speed manual or multitronic CVT for front wheel drive versions and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch for quattros.

Handling, as with all Audi's, is first class, with very good grip on corners with minimum body roll. The suspension soaks up the bumps well and braking power is excellent.

It's a practical motor, but it is also very stylish, with clean, sporty lines and as usual an excellent interior.

Fit and finish inside are one of Audi's main attributes and the new A6 Avant lives up to previous standards.

All models are fitted with a 6.5-inch retractable display monitor with a central control knob which gives access to the sat-nav system and Bluetooth phone interface.

The A6 Avant now comes in just two specification levels, SE and S line, each offering alloys, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, sat-nav, split-folding rear seats, and light and rain sensors.

Amongst other goodies, the S line model add larger 18-inch alloys, xenon headlights with LED daylight running lamps and sports suspension.

Other options are available including one which is very clever.

If you've ever been struggling with a large item and have approached the boot of the car with both hands full you've probably had to lay it down and get your key out.

Not with the new A6. If you have the key on you, all you have to do is aim a "gesture" kick at the rear bumper and the boot will open automatically.

It's a feature first introduced by Audi's parent company Volkswagen on the latest Passat estate - and it's very handy.

The entry level 2.0 TDI SE six-speed manual A6 Avant will come in at £32,100, the S line version is £34,450.

The top of the range 3.0 TFSI quattro S line 300 bhp will set you back £43,480.

Audi is on a roll and last year it recorded its best ever worldwide sales of 1,092,400 sales and in the UK close to 100,000.

They aren't cheap, but as with the new A6 Avant, you can be pretty certain of getting a quality product which is a pleasure to drive.