AT the moment there is a demand for roomy 4x4 vehicles that are more compact than a bulky SUV.

And that sector is catered for very adequately by the Audi A6 allroad quattro, which has the power and the pzazz to lure customers away from larger all-wheel-drives.

With the allroad it is quality al the way with the accent firmly on driving enjoyments and a vast array of technological gadgets and aids that can leave the driving fan wondering how much more can be packed into its Avant bodystyle.

The A6 allroad is not new but it has entered a new generation, priced from £43,150 to £49,455.

There are four engine options - 3.0 TFSI petrol, 3.0 TDI diesel with 204 and 245ps options and 3.0 BiTD.

Of course concessions and developments have been made to comply with modern economy thinking and as such fuel consumption is reduced by as much as 20 per cent.

With four-level adaptive air suspension as standard makes a statement that the powerful 4x4 lifestyle estate is very much alive and kicking and that it does it all in a high degree of luxury.

Audi was one of the first mainstream car manufacturers to introduce aluminium bodies into a marketplace that was predominantly steel.

And its early experience has been honed to perfection on the latest A6 allroad which features aluminium components making up roughly 20 per cent of its body.

This means that total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

Add the light weight to a 245ps TDI diesel and you realise what a potent customer this car is.

With 245ps of power and 580Nm of torque, this 3.0 TDI model was a rapid and agile performer.

Audi and the rest of the VW Group have taken the development of the diesel engine to new heights and this car is an excellent example of what has been achieved.

Common rail high pressure diesel injection is enhanced with a VTG turbocharger with intercooler, swirl and tangenital intake ports, maintenance free diesel particulate filter and water-cooled gas recirculation.

This super-smooth V6 turns boasts 44.8mpg potential and 165g/km CO2 output combined, along with 6.6-second 0-62mph sprint.

It is paired with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with its wide ratio spreads and rapid fire shifts.

This car featured the optional 20 inch alloys which look good with the allroad's extended sills and flared wheel arches.

And when you do venture on to rocky and unmade tracks stainless steel underbody guards are fitted. Actually they look far too good to be bashed by rocks.

With a long wheelbase of 2,905 millimetres there is stacks of room inside enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy the Milano leather upholstery, satellite navigation, the Multi Media Interface linked to a 6.5-inch retractable colour display, the Audi parking system plus, cruise control, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation and plenty more.