TAKING the rough with the smooth is a not phrase you would normally associate with Audi, but newer models like the Q series SUVs are capable of handling the rough stuff, rough terrain that is, while remaining smooth on the asphalt.

But they were not the first, the A6 allroad estate has been around since the turn of the century and as the name implies is also capable of handling the rough stuff, equally at home on the farm and dirt roads as on the tarmac.

It's a big, practical, robust, yet luxurious car which is well equipped with standard items such as the quattro four wheel drive system, leather upholstery and satellite navigation, plus air suspension and cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, dual -zone climate control, and powered tailgate.

Looking ever more like that Avant estate it is based on, the latest generation big estate's offroad capability looks more subtle even with the wheel arch and bumper cladding and underbody protection.

Another telltale sign of its offroad capability is that the car sits an extra six centimetres off the road than the standard estate Avant and offers other distinguishing features such as integrated roof rails, wider wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille.

The underbody is protected with stainless steel guards at the front and rear, while the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes.

The interior is just as classy with high quality fixtures and fitting, classy soft touch trim to dashboard and doors in typical Audi style.

While the centrepiece is the MMI infotainment system, or brain of the car, linked to the foldaway 6.5-inch information screen. This clever feature allows for the screen to slide out from a concealed slot to sit in front of the dashboard and then slide away again.

The MMI system features a 180W 10-speaker audio system, which also has Bluetooth and auxiliary connectivity, hard drive music storage and controls function like sat nav, climate control.

This is a huge car with comfortable seating for four passengers, plentiful head and legroom although a bit more cramped to the rear and a simply enormous boot area with a capacity of 565 litres.

The quick fold rear seats open up the space to 1,680 and the boot floor also has a rail system which allows for dividing the compartment. In addition, there are straps to secure objects in the boot and dotted throughout the cabin are various other storage compartments and drink containers.

There are three diesel engines including the 205ps, a 245ps and a firecracker a 313ps with two turbochargers. This model featured the 245ps diesel engine and it has exceptional pulling power, but is still economical, with a claimed 44.8mpg and relatively low CO2 emissions for such a big car. This is down to an efficient diesel engine which is boosted by stop/start technology and braking energy recovery system.

It is mated to a seven-speed automatic S-tronic gearbox which also has the option of paddle shifting behind the steering wheel. Either way, the changes are super smooth.

Performance is electric with the big beast racing from 0-60mph in just 6.6 seconds. It almost merits Audi's RS badge.

The power can be hammered down because the all-wheel drive and traction and stability system keeps it in a straight line. Although it does not feel so stable on corners, leaning a bit into the bends.

The air suspension gives a smooth ride absorbing the lumps bumps cracks and contours of our delightful road with ease.

Excellent soundproofing means wind and road noise are all but absent, even at high speeds on the motorway where the luxury cruiser comes into its own.

There is, at first sight, a comprehensive range of equipment, but in true German fashion, adding a few extras can stack up the already substantial cost.

This model comes in at a hefty £44,525, but featured and eye-watering 10 grand's worth of options including Bose surround sound at £1,000 and option of 19 inch, 10-spoke alloys instead of the standard 18 inch at around £1,200.

All Audis are safe and the A6 has a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP rating.

Equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags, ISOFIX child seat, hill hold function and stability programme.

Functional, versatile, luxury, workhorse are all words which could describe this car. Add performance and reasonable economy and its quite a package.