IT'S not an SUV but it's much more than an estate car. So what exactly is the Audi A6 allroad?

Well, basically it's an Avant body - itself a huge and commodious estate - with extra suspension travel, a spot of body armour and, in the case of this car, a whacking big 317bhp BiTurbo diesel powerhouse.

It's sure to have strong appeal to those who don't really require a full-on SUV yet prefer not to be stick-in-the-muds. And with such hulking power, it is capable of picking up its heels like a sports car.

In fact the 2,967cc V6 diesel will hurl the near two-tonne five-door past 62mph in a mere 5.5seconds as it travels towards an electronically limited 155mph.

Those used to smaller diesel engines will be pleasantly surprised at the refined nature and general quietness of this twin turbocharged diesel unit.

Only at start-up are you aware of its oil-burner origins and as the car gathers pace mechanical noise is less than a murmur. In fact, the engine note at speed has more akin with a large V8 petrol than a diesel.

An eight-speed tiptronic gearbox complements the 3.0litre engine and maximises both efficiency and torque. Changes are almost imperceptible and there's so much power at the ready overtaking is rapid and ultra-safe.

If you want to play at sports cars, there are steering paddles to carry out manual gear changes too.

Choose from a number of suspension settings and the ride is compliant and comfortable with very little cornering roll unlike many high-riding SUVs. Dynamic setting lowers the ride height by 15mm and perfectly suits fast cross country driving.

Over smooth surfaced roads the allroad felt secure and eager to be driven hard. But it really came into its own on rougher ground with streaming rain when the permanent four wheel drive quattro system was able to bite into the surface for extra grip.

For such a heavy, powerful car a combined fuel consumption of 43.5mpg is praiseworthy. My own average was 36mpg over a 550mile test period.

As with the elegant external appearance, the cabin is restrained and stylish. Only high quality materials are used and the facia design with sweeping lines and clear, easy-to-read dials is a driver's ideal working environment.

Despite a price tag of a substantial £50,685, there are still extras to tempt you. The car came with leather 'comfort' seats complete with a choice of massages to relax and pamper driver and passenger...price £5,500.

It also had head-up display so the speed is reflected on the screen directly in front of the driver, a useful feature but one which adds £1,240 to the price.

Although it is long and wide, there are smaller estates on the market that are more commodious. The rear boot holds 565litres of luggage when the rear seats are in place and up to 1,860 litres when they are folded down. Practicality takes second place to style in the allroad's design which boasts a rakishly scalloped rear - inevitably restricting the height of the cargo area.