I think the main thing was the petrol engines with this model - the T5 is silly money to insure, the 2.4 looks thirsty and the 2.0 looks like it lacks torque. I like the diesel engines though the d5 is still silly money. Would a diesel be of any use given the predominantly short journeys - particulate filters clogging up ect... I do like the low done torque though.

If a Volvo V50 is too small, you'll need to check carefully whether an A4 would be any bigger.

I dont think the A4 is much if any bigger, but it is a lot better !

The V50 is just an expensive Focus estate. But as someone else has said you could go for an Octavia if you want the quality without the Audi pricetag.

You're right of course, 475,and no doubt more Mondeos are sold than 5-series.

I think the comparison happens because company reps make do with Focuses and their managers choose BMW 3s whereas a generation ago both would have had a Cortina / Sierra, in different engine sizes and trim levels of course. Fewer children and holidays abroad with a taxi to the airport mean that they don't need all that space.

Interesting so far. Anyone actually own an A6 or A4 and wish to share their experiences?

I like the Skoda, the Mrs doesnt, Mondeo a bit too big and to be honest we like German our current 320d e91 hasnt missed a beat just not big enough, rear wheel drive oh and notchy gear box - hence why it will be leaving us shortly. The golf well ....10 years old so far bullet proof thanks to 10,000 mile services and pulls like a train, still almost as quick as my previous astra 1.9 150 cdti.

Now folks, Audi' Estates. Petrol. Opinions please.

Sorry if I have confussed the issue, I am after peoples first hand opinions / experiences of either the Audi A4 Avant or the Audi A6 Avant in petrol engine form.