Fridae

"Vorsprung durch Technok" translates as "advancement through technology", a trademark long associated with Audi. Established almost a century ago, the German marque has been leading the industry with a string of technological innovations such as quattro, Audi's four-wheel drive system that has revolutionised driving since the 1980s.

Audi's ambition to become the world's biggest premium car maker is becoming a reality as it is marches towards the magical one million car sales per annum for 2008. An impressive feat for the Ingolstadt based manufacturer as rivals like BMW and Mercedes Benz are battling declining sales and profits.

The single most important model that shot Audi into the big boys league would be the 1994 Audi A4, the compact executive that showcased a clean and elegant design that shunned ostentatious and overtly sporty aggressive design approach of arch rivals. Enter 2008's Audi A4 Avant, our featured car this week. The coupe-like silhouette masks the impressive practical attributes on offer here.

Avant is Audi-speak for station-wagon or estate. Before you relegate this car as a soccer-mum's survival kit for school runs, the Audi Avant 3.2 quattro actually looks better than its four door sedan sibling. Really? Yes, the muscular shoulders run uninterrupted right to the end of the boot, hence enhancing the strong brows from the LED-equipped headlamps. Perhaps explaining why that the A4 Avant dominates the estate sales in UK with a commanding 40% market share.

The heart of the A4 Avant is a 265 horsepower 3.2 litre V6 engine; that thrives on revving. Mated with a six-speed automatic transmission, the century dash takes a mere 6.6 seconds. By pushing the engine of the A4 backwards, the nose-heavy feel that has hindered previous Audi's handling abilities has become a thing of the past. Armed with quattro four wheel drive system, the A4 Avant is extremely easy to drive aggressively as there was a seemingly endless pool of grip.

Audi has equipped all A4s with Audi Drive select. Four modes are on offer, Automatic, Dynamic, Comfort and Individual. Automatic is the default choice, with Dynamic being the most aggressive in throttle response, steering feel and riding characteristics. Comfort is ideal for coasting along highways as the Avant transform into a cruiser with a pillowy soft ride and ultra light steering. Personally, I found Dynamic's ride a tad too harsh and Comfort is too boring. Hence the inclusion of Individual allows the driver to pick the best of the three settings; hence Dynamic response for throttle management and steering, and picking Comfort's excellent ride quality gives a highly satisfying drive.

Over the weekend with the Avant, I picked up the courage to lead a healthy outdoor lifestyle. I went roller blading for the first time in 2008. As I packed the car with my gym gear, roller blades and my Christmas shopping, the Avant's 490 litres of boot space was extremely handy. Fold away the rear seats and the boot space grows to 1430 litres, adequate for all Ikea die-hards out there.

Our test unit came with a wick Bang and Olufsen sound system that is hands down the best I have ever come acrossed. Never has my Hed Kandi compilations sound any better. Which is befitting of the best built interior among compact executive cars. The A4 Avant's interior is in line with Audi's move towards a driver-focused dash design as all major controls are angled towards the driver. The optional S-line alcantara trimmed interior is simply sumptuous to sit on. Yes, one might notice the hard plastics on the lower part of the doors, but the A4's interior is still simply the best in it's class.

With a car as complete and competent as the A4 Avant, why would anyone buy a SUV is simply beyond me. Its lower loading bay would certainly help chucking in heavy loads. Did I mention that there is more volume in the boot than a Nissan Murano? Also, it is hardly a surprise that the A4 Avant drives leagues ahead of any SUV. With green peace's imploding propaganda against SUVs, there is no better time to revisit the thought of buying an estate, the Audi A4 Avant is be the best place to start. A perfect synthesis of comfort and sportiness with bucket loads of style to boot with.

	Audi A4 Avant 3.2 quattro
Engine	3,197cc, V6 DOHC
Transmission	6-speed Tiptronic Four Wheel Drive
Max. Power	265 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Max. Torque	330 Nm @ 3000-5000 rpm
0-100 km/h	6.6 secs
Top speed	250 km/h
Fuel Economy	9.2 l/100 km (combined cycle)
CO2 Emissions	219 g/km (Combined)
Dimensions (L x W x H) / Weight	4703mm x 1826mm x 1436 mm / 1,660kg
Price with COE*	$195,000

*Prices quoted are indicative of prices in Singapore. Please contact your local distributor for prices in your country.