AUDI is having a two-way bet on the Australian prestige car market, talking up its expanding range of SUVs while dishing up its all-new A4 Avant wagon.

It believes in a future for wagons and claims the new model will outsell the outgoing A4 Avant by a factor of two. Wagons, it says, suit buyers wanting a bit more style and performance.

On that basis, the A4 Avant is already a winner.

But buyers have to accept a few compromises. The new Avant is not available with a diesel engine or a manual gearbox. Pricing may appear steep with a $63,900 plus on-road cost entry point.

Fortunately, buyers who like the style of the wagon will be pleased with a solid standard equipment level, two punchy turbo-petrol engines and an exhaustive list of options.

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