I took delivery 3 weeks ago, so this is inevitably a first impressions review.

Let's clear up straightaway why I didn't buy the natural competitors. The 3 series touring is an ageing model and probably due for replacement in the next couple of years. It also has a smaller load carrying space than the Audi and the spec is stingy by comparison. It is very much a driver's car, but that is not the most important aspect for me and does not weigh heavily enough in the overall comparison.

The Mercedes C class estate compares well on the spec aspect, in fact it has one or two items the Audi doesn't. It also has more striking looks, which I like. However, reviews I read described the comparatively rough engines and the hard ride unless you choose the adaptive suspension. It also has a can of goo rather than a spare wheel - a big issue for me.

I read every review of the A4 Avant and watched every YouTube video I could find. The consensus was that the looks are bland, the driving experience is not on a par with the BMW but overall it comes across as more refined than either of the competitors. And that was exactly my impression when I test drove it; the engine is almost inaudible and in auto spec it just glides along apparently effortlessly. For some, that would make for boring driving, but at my time of life it suits me fine.

I should mention that my previous car was a 2014 A3 sportback 1.4 COD s line, so I did start with a bit of bias towards Audi. I loved that car, but began to find that I needed greater load carrying space and my wife has always wanted a better ride quality. The A4 Avant meets both those requirements with ease. I shall need to get used to the heavier fuel consumption - 37 mpg between fill-ups at the moment - but that is part of swapping for a bigger, more comfortable car.

What I particularly like is the s line spec. If you were to add all the same toys to an A3, the price would not be far short of an A4 and that was one of the factors that persuaded me to make the change. It's early days, but I'm glad I did. Niggles? So far, just the interplay between the s tronic and the auto start stop, but there is a way of braking that avoids the auto stop cutting in and you can always switch it off if it gets too annoying.

Would I recommend it to a friend? To anybody who values refinement and who wants good load carrying space and versatility, definitely. To anybody who wants limpet like road holding and blistering performance, probably not - although there are versions that cater for those two requirements. A smaller more manoeuvrable car like the A3 or Ford Focus would probably be better for that style of driving.

A final warning: the standard spec on each level of trim is good, but if you want to add optional extras the A4 range becomes very expensive very quickly. This was a common feature of all the reviews I read.

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