Based on the Audi A4 Avant, expect this hot RS4 version to score the maximum five stars when it is tested by Euro NCAP. The Audi RS4 safety kit is extensive and includes all the safety features you’d expect with a minimum of six airbags, electronic stability control and anti-whiplash head restraints, eight-piston front brake system with steel brake discs while ceramic discs can be added as an optional extra.

Cars don’t come much more practical than the Audi RS4 Avant. There is plenty of room for four adults of six foot plus to sit comfortably in the cabin. Storage is good too. There are plenty of useful cubby holes for keys, loose change and the like. Load space with the seats in place is 490 litres and with them folded this expands to 1,430 litres. With seats in place the RS4 Avant has five litres more load space more than the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG but when the seats are folded the C63 has 1,500 litres and pips the Audi.

Sure the Merc wins in this area but really, the RS4 Avant has more than enough space to carry a couple of sets of golf clubs.