The Audi A6 Allroad was a class winner in 2007, and the arrival of a new petrol model has reminded us why we like Audi’s 4×4 estate so much.

It may fill up at the green pump, but the 3.0-litre TFSI engine manages a diesel-like 309lb.ft of torque from just 2500rpm, so there’s no shortage of mid-range pull. The Allroad eats up the road like a Dobermann devours steak; the 30-60mph sprint time of 7.9 seconds is the quickest in this year’s test. The hill start was no match for a car with this much muscle.

Its performance through the lane-change test was also exemplary. The Audi’s steering feels too light at first, but proves faithful and accurate. Well-judged suspension means there’s little body roll; even at speed, you’d hardly know the van was there. Across all classes, it’s a close call whether the Audi and the Jag XF was best.

Most of us don’t need such a quick car to tow with, but the Allroad also does more mundane things well. There’s plenty of passenger space, and the boot swallowed all but one item of luggage. The handbook is exceptionally detailed, and although the spare wheel isn’t full-size, it is suitable for towing.

For such a quick petrol car, combined fuel economy of 29.1mpg isn’t unreasonable. You’ll get back 41% of the original price after three years, which is 8% worse than the Volvo XC60.

2019
Category Winners
2019 Up to 1400kg

Škoda Octavia

Hatch 1.5 TSI 150PS SE L DSG

2019 1400-1549kg

Seat Ateca

2.0 TSI 190PS FR DSG

2019 1550-1699kg

Volkswagen Arteon

2.0 TDI 150PS Elegance DSG

2019 1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2019 1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 SDV6 HSE

2019 Best Budget 4x4

Dacia Duster

1.5 dCi Ambiance 4x4

2019 Best Plug-In Hybrid

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

P400e HSE Dynamic

2019 Best Ultralight Tow Car

Seat Arona

1.0 TSI 115 FR

2019 Fuel Economy Award

Ford Focus Estate

1.5 EcoBlue 120PS Titanium X

Previous Winners
2018
1700-1899kg

BMW 520d

Touring xDrive M Sport

2017
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery

3.0 Td6 HSE*

2016
1400-1549kg

Skoda Superb Hatch

2.0 TDI 150PS SE Business

2015
1400-1549kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI BMT 150PS SE Business DSG

2014
1400-1549kg

Nissan Qashqai

1.6 dCi (130PS) Stop/Start System Acenta Premium

2013
Up to 1424kg

Skoda Octavia

2.0 TDI CR 150PS Elegance

2012
1725–1899kg

Jaguar XF

2.2D Premium Luxury

2011
1425-1574kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI 170 Bluemotion Sport

2010
1900kg+

Land Rover Discovery 4

3.0 TDV6 XS

2009
1900kg+

Volvo XC60

D5 SE Geartronic

2008
1575-1724kg

Ford Mondeo Estate

2.0 TDCi Titanium auto

2007
1575-1724kg

Volkswagen Passat Estate

2.0 TDI Sport 4Motion

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