Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI vs Volvo V60 D3

Audi is one of the best-built cars on the market. The Avant costs more than the Volvo but gets more features such as 10speaker audio, 10 airbags, a spare wheel, front and rear park sensors and auto headlights. Both have leather trim and an electric park brake

Its price is line-ball with rivals and while it is similar in terms of features, the Volvo D3 diesel version is less of a value proposition than its own stable, including the petrol-fuelled T4 1.6-litre ($51,990) or T5 2.0-litre ($54,990). Lots of sensible features except a spare wheel.

It's the Volvo that looks the more stylish, but the Audi is functional and the extra 75mm in length and 32mm in wheelbase translate into a bigger cabin. The German's cabin design is austere but it remains as functional and ergonomic as the Swede's.

Distinctive and attractive, the V60 looks less wagon-like than its competitors. The low roofline and thin side glass hint at a smaller cargo capacity but it's a good 430 litres (back seats up) and 1241L (down). The A4 Avant does 490/1430 but the Audi is a longer car.

The A4 gets front-wheel drive from a recently refreshed 2.0-litre turbo diesel and a CVT automatic. Simple and effective, equalling the Volvo's 6.0L/100km average, though it's slightly slower - 9.7 seconds to 100km/h from standing as opposed to 9.4.

Based on the excellent Ford Mondeo, the V60 delivers a taut chassis and confident handling. The engine is a version of Volvo's five-cylinder 2.4-litre turbo diesel, trimmed to 2.0 litres and 120kW/400Nm. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch auto.

It doesn't get City Safety but adds two airbags to total 10. Both cars share similar electronic brake and chassis aids and five-star crash rating. The Audi has a space-saver spare, front and rear park sensors and auto headlights.

The brilliant City Safety low-speed crash avoidance system is standard. The wagon also gets five-star crash rating, eight airbags, rear park sensors (but no spare). Options include an excellent blind-spot warning system. It really needs a reversing camera.

The VW-Audi 2.0-litre turbo diesel is common as noses and has a distinct character of strong low-end torque. But the CVT hauls back some of the engine's enthusiasm, catching it at low speeds and on take-off . But the handling is generally good, though a bit firmer than the Volvo's.

Under way, the 2.0-litre engine is sparkling, but off the line it feels stifled as the cylinders fail to get enough air from the turbocharger. Handling is very good and the wagon sits on the road solidly. Seat comfort and the driving position also rate highly. Rear and rear threequarter vision are poor.