The quickest way to describe the new Audi A4 Avant is by saying that it is an obvious rival to the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 series but fairs much better on pricing and value for money.

When you compare the Audi A4 Avant price to that of the BMW 335i Touring, you would need to shell out $50,000 more for the latter.

Still, in stricter terms these comparisons are a tad unfair because the 2009 Audi A4 Avant is a different kind of car and best described as the typical sportswagon.

Its’ stylishness, agility and compactness has “sportswagon” written all over it. The 2009 Audi A4 Avant comes in three different engine versions. Namely the 1.8-litre turbo petrol, the 2.0 litre turbo petrol and the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The most powerful version is the 2.0 litre turbo petrol which only comes with the Quattro all-wheel drive and the dual-clutch automated seven speed manual gearbox.

Still for the Audi price and yet higher performance of this car the fuel economy is a very pleasant surprise. We at New Car shopper feel that for a car that can get to 100km/h in only 6.6 seconds, consuming only 6 litres for every 100 kilometres is exceptional.

Something else that attracts attention is the interior built with high quality materials including leather upholstery that goes with a much heavier price tag. The exterior is consistent in portraying the same image as the interior.

Add to that the touch light and yet very quick steering and you will not be surprised at the exhilaration that the 2009 Audi A4 Avant is bound to inspire.

And that is despite some of the weaknesses that may be spotted, like having less room to carry loads than other cars it compares to and very user-unfriendly audio controls.