Testing cars can leave you scratching your head at times. Take the so-good-looking Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI — it had me running in veritable circles.

Pre-testing procedures are normally simple: set up your test equipment, engage the EPS button, switch off the air conditioner, check for wind direction and air temperature — then blip the accelerator, slip the clutch and let it go. All’s fine up to here. However the 2.0-litre TDI engine tends to dump revs at this point, so I choose to do another run.

I try again but note that the engine will not blip to more than 2300rpm. After a third failed attempt I go for a final attempt. But, hey, what’s this? The triangular ESP warning light on the rev counter face is off! I depress the button and try again. Hallelujah! I manage a reasonable result but when I stop the ESP light if off, again — which could prove dangerous under certain conditions.

When driven with verve through the twisty stuff the Avant has standout qualities. I enjoyed the ultra positive feedback and quick responses, the latter due mainly to the refined five-link front suspension and trapezoidal rear. No doubt the longer and wider footprint is another factor. But what impressed more was the subtle steering feel via the variable-ratio electric power steering.

Similar to the sedan at the front, the Avant turns heads, due more to its coupe-like rear, bulging sill and the ‘tornado-line’ stretching from front to rear.

The interior is true handsome-Audi design with simplicity that offers a refined visual impact — though the high number of buttons and switches on the stack will take some time getting used to.

In power and torque terms its 105kW and 320Nm do not compare well with the BMW 2.0d’s 130 and 350 respectively, while in torque to weight terms the latter is also higher at around 85Nm per tonne compared to 71. What was surprising though was the way the Audi diesel revs so freely to around 5500rpm — one of the highest I’ve come across on a diesel!

In basic trim the Avant will set you back R327 000 but as most will know, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one at that price. Our test Avant was fitted to the hilt with extras such as Navigation System, S-line Exterior package — that made it look a million, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Dynamic Steering, Panorama Glass Roof, Park Distance Control and Adaptive Cruise Control, which together with other less expensive options totals R155 900.

One of the better looking station wagons around, the Avant is bequeathed with lots of space — cargo bay of 490 litres and with the rear seats down, 1430 litres. Perhaps it does not have the edge when it comes to performance results but certainly has enough to attract buyers seeking looks, space, road holding and finish.