There are a few new estate models on the way from Audi, the most interesting must be the five-door version of the A3.

Set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show (September), the A3 Avant has been styled as a MPV rather than a conventional five-door hatch. Styling has come from the Pikes Peak concept model, which was originally revealed at the 2003 Detroit show.



The new Avant will use the same engines as the current A3 range, starting with a 102bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit. The 1.6 and 2.0-litre FSI powerplants will also be offered, as will a 240bhp 3.2-litre V6. Oil burning fans will be able to choose from the existing 1.9 and 2.0-litre TDI units, while the superb DSG gearboxes will be optional on the 2.0 FSI, 2.0 TDI and 3.2 V6.

Inside, the A3 five-door will be more practical than the old model, with a neat sliding seat arrangement and flat boot floor. An Allroad variant is rumoured to follow in mid-2005, offering quattro 4WD, raised suspension and chunky bumpers.

After the A3, Audi's next estate will be a facelifted version of the A4 Avant, which is set to be unveiled before the revised saloon. The newcomer will have narrower rear lights and a split tailgate, while an A6-style grille (never mind - Ed) and curved headlamps will also appear.

When the A4 Avant makes its debut in December, there will be two new additions to the engine range. The old 2.5-litre V6 diesel will be replaced by a common-rail 2.7-litre unit, offering 180bhp, while a new 2.8-litre V6 FSI petrol powerplant will be available. An RS4 model will be unveiled in just over 12 months' time, with a 420bhp turbocharged version of the 4.2-litre engine, based on that fitted to the current S4.

Finally, there will be a new A6 Avant, also due in 2005, which will use the same narrow rear lamps and split tailgate arrangement. It, too, will mark the debut of some new engines, namely an FSI version of the existing 4.2-litre V8 petrol and a 4.0-litre V8 oil-burner.

An all-new A6 Allroad will appear towards the end of next year, as will a scorching hot RS6 version, with a twin-turbo variant of the 4.2-litre FSI engine developing 500bhp. The A6 will also get the new 2.8-litre FSI and 2.7-litre TDI units set to debut in the A4.

For more info, see www.autoexpress.co.uk.