ELEGANCE and oomph meet head-on in the new Audi A6 Avant, which is destined to become a firm choice with discerning estate buyers when it goes on sale here in March.

This large, upmarket estate can now be ordered from dealerships, ready for delivery in the spring.

The Avant comes in front-wheel, or all-wheel, drive choices, and Audi describe the innovations in the new load-lugger as "countless", with the design continuing the sporting DNA seen in the new A4 Avant and A3 Sportback.

The oomph factor comes from impressive turbo-diesel and petrol engines, from 2.4 litres to 4.2 litres in size, with up to eight cylinders and 335bhp maximum output.

Best-selling power pack could turn out to be the 2.7-litre V6 TDi, Audi's latest take on common rail turbo diesels. It has 180bhp growling away under the bonnet, with torque peaking at 1,400rpm - that's only just up from tick-over speed. Such low-down pulling power is perfect for carry hefty cargo and a cabin full of passengers, and Audi says fuel consumption is remarkably low, too.

And it goes without saying that this unit's exhaust already undercuts the demanding EU4 emission limits, which will not take effect until 2006,

Vital to any large estate is a good load area, and the A6 Avant can go up to 1,660 litres with the rear bench folded down, and there are special rails to help keep precious items held in place.

The load area floor can be folded up as a standard feature, and can be locked in a variety of positions to divide up the cargo space.

This not only provides scope for stowing objects between the rear backrest and the raised floor to prevent them from sliding around, but also provides access to the lower load area, into which a large plastic tray is integrated.

The large number of clever configurations on offer gives the Audi an unprecedented level of versatility.

Air suspension, an optional extra, will smooth out the bumps, and other innovations in the A6 Avant include "infotainment" in the form of a Multi-Media Interface, which can take care of audio, trip computer, navigation and even air-con functions.

Another intelligent option is radar-aided adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains the right distance from the vehicle ahead, and the headlights are adaptive, providing extra illumination when turning corners.

Prices will be released nearer launch.

Volvo, meanwhile, has been showing off a couple of one-off concepts, designed to satisfy the American market's desire for extreme vehicles.

The firm's vehicles have been put on show at a Las Vegas car equipment show. Volvo's off-roader, the XC90, has been boosted with a new V8 engine, and supercharged to produce a whopping 650bhp.

It also gets some eye-catching styling details, including a stunning red paint job. Also on show are a 400bhp S40, and a V50 Special Vehicle, with engine up-rated to 340bhp.

Dealer: Centurion Audi, Centurion Park, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4WW, Tel: 01904 690505.

Updated: 11:36 Friday, January 07, 2005