THIS week Audi has launched its new A4 Avant, the estate version of its popular saloon, which offers not only a choice of nine engines, but also the opportunity to wipe the expectant smile off the taxman's face in the run up to his emissions-based taxation system due in April.

Banking on a rush into cleaner, low emission cars by the business user, Audi is providing models with the latest in engine emission technology and with the lowest running costs.

Significantly, Avant is French for "ahead, in front" and Audi's efficient and much-improved emission-clean engines sees the A4 leading similar-sized BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo models when it comes to tax-beating environmentally sound engines.

In fact, Audi expects its new car not only to capture customers from the others for tax reasons, but also because it is cheaper to buy by a couple of thousand pounds.

Audi is hugely in demand in this country. Three years ago there were only three model strands, now there are eight, with sales increasing year after year for all models, whether the TT two-seater, A2 supermini, A4, A6 or A8 including the flagship all-aluminium executive saloon.

Cars available included the 2.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre Tiptronic (automatic and clutchless manual), 1.9-litre 130bhp turbo diesel and the 2.5-litre 180bhp turbo diesel quattro.

Altogether there are 10 of these medium sports hold-alls coming to the showrooms, seven front-wheel drive and three all-wheel drive quattro. On-the-road prices start at £18,770 for the entry-level 1.6-litre rising to £25,320 for the 220bhp 3.0-litre quattro.

Price difference between Avant and saloon is £1,130.

Fact file:

Model: Audi A4

Prices: From £18,770

Dimensions: Length 4544mm, width 1766mm, height 1428mm, wheelbase 2650mm

Engines: Choice of petrol from four cylinder 102bhp1.6-litre to 220bhp six cylinder 3.0-litre, and diesels from four cylinder 100bhp 1.9-litre to six cylinder 180bhp 2.5-litre

Suspension: Front multi link, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar; rear trapezoidal multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar.

Steering: Rack and pinion, power assisted

Brakes: Front ventilated discs, rear discs