Audi A4 Allroad 2.0TDi Quattro Stop-Start.

Price: £29,900.

Top speed: 133mph.

0-62mph: 8.9 seconds.

Fuel: 45.2mpg (combined figure).

C02 emission (g/km): 164.

Verdict: Great to drive, spacious, versatile, quality build inside and out.

RISING fuel costs, expensive road tax and costly servicing are making buyers think carefully about choosing a 4x4.

Some of the big and rugged offroaders may well be very capable in the rough but expensive to run on the road.

So more and more rural folk are turning to the new breed of SUVs.

These vehicles may not have the same mud-plugging ability but possess sufficient for the needs of people who probably spend 80 per cent of their driving time on the tarmac.

Audi’s new A4 Allroad is a great choice for all-round ability, particularly during the present economic climate, delivering on-road appeal in spades and being at home on rough ground or towing a weighty trailer.

The Allroad formula has been well proven by Audi which has been selling the A6 version for the past decade.

But with economics in mind, the German manufacturer has introduced an A4 version with all the traditional strengths of quality and comfort associated with the marque.

The A4 Allroad is spacious and has extra versatility over the standard estate.

However, as one might expect, it is more costly, too, with prices starting at around £30,000.

The Allroad comes with some fairly thrifty motors considering the power on tap.

There are two diesels, a 2.0-litre with 170bhp and a V6 3.0-litre with 240bhp. The 2.0-litre petrol unit pushes out a useful 210bhp.

The favourite for those with an eye on running costs is the 2.0-litre diesel which returns in excess of 45mpg and more with judicious use of the standard stop/start system.

There is a six-speed manual gearbox or optional S-tronic twin clutch transmission.

The motor is lively with bags of mid-range pulling power up through the gears and considering the new vehicle is more solidly constructed than a standard A4 its overall performance is impressive. The power should be sufficient for most family needs.

Audi has given the Allroad a fairly radical look with a bold frontal appearance.

The car has obviously received a lot of special attention with stainless steel guards to protect the underbody and attention to other areas which could receive damage in the rough. The big new 18in alloy wheels look fabulous.

The raised height allows the expensive suspension more travel and as a result the ride is more comfortable and supple than the fairly firm one we have come to expect from Audi.

The Allroad drives very much like the normal estate. There is perhaps a little more roll than the standard A4 Avant but it doesn’t take anything away from the car’s composure.

The chassis is the star of the show and the Allroad never feels anything less than secure.

It will corner as if on rails, keeping its line on fast, twisty routes so that the enthusiastic driver quickly gains much confidence at the wheel. And even at high speeds the Allroad remains remarkably quiet inside.

Off road, Audi’s legendary Quattro system – tweaked for the Allroad – shows just how capable it is. And when the going gets tough it immediately distributes power to the wheels most needing it.

However, many buyers behind the wheel will be particularly impressed with the quality of the interior materials and clever cabin layout.

The new dash-mounted eco-driving display tells you which gear to be in and another fuel-saving device warns if the rear air-conditioning is on when there are no passengers in the back.

The 2.0-litre TDi gets a Stop and Start system which is exceedingly useful in traffic. It is easy to use and works well, though the take up is not as smooth as it could be on restarting the vehicle.

The inside is spacious with the rear tailgate improving access and the folding rear seats allowing awkward items to be carried with ease.

The car comes well equipped with three-zone climate control, topbracket safety and security features, an excellent sound system and some of the latest electronic wizardry but there are still plenty of tempting options available.

The A4 Allroad is not cheap but it is a spacious and versatile estate, beautifully built and engineered and a sensible choice during the present economic climate.