AUDI'S new A4 Avant made its world public debut at the Geneva Motor Show this week as UK dealers opened their order books for models with SE or S line trim options.

The first UK deliveries of the new estate are due in June. UK on-the-road prices have yet to be confirmed but are expected to carry a premium of about £1,200 over the equivalent saloon. SE saloon prices range from £22,590 to £30,290.

The car will be available with a choice of five engines at launch - 1.8 Turbo FSI petrol (160 horsepower), 3.2 V6 FSI petrol (265bhp), 2.0 TDI (143bhp), 2.7 TDI (190bhp) and 240bhp 3.0 TDI). Depending on the engine chosen, there will be the option of either the latest six-speed manual gearbox, a faster-shifting six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission or a smoother version of the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission. Audi says the car will have the largest-in-class luggage space - 490 litres with standard split/folding rear seat in place, 1,430 litres with the rear seat folded.

The car also has the longest-in-class wheelbase achieved through repositioning of front axle giving more passenger space, particularly in the rear.

Access to the load bay can be facilitated by the optional powered tailgate, and loads can be secured using the standard luggage net and tie-down straps, or with the much praised telescopic bar and securing belt system first seen in the A6 Avant, also available at extra cost.

Driver assistance options will also include Audi side assist, which uses sensors to warn of vehicles approaching in mirror blind spots, and Audi lane assist, which guards against unintentional lane changes by activating steering wheel vibrations to alert the driver.