Not the best estate car in the class but probably the best looking despite the new front grille that looks like George Michael’s goatee. Audi’s discreet four-wheel-drive system means that it will keep going when two-wheel drivers have stopped, but you won’t be picked on by Swampy outside the school gates. Go for the 4.2 litre V8, which boasts 330bhp and a top speed of 155mph — just watch out for the options that send the already sky-high £45,390 price tag stratospheric.

Audi A6: Though you can spend as little as £26,910 on an A6 estate, we’d recommend you don’t bother with the small petrol engines but go for one of two diesels on offer from £28,665 or, if it’s petrol you want, at least the 3.2 litre FSI, from £33,050.