Regal refinements give Audi’s A4 Allroad a superior air which could appeal to Sussexes

Maggie Barry

I am swanning around in the Audi A4 Allroad, enjoying the feeling of sitting in a beautiful car with lots going on below the surface.

We go to Drumpellier Loch in Lanarkshire, where a group of swans are braving the temperatures along with moorhens, ducks and, amazingly, Canada geese. Maybe we’ve had a swap for the Sussexes.

But there are not as many as I’ve seen previously.

However, when we drive over to Hogganfield Loch – a few miles away in Stepps – they are packed four or five deep at the launch slip. Perhaps they’ve pitched up for their holidays from Coatbridge.

No matter where we are though, the Al lroad is a looker in the car park.

It is a variation on Audi’s Avant estate car but jacked up a bit for off-road capability that makes it an alternative to the eternally popular SUV.

It has long, sleek lines highl ighted with chrome

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outlining the side windows, on the wide grille front with headlights at either side and on the roof bars and skid plate.

It’s a handsome, eye-catching car and that impression continues with the soft click as you open the door and get in.

The interior is luxurious, with big, comfortable black leather heated seats and plenty of legroom back and front. The panoramic roof (£1600) adds to the plush feeling and the small f latbottomed and leather-covered steering wheel gives a dash of sportiness.

The instruments are clear and easy to read and this car boasts a bigger colour touchscreen than previously with access to areas such as the entertainment systems , apps, sat nav, telephone and settings.

The drive modes – and there are six of them – are accessed via buttons below the screen beside the climate control. The default mode is comfortable but there are also alternatives such as efficiency and dynamic as well as an option to personalise the Allroad.

It drives well, too, with the raised height giving a softer feel as it manoeuvres over and around lumps and bumps, potholes and puddles.

The Allroad comes with a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel turbo charged engine and the one I’m driving is the diesel version mated to an automatic gearbox.

It is smooth and willing, pushing eagerly forward, particularly in dynamic mode, and easy to manoeuvre with the small steering wheel. The four-wheel drive gives it excellent traction on corners and there is a feeling of solidity and reliability. You can trust this car.

It is packed with safety and driver assistance features as standard – like active cruise assist, traffic sign recognition and active lane assist.

As I watched the Canada geese, it occurred to me that Harry and Meghan could do a lot worse than choose this car for their North American adventures.