Audi UK will launch the A4 Avant (pictured) on October 4 as it enters the final quarter of a predicted recordbreaking year in the UK.

It has already exceeded its target of 47,500 registrations, boosted by the new-generation A4 saloon introduced in March. “We've already sold 10,000 A4 saloons this year,” an Audi UK spokesman said. “Because of the success of the rest of the model range, we're expecting to exceed 50,000 this year. If we can source the correct cars, there's every chance we can get to 52,000.”

Audi is looking to the corporate sector to accelerate its push to 20,000 A4s next year, 7,000 (35%) of which are likely to be Avants.

“Twenty per cent of Audi sales are pure retail,” the spokesman said. “The rest are business-related registrations – company car tax is going to be a big factor and most people will be looking for the most tax-efficient such as our 2-litre petrol and 1.9TDi 130bhp derivatives.”

These two models are each expected to account for 30% of UK sales in 2002. The A4 Avant range will comprise 10 derivatives, each available in either Standard, SE (£610 extra) or Sport (£900 extra) specifications, with a choice of nine powerplants.

Prices start with the 1.6-litre (102bhp) at £18,120 and leaping to £25,320 for the 3.0 quattro.

The best-selling 2.0-litre starts at £19,120 with the 130bhp diesel £20,420.

The new estate has an increase in rear storage space, boosted by a compartment under the boot floor, and also delivers more rear legroom, additional front and rear elbow room and 52 litres more load space due to its longer wheelbase and wider body.The load bay is almost two metres long and one metre wide.