by James Hamel

Created on: November 27, 2009

Is she having a baby? Need more room for your Labrador puppy? Do you think your only option is the dreaded no fun to drive SUV? Think again. You can have all the luxury toys, expansive space, bullet-proof build quality and a top notch driving experience all in one car. It's time for you to re-think the station wagon. This isn't your mom's Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.

The wagon has changed in the past decade. No longer available with a faux-wood paneling option, the modern wagon is spacious, luxurious and sexier than all get out. The true revolutionary in the wagon market is without question with its A6 and A4 Avant offerings. But don't forget, BMW dealers still sell a wagon version of the iconic 3-series. It's too bad it isn't available with the turbocharged engine but the 328i Touring has plenty of pep for most any mom and pop.

Audi A4 Avant 2.0T

This sweet handling little Audi wagon may not be as expansive as the big mama A6 but its fizzy 2 liter turbocharged engine offers plenty of power and is mated to a smooth shifting six-speed automatic. There is enough room in the cargo area for a medium sized dog and the interior has the usual Teutonic Audi build quality.

If you need to lay rubber at every red light or like to collect antique furniture then perhaps you should save up for the A6. The A4, however, is perfect for anyone looking to avoid the medium sized SUV doldrums.

BMW 3-Series Touring

BMW doesn't import all that many Touring models and compared to the Audi models its cargo area is rather tiny. But if driving pleasure is of the utmost importance to you then the 3-series makes an intriguing proposition. Powered by an ultra-smooth straight six, the 3-series Touring has one of the most sonorous engine notes in all of automobile-dom. This is also a far better looking vehicle than the X6 which probably has about the same size cargo area.

Audi A6 Avant 3.0T

The grand-daddy of all wagons, the Audi A6 Avant is for fans of supreme power, style and build quality. The interior of the A6 is a joy to behold and can be ordered with a very stylish Mocha/Black color scheme. Few car companies can match the quality of leather that is found in the A6 wagon.

The cargo area in the A6 Avant is cavernous and can swallow most anything you could ever think to put in there. But the real cherry on top is the 300 horsepower 3 liter turbocharged engine that is the embodiment of ultimate power.

So Who Wins?

No question. If you can afford it, buy yourself an Audi A6 Avant 3.0T. You may never need another car again.

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