Let’s face it, there are countless reviews of the RS4, Audi’s monstrously powerful estate, that describe how it handles around a track; the wolf of a V6 in the sheep’s clothing of a family estate, but it’s that second element that I think needs a little closer inspection.

If this truly is what it is hyped as, then it should be able to function as a family wagon as well as a track weapon. So does the car live up to the brief?

Surprisingly (and thankfully, considering it costs north of eighty thousand pounds) the answer appears to be yes.

A thorough test including motorways, kids and B-roads

Naturally, in investigating this, a trip to my parents’ in North Devon over half term was called for to give it a thorough test, including motorways, kids, traffic, B-roads, the notorious gradient of Porlock Hill, and even the roughest of un-surfaced farm tracks that included potholes deep enough to swim in and the odd meandering sheep.

I am surprised to be able to say that the RS4 took it all in its very capable stride and ate up the miles, spitting out a growl from the exhausts as it went. Oh, and it ate up quite a lot of petrol too, given the V6 is in 2.9 litre twin turbo form with four-wheel drive.

One more thing about the engine before I move on – I think someone at Audi went a little too far on the theme of ‘4’… It’s an RS4, with 4-wheel drive, and the power output? Allegedly 444bhp. Seems a little convenient to me, but attention to detail is important!

Audi’s great infotainment system

The cabin is everything you would expect – properly premium materials abound, incredibly comfortable and supportive seats and Audi’s great infotainment system.

The rear seat legroom is also good, making it a strong contender for a family car (if you can live with the fuel economy), as does the three zone climate control, so the kids in the back can adjust their temperature zone independently of both front seat passengers, who can also set their own preference.

So it works as a family car, and can handle pretty much any terrain you throw it at. I did take it very carefully on the rough roads and while it didn’t feel like it was threatening to ground out at any point, it must have been close.

What I was most worried about was the alloys. The RS4 has a very aggressive, wide stance, and while the arches flare to accommodate the huge wheels, the low-profile tyres and grey multi-spoke alloys meant I was convinced I was going to grind them to pieces on potholes, kerbs9 and pretty much anything else.

Fantastic cameras make it easy to park

But in fairness, despite the width of the car, it is really quite driveable and the fantastic cameras (360 degree aerial view type thing) make it easy to park too. Just keep in mind that having paid out more than £80k, the fuel economy you’re likely to get is in the mid to low 20s… ouch!