The closest thing we can buy in the US to the Audi A4 Avant is the A4 Allroad and yes, you should buy one, just to eliminate any doubt. The A4 Allroad is one of those cars that doesn't receive enough appreciation even though it's nearly perfect. Of course, you have to like wagons first, but just look at the Subaru Outback. It's essentially a raised wagon version of the Legacy sedan. Always has been, and it's a huge seller in America. But there may come a time when some Outback owners want something different that's still a wagon and definitely not a crossover.

Enter the Audi A4 Allroad, assuming you can afford its $45,000 price of entry. The most recent A4 generation launched for 2016 and a lineup refresh is due.

Conveniently enough, our spy photographers just caught the facelifted A4 Allroad for the first time as it conducts some serious winter testing, most likely in Sweden somewhere. One of the first things we immediately spotted are the new headlights and grille, both of which borrow styling from the new Q8. There's also a new front bumper, too. Out back there's also a new bumper along with squared-off exhaust pipes and a new taillight design. But the biggest changes are the ones we can't see this time around, unfortunately. Sources tell us the refreshed A4 lineup will get a heavily updated interior.

The dash layout and overall styling is said to come directly from the new A6. Updates are also planned for the infotainment system. Under the hood, the 2.0-liter TFSI inline-four is expected to remain, and it's possible its output could be slightly upped from the current 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Chances are the seven-speed S-tronic gearbox will remain as well. Given that there's an all-new BMW 3 Series and an updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class, we expect for Audi to launch its facelifted A4 lineup in the very near future, possibly as soon as this March at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.