If you missed Iron Man at the theaters earlier this summer, you also missed the well-placed cameos Audi scored with the R8 supercoupe and S5 coupe.

The hero Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) had an affinity for Audis, so it is quite conceivable that if he became a family man, he might trade in his R8 supercoupe for a nimble five-seat A6 Avant wagon. This way he could shuttle the kids to prep school and use the Avant to rush to the scene of an emergency with his armor in the spacious cargo area. Why drive when you have rockets in your boots? … Well, have you checked the price rocket boot fuel lately?

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Sure, the coupes grabbed quality screen time, but the other two thirds of Audi’s line are also futuristic, technology-infused sedans and wagons with sleek styling perfect for “Super Dads” that don’t have red/gold metal suits.

I tested an A6 Avant 3.2 quattro AT6 wagon, and like the movie this car is loaded with technology and cool features.

For 2008, the A6 models offer an electromechanical parking brake, a tire pressure monitoring system along with a headlight and rain sensor. The automatic climate control with enhanced output and optimized noise control, air quality, humidity and sun angle sensors really pampers passengers. The optional Adaptive Cruise Control keeps the A6 at a selected distance from the next vehicle ahead of you. A technology package contains Voice Recognition commands, and the Advanced Key system incorporates an electronic pulse transmitter that sends a signal to a proximity sensor in the door for authentication. Following authentication, the system unlocks the doors as soon as a handle is pulled.

Audi’s optional Lane Assist features a camera located in front of the mirror housing that monitors the vehicle’s path and alerts you if you drift from your lane unintentionally. If the system does not detect a steering wheel turn but senses wander, you’ll get a slight vibration transmitted through the steering wheel to alert you.

The A6 Avant test car came standard with a 3.2 liter FSI V-6 with 255 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. You can upgrade with a choice of V-8 and V-10 engines if you need more boost.

All engines feature Audi’s FSI direct injection technology. Direct injection delivers more dynamic engine response with higher torque and power output with lower fuel consumption. The main factor contributing to these improvements is that the fuel is delivered directly into the combustion chamber. The injector, which is supplied by a single-piston pump and common rail fuel line, is attached on the side of the cylinder head and controls the injection time to within thousandths of a second, at injection pressures of up to 1,600 psi.

Fuel economy is the buzzword today. If you don’t have city numbers in the high teens, then you go home early. The test car came with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The transmission was very smooth and gear changes were light until I jumped on it, and they became more noticeable. The quattro four-wheel hook up combined with the 3.2 liter V-6 directed by the automatic delivers EPA mileage figures of 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. I must have had my heavy boots on as I could only muster 19 mpg during the week I had the Avant.

On the road, this car glides like a hot knife across the top of a stick of butter. Yes, a wagon that can have fun with a curve. The A6 Avant offers an adaptive air suspension system. With this system, the driver can choose between three different ride settings: comfort, dynamic or automatic. There is also a lift mode to assist the A6 in avoiding taller objects (road kill) in its path. The system also lowers and raises the vehicle as needed depending on speed, to help increase high-speed stability and reduce fuel consumption.

Instead of positioning the quattro system as a traction or safety system, Audi highlights it as a high performance addition. The Avant’s quattro system features a torsion center differential that distributes engine torque in a straightforward but very effective split of power to the front and rear axles. During testing I was impressed by the amount of grip and stability this car had allowing me to drive it harder though the corners. The upgraded p255/35R19 summer performance tires really deliver some bite and add a low profile performance look.

The A6’s suspension has an enhanced four-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension is borrowed from the bigger Audi A8 sedan. Again, the Avant surprises with handling, feedback and driver involvement that you just don’t associate with a wagon. I will say that the V-6 could use a bit more low-end torque to move the 4,211 pound wagon. Acceleration is adequate but other V-6 competitors have more oomph.

The speed-dependent Servotronic steering provides great feedback and works great with the suspension set up to really make the driver feel like they are in command. The transmission paddles are mounted to the steering wheel and are positioned for easy access.

While the Avant’s has been around for a few years, it still looks very contemporary -- there is only so much you can do with a two-box body style. The Avant’s profile, displays a strong, swept back motion of the body line above the side sills and entire car has a forward-moving, tapered look.

Inside the interior has a design that is a bit cold and business-like, but exhibits a high level of quality, fit and finish. The round temperature and fuel gauges are clear and set in bold teardrop-shaped surrounds augmenting the tachometer and speedometer. The dash and the rest of the interior are sprinkled with wood and aluminum trim panels.

The upgraded S-line sports seats have a handsome look and performance feel. These highly functional buckets have integral head restraints and thick lateral supports. The leather upholstered seats are very contoured and supportive but are geared for athletic forms. All of the passengers I transported during the week reported that they had plenty of room, including the second-row passengers.

Cargo room is abundant for this wagon with 34 cubic-feet with the seats in place and 63.9 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded. A big plus in the cargo area are securing rails that are recessed into the floor. They are fitted with four sliding, adjustable and lockable load-retaining lugs that can be used to secure items of various sizes. There is a removable telescoping arm and a retractable cargo strap, both of which can be adjusted and locked within the rails. Both of these items help to separate and secure items in the cargo area. The load floor itself can be folded and locked in a variety of positions to divide the cargo area. Additional baggage hooks are located in the rear and a luggage net finishes off your package needs. Who knew securing cargo could be so detailed. The finishing touch is an optional power tailgate that opens and closes at the push of a button.

Audi’s have stepped up considerably to take on the likes of Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Lexus and prices have climbed as well. The test car had a base price of $49,000. The test vehicle was smothered with almost $14,000 (!) in options to top out at $62,800. Some of the major ones included the Technology Package, the Premium Package with items like Bi-Xenon headlights, Bose Surround Sound, auto-dim and folding exterior mirrors and a power tailgate. The S-line package upgraded the leather, added sport seats, a grippy steering wheel, and dark birch wood inlays. A busy navigation system, 19-inch wheels and sport suspension round out the goodies.

I have to say that a wagon isn't the hottest ticket in the Little League parking lot, but it still beats the heck out of a minivan. While the Avant is pricey, the combination of seating for five, good cargo space, spirited handling and appealing styling make it a spicy alternative to a thirsty SUV or the average minivan.