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Light fantastic experience with the new Audi A6
publication date: Apr 9, 2011
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author/source: Robin Roberts
Driving the new Audi
A6 is taking a trip in the light fantastic.
Building on
experiences gained with the Audi TT, R8, A8, A7 and previous generation A6, the
new car uses the latest composite aluminium and super-strength steel techniques
to bring it in at 15pc less weight than an all-steel equivalent. Major body
panels, many suspension components and axles are aluminium, for instance.The weight saved is
typically equivalent to that of two adults and despite its size the A6 2.0TDI
takes its fight to rivals at a
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trim 1575kg, which
means with the latest high
efficiency petrol and diesel engines under the bonnet and low friction
transmission bolted onto them, the fuel efficiency and tax beating emissions
are very good.
With a longer
wheelbase and wider track, the lightweight yet roomier design also endows the
seventh-generation A6 with very good responses and agility, even from the
lowest powered engine, reduces sources of noise and puts it on a performance-par
with some rivals using bigger and less efficient powertrains.
There is a choice of
177ps 2.0TDI, 204ps 3.0TDI, 245ps 3.0TDI diesels and 300ps 3.0TFSI petrol
engines which are fitted with stop-start technology, recuperative braking technology,
electro-mechanical steering, transmission fluid warming and together these
combine to give yield up to 19pc better economy than the previous generation A6
launched in 2004. Depending on model there are manual six-speed or automatic
seven and eight-speed transmissions and eventually there will also be a petrol-hybrid
version.
Later this year we
will see avant derivatives join the new saloons launching on 9 April in SE or S-line trim
versions, two or all-wheel-drive, with standard, sport, quattro or air
suspension available and the new ten model range goes from £30,145 to £41,640
on the road.
With three-quarters
of Audi A6 buyers using them for business, the new version offers substantial
savings on benefit in kind, up to £862 annually in some cases, and the latest
series is projected to have strong residuals between 37 and 40pc which help
with overall leasing rates and combined running costs, elements which will also
help private buyers.
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available.Audi expect to sell
just under 10,000 A6 models in a full year, with 75pc being the 2.0TDI and 60pc
will be the entry level SE specification with six-speed manual gearbox. The
specification includes standard leather seats, multi-media interface for audio,
Bluetooth phone and SD-card based navigation, dual zone climate control and
heated powered mirrors, while the S-Line trim has bigger wheels and lowered
suspension, electric front seats and xenon lights among its changes.
There is an enormous
range of additional equipment which can be added by individual customers
including head-up essential information display, park assist, night vision,
lane assist, adaptive lights and upgraded sound and navigation systems. It is
even possible to choose integration with Google Earth down-loadable navigation
and you can simultaneously run five PCs off the car's on-board computer. | | |  | FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The predicted best
selling front-wheel-drive Audi A6 2.0TDI SE manual is what the designers
intended it to be, a very good introduction to the new range.
Don't be fooled or
put off by the seemingly modest engine in a large car, it pulls very well from
rest or when overtaking and cruises with remarkable composure and economy. I
managed to return an indicated 50mpg overall on a short test drive and a more
enthusiastic companion saw 48.9 mpg.
It is a quiet engine
when gobbling up motorway miles or sweeping main roads, only producing a more
noticeable note pressing on in lower ratios with higher revolutions, and wind
noise is extremely low.
You can, however, hear
the suspension and road noise from tyres and at times the standard suspension
was surprisingly firm over scarred A and B class road surfaces, and some
potholes taken at moderate speed notably jarred the car. | Generally, the ride
was good with little or no body roll, well controlled damping and the interior
is very roomy in all directions. The boot is also big and easy to load.
Visibility was very
good all round with slim pillars to the roof and low waistline.The new Audi A6 will
delight existing owners of brand products who want to trade up or down for whatever
reason and it represents a very strong case for choosing over closer rivals. Perhaps
the strongest case is what few considering until they are stuck, the Audi A6 is
available with four-wheel-drive and as two-thirds of UK days are wet or snowy,
it could keep you mobile and safer than anything else in its class. |  | | ©Robin Roberts April
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