2005 Audi A6 Reviews

Audi A6 is a medium-large car much loved by those who like a solid touch of sportiness in their transport.

For many years Audi lagged behind arch rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW models in the prestige car stakes in Australia.That was despite it holding equal ranking in most European countries. However, Audi is now seen as one of the ‘big three’ in the eyes of upmarket Australian buyers.The so-called single-frame grille, with its huge radiator grille has been a stroke of genius in automotive design and is arguably the main reason for the big increase in sales in recent years. In Australia, aggressive marketing and a willingness to throw serious money at marketing the brand has also played a major part. The subject of this week’s used-car review, the A6, is the mid-size vehicle in the Audi range.It replaced the Audi 100 in November 1994, but struggled in the sales race in its early days. A virtually all-new A6 reached Australia in November 1997 improved things somewhat so we will start looking in detail at the A6 from that model onwards.The aforementioned single-frame grille reached the A6 range in Australia in August 2005 and things really started to hike along. Interior design has been a strong point with Audis for many years and the cabin is close to immaculate in the way it’s themed and then constructed.The Audi A6 has high levels of noise, vibration and harshness suppression that make it a very capable high-speed cruiser. Interior space is OK for five adults, though lack of support in the centre-rear position makes it a noticeably less comfortable position than the other seats.Boot space is very good in the sedan. Audi A6 has a reasonably strong presence in the prestige station wagon market in Australia, though not to the huge extent it does on its home market. Handling is better than average for a front-wheel-drive car, though the powertrain layout, with the engine being mostly in front of the axle, means the nose-heavy machine tends to push slightly wide on corners.This has been toned down with each successive model, but is still a weak point compared with other vehicles in this upmarket German class. Owners who are more interested in the aforementioned waft-along cruising are unlikely to ever experience the understeering.There is the option of Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system for added traction on slippery roads. It too can suffer from front-end push but does so at higher cornering efforts. Quattro isn't on offer in all models, but is well worth the extra money if you’re a keen driver.Engines are many and varied, with petrol and diesel units on offer. In the petrol lineup there's everything from turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder units to a sweet little V6 with a capacity of just 2.4 litres and larger V6s displacing 2.8, 3.0 and 3.2 litres.These are complex cars and it's best that you have all work, other than the vary basics of servicing, done professionally. Audi dealers are generally restricted to major metropolitan areas but you will find some in major country centres as well. Contact Audi's head office in Sydney for further information.Insurance costs are relatively high, but no more than you would expect from quality cars built from top-end materials. Premiums don’t usually vary a lot between major players, but it's always worth shopping around for the best deal. Make sure you are comparing like with like before making your decision. As well as the standard A6 models, Audi also imports high-performance variants. Called, in ascending order of performance, Audi A6 S Line, Audi S6 and Audi RS6, the latter are sold in pretty limited numbers and are aimed at a very specialised market, so won’t be examined in detail here.WHAT TO LOOK FORRust is rare as Audi was a pioneer in using all-galvanised panels in its bodies. Poor crash repairs which didn’t see the metal being properly protected can still lead to troubles.Interiors are finished to a very high standard and last well. Nevertheless, careless owners can still cause damage so check the complete interior. Sun damage, even on cars that have been kept outside continuously, is rare, but check the upper surfaces of the dashboard as well as the condition of the rear parcel shelf.Look for oil leaks from early V6 engines and if the engine. Be sure the cam drive belt has been replaced on schedule. Look for oil leaks from the power-steering rack and the hoses connected to it.Check that the automatic transmission works smoothly and does not change gears when it shouldn’t. If a tiptronic is fitted run it up and down through the gears to make sure it selects them quickly.CAR BUYING TIPBeware the social-climbers who have bought cars they can’t afford to maintain correctly. If you can’t examine the service books be very suspicious. 

The mid-sized prestige market has been a very lucrative one in the past 20 years or so, particularly for European carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and more latterly Audi with its A6. Audi has been aggressively, and successfully, chasing market share and the A6 has been an important weapon in its campaign to overthrow its rivals.The most obvious change to the A6 introduced in 2006 was the bold new grille, but that change alone said plenty about the model and the brand's intent. In one fell swoop the A6, and the brand, took on a more aggressive, in your face look. It emerged from the pack and said 'look at me'. If the grille was the centrepiece of the overhaul, there were other changes to the body as well. Again, given BMW's move to more sharply defined, chiselled lines, the smooth, sweeping lines of the Audi were appealing to the many buyers who found the BMW looks challenging.The new A6 was larger than the previous model, with more cabin space and a larger boot, made even more useful thanks to a folding rear seat. The interior was nicely designed and finished, with comfortable and supportive seats, and everything else you could wish for in the segment. When first launched the A6 had a selection of engines ranging from a 2.4-litre V6 through to a 4.2-litre V8, along with a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6.But in no time at all more engines were introduced, including a new fuel-efficient 2.0-litre TFSi unit. The transmission choices were a six-speed automatic with tiptronic shift control and a smooth CVT continuously variable automatic gearbox, and there was a choice of front-wheel drive or Audi's popular Quattro all-wheel drive system.Not surprisingly given its price the A6 came with plenty of luxury features, like leather and wood trim, CD sound, power seats, sat-nav and a raft of others. On the road the A6 was a smooth operator aimed more at giving the executive a smooth ride than a driving thrill. It wasn't as sporty as a BMW 5-Series, but that was Audi's claimed point of difference. Even though it didn't pretend to be as sporty as its main rival it still displayed a fine handling balance with a reassuring neutral poise that dealt corners with a minimum of fuss. The ride, too, was blissfully smooth and supple on all surfaces, and bumps and broken pavement was soaked up with consummate ease.IN THE SHOPIt's European, which means it comes with technology that can  sometimes be temperamental, and parts and repairs can be expensive. Before buying a second hand Audi it's a good idea to have it checked  by someone with experience in the brand, someone who can pick the faults and advise on what could go wrong. It's also well worthwhile to be on good terms with an independent Audi specialist who can not only expertly service your car, but also source more affordable parts if and when needed. Look for oil leaks around the engine and coolant leaks around the cooling system, check the service record, and inspect for poor crash repairs.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $80,600 to $145,900Engines: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol; 125 kW/280 Nm 2.4-litre V6 petrol; 130 kW/230 Nm 2.8-litre V6 petrol; 154 kW/280 Nm 3.2-litre V6 petrol; 188 kW/330 Nm 4.2-litre V8 petrol; 246 kW/420 Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel; 165 kW/450 NmTransmissions: 6-speed auto, CVT, FWD, AWDEconomy: 8.5 L/100 km (2.0T), 9.8 L/100 km (2.4), 9.7 L/100 km (2.8),  9.9 L/100 km (3.2), 13.2 L/100 km (4.2), 8.3 L/100 km (3.0 TDi).Body: sedan, wagonVariants: Base, Avant, and Quattro Safety: 5-star ANCAPVERDICTSmooth driving, smooth riding, well-equipped alternative to the BMW with a smooth new look.

The Avant is a stylish development of the A6 sedan.It's certainly no embarrassment to be seen stepping out of this station wagon.The A6 is the medium-large car from the German maker, a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Audi's quest to meet demand from buyers for station wagon versions in Europe – 40 per cent of all Audis sold there are Avants – means the Australian importer can offer a few Avant versions here.Although there's a turbo-diesel engine and a lusty 4.2-litre V8 petrol also in the sedan range, the A6 Avant has just two engine choices – a 2.4-litre V6 of 130kW power/230Nm torque and a very sweet 3.2-litre V6 which uses the new FSI (direct petrol injection) technology to give power, low emissions and good fuel economy for this size vehicle. It gives 188kW power at 6500rpm and 330Nm torque at 3250rpm.The A6 Avant with 2.4 engine is a front-wheel-drive at $84,990 and comes with CVT transmission. On test was the 3.2 which has Audi's excellent permanent all-wheel-drive system called quattro.It's the top-of-the-line A6 Avant at $105,400 and has a six-speed Tiptronic sequential automatic with paddleshift and sports mode. The A6 Avants are about $4400 more than their respective sedan versions.The A6 Avant drives beautifully: calm, quiet, a comfortable but controlled ride. It fits the luxury car bill nicely, too, although the middle position of the rear seat is quite firm and lacks leg room. There's dual-zone climate control, electric-switch park brake, leather seats with driver memory, 10-speaker sound system with six-stack CD, large information monitor, parking sensors. And these days, the Audi badge brings respect.But the Avant enjoys playing sports wagon, too: put the transmission into manual select and use the paddle shifts and the engine is a willing worker, the Pirelli P7 tyres (225/50) on the 17in alloy rims grip well and the large disc brakes helped by ABS and EBD do the job. Traction control with switch-out and ESP make the quattro Avant ideal for the snow set.SMALL TORQUELoad of ideasOpen the tailgate on the Audi A6 Avant and there is much to marvel at in experimenting with the cargo area innovations, below.Two securing rails are in the floor. Four lashing eyes can be slid to the preferred positions.A telescoping rod can be used to provide a cross-floor barrier or positioned diagonally. The cargo floor can be folded and positioned in several ways. Underneath is a good-size plastic tray for wet or muddy gear, and access to a full-size spare wheel (which long-distance Aussie drivers will appreciate).Also in the back are a clever, reel-type restraining strap and a luggage net.

His success has played a key role in Audi's push to invigorate its world image.Two months ago, a Kristensen-driven Audi won Le Mans, giving Audi a fifth title in this prestigious event.The wins have helped turn Audi into a sportier marque on-road as it battles to attack the recognised players in its field, BMW and Mercedes, which have long histories of racetrack successes to bank on.While there is a vast difference between Audi's R8 racing sports car and the road-going models, flow-on technology is shared.The Le Mans winners have been powered by FSI direct petrol injection engines since 2001. Now Audi has released the road-going FSI direct-injection engine to Australia.Audi says a key feature of the engine is the light weight. The units weigh less than 170kg.Our test car was the A6 3.2 FSI quattro tiptronic. The FSI engine, which features the direct injection of fuel into the engine's combustion chamber, is also available as a 2.4-litre, 3.0-litre diesel and 4.2-litre V8 in the A6 as well as a four-cylinder in the A4 model.The 3.2 power plant of the test car puts out 188kW of power at 6500rpm and boasts a torque reading of 330Nm at 3250rpm.The A6, which was voted the world's best car by a panel of international motoring journalists earlier this year, is a commanding machine. And, you certainly ain't gonna miss this one on the road.Apart from its size, the brand's striking new grille and bold wheels matched to low-profile tyres scream to be noticed. The bright red test car did not melt away in traffic.This model is priced at $100,500 before you start adding a long list of extras.For starters, there is the beautiful finish and imposing looks. Inside it is all about room, and plenty of it.Larger than the previous model A6, it is designed to give executive buyers, and those seeking to emulate them, abundant leg room both in the front and back.There's also a huge boot to fit golf bags, ski gear and the like.For driver and passenger ambience, the interior leather trim is elegant and refined.Getting started throws up a few Audi foibles. The ignition, unlike most cars, is on the left of the steering wheel and there is no hand or foot-operated park brake.Instead, a button in the centre console is pressed to release the brake and pressed again to put on the park brake.On the open road the car's ride is noticeably smooth. Very smooth in fact.The six-speed tiptronic gearbox can operate in automatic but the beast within is revealed when you switch to the pseudo-manual operation in sport mode.Gear changing is available by flicking Formula One-style paddles on the steering wheel or the centre console gear lever.Acceleration is forceful in this mode and the paddle operation is amazing.Luxury features include satellite navigation, a TV tuner, wood trim and electric seats.Auto headlights and the always-pleasing to see glare-reflecting rear vision mirror are part of the package. The reversing sensor sound is not as annoying and intrusive as on some other cars.In the rear, the seating is designed to suit two adults in style, although there are seat belts for three.Fuel consumption is not as high as one would expect from a car of this size. The advances in engine technology produce an overall figure of just under 12-litres per 100km. But coupled with a huge 80-litre tank means the range of a tank load of fuel should be well over 600km.

Following hot on the heels of the A3 Sportback is the heavily revised and reskinned A4.There are nine A4 sedans to suit most tastes ranging from sub $50k to more than $80k as well as three Avants (wagons).In the first week the exquisitely styled Sportback went on sale, deals were done at a frenetic pace.The larger A6 model also is winning fans and awards.Recently, among national awards the A6 added another string to its bow by being named Europe's Auto 1 winner for 2005.Already decorated as the World Car of the Year in 2004, the A6 is riding the crest of a wave.Sampling the 3-litre quattro version, which is number two on the list of four A6 variants topped by the 4.2-litre V8, the 3-litre quattro has a substantial physical presence.It is mild mannered and has a neutral ride around town and out on the highway.The 160kW engine is a little soft in drive but it livens up using Tiptronic which can be activated by using the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or by throwing the gear lever out of drive and into sequential.Brakes could have a more progressive feel, sometimes seeming a little underdone when traffic in front comes to a sudden stop.There is still a bit of remoteness attached to driving the A6, perhaps to do with the steering, which admittedly is an improvement over the previous model.The seats in the cockpit are cosy and supportive, electric adjustments making it easy to find the optimum driving position.The dash and centre console are a maze of buttons and switches.Audi's Multi-Media Interface, a centrally-mounted dial with associated buttons simplifies functions.Like a growing number of user-friendly navigation systems the A6's SatNav has the capacity to anticipate the next letter in a street name.Fuel range from the 80-litre tank is impressive, more than a quarter of a tank remaining after 600km.That said consumption was surprisingly on the high side with the on board computer reading out 12.1litres/100km of mostly open running driving in a test spread over 800km.If you are in the market for a BMW 5-series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class or Jaguar S-Type, the A6 more than ever is worth more than a passing thought.

They all reflect a relentless drive to challenge Mercedes and BMW for prestige-class honours, and they do it with style and driving enjoyment.The most obvious change is the new grille on the latest models, and nothing reflects it better than the all-new mid-sized A6.Carmakers often talk about the need to pass the "100m test", so people know their car when they see it coming down the road.The Mazda MX-5, which is set for a makeover in less than a week, is an example of keeping the overall impact but changing the details.Audi went all the way with the A6, installing a confronting grille that means the car could easily pass a 500m test.And it is going to be on everything it produces, starting with the new A4 being previewed in Australia this week and including that crucial all-wheel-drive.The nose means you always know when a new A6 is around.It makes the car easy to find in a car park.But the body change is more than just a grille. The smooth lines and sweeping curves provide an instant contrast to the chunky look of the latest BMWs.Audi says the latest A6 was developed as an executive express. Its key word for the car could have been smooth. It has a smooth body, a smooth cabin and smooth engines.The price is a little lumpy. The starting sticker tops $80,000 and a V8-powered top-end model is more than $150,000, but the cars are great value in their class.The new A6 is larger than the previous car, which means plenty of cabin space and a giant boot, even without folding the back seats flat.But Audi has emphasised the car's luxury position by shaping the rear seat for two comfortable adults, not three kids.The mechanical package is an up-to-date reflection of the latest work at Audi. Engine choices are from a 2.4-litre V6 with 130kW to a 4.2-litre V8 with 246kW and a breakthrough V6 diesel (pictured top right) that Audi believes will boom in coming years.Customers can get an A6 with front-wheel-drive, but its signature quattro all-wheel-drive will be the popular choice.The car has electronic systems for traction control, stability and anti-skid braking, as well as a continuously variable automatic gearbox and six-speed auto with tiptronic control.Safety gear matches the best in the business. It has a five-star safety cell, airbags for both front passengers, a giant side airbag for head protection and separate bags for rear passengers.The luxury gear is just what you'd expect in the size and price class, from leather-and-wood trim to CD sound, satellite navigation, a television tuner and phone kit, electric seats and all the usual electric assistance gear.Audi also has the latest version of its computer command centre, the MMI. It is, as always, much easier to use and much more useful than the iDrive controller in a BMW.

It really is a gem and makes the car an absolute pleasure to drive, with plenty of torque on tap whenever you want.It's the same V8 that sits in Audi's luxurious A8 limo. In terms of price, it¿s a big hop up to the V8 which is at least $50,000 more than any other model in the A6 lineup.The good news, however, is that if you are in the market for a Audi V8, it's still $50,000 less than the 4.2-litre A8.This means, with the pocket change you can afford to buy an A3 or an A4 as a runaround.Mind you, after driving the superb V8 Quattro model, you're simply not going to want to drive anything else. You may not want to drive any other car ever again. The 4.2-litre V8 produces a thumping 246kW of power and 420Nm of torque.It can catapult the notinsubstantial A6 from rest to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.That's pretty quick but it is the snappy and unfussed, almost effortless, way in which the car does it that is most impressive.The V8 is mated to a six-speed tiptronic transmission with DSP (dynamic shift program) and sport program.You can change gears manually (minus the clutch) but trust me when I say that the transmission will spend most of its time in the Sport position where it is at its most responsive.With six cogs to play with, the A6 is never found wanting for power.It seems to anticipate the wishes of the driver an instant before he or she reaches for the lever.As well as the shifter, change paddles have been added to the steering wheel so the driver has many options. The driver also has the ability to slip seamlessly from fully automatic mode to manual simply by clicking the paddle.Transmitting power to the ground is Audi's Quattro allwheel-drive system, backed up by an electronic stabilisation program (ESP), ASR traction control and electronic differential lock (EDL).The brakes are spectacularly good and need to be with a car of this calibre.This car competes against BMW's 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but for our money is better than both.The finish is first rate, there's plenty of cabin space and the boot is enormous.What more could you want?Our only quibbles concern the touchy feel the car has when parking.It is difficult to nudge up close to cars in front and the brakes grab with a jerk.The Audi A6 is priced from $83,900, but if you want the V8 it is going to set you back $151,950.Optional on other models but standard on the V8 are Audi's advanced key access and driving authorisation (you don't have to take the key out of your pocket), adaptive xenon headlights with cornering lights and a fabulous BOSE surround sound system, including DVD navigation with a TV tuner.

Not any more.New-technology diesel engines have been developed which offer masses of torque, really good performance and economy which far outstrips petrol engines.Australian car buyers have been slow to embrace diesel power – in contrast to European car makers who sell them in international telephone numbers.Even Jaguar is rushing diesel engines into its range in a bid to catch up with other luxury brands which have offered oil burners for years.Audi has had diesel engines in its Euro line-up for some considerable time. The brand introduced a diesel engine in Australia as an alternative to petrol with the all-road crossover vehicle.Now Audi has added a new-age, turbocharged diesel to its new A6 range.The three-litre TDI offers significantly better fuel economy than the 2.4-litre and three-litre V6 petrol-engined A6.The diesel model out-drags both petrol models up to 100km/h. And it generates 450Nm of torque – 30Nm more than the 420Nm from the 4.2-litre V8 in the range-topping Quattro.Audi says statutory testing of the diesel A6 indicates overall fuel consumption of 8.3 litres/100km. Unofficial local testing shows the TDI will travel more than 1000km on a single tank of 80 litres of diesel.The take-up rate of diesel engines has not been helped in the past by a hefty cost premium of vehicles. Many motorists who have considered diesel engines have calculated it would take up to seven years to recoup the additional purchase price. Audi has addressed that inhibiting factor by pricing the A6 TDI Quattro at $95,700 – just $1900 more than the A6 Quattro with a three-litre petrol engine. Even though diesel fuel is costing up to 10c a litre more than petrol, the payback would be less than two years – depending on mileage, of course.Little wonder Audi is aiming the TDI at young enthusiast drivers who want genuine performance plus tonnes of torque to tow boats or trailer-loads of leisure equipment.The TDI is certainly a remarkable addition to the A6 line-up and Audi has every right to expect it will account for 30 per cent of total sales.The heart of the model is, of course, the direct-injection common-rail diesel. It features four valves per cylinder, advanced electronic mapping, seven-hole injectors and turbocharger. Exhaust gases are cooled and recirculated to ensure maximum power is extracted from every litre and pollution meets the strict European standards.The diesel motor comes coupled with six-speed Tiptronic transmission which can be controlled by steering-wheel paddles, the usual push-pull feature on a sequential box or in fully automatic mode.The driveline includes permanent all-wheel drive, electronic stability program and traction control.The TDI has a 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.3 seconds and when kick-down is used in the mid-ranges, the car has a power surge which is truly exceptional. Yet there is nothing harsh or aggressive about the manner the A6 goes through its act.It remains poised, powerful and precise, beautifully balanced and super responsive.Even when maximum throttle is used, up-changes are difficult to detect and there is a failsafe feature which stops the driver from engaging a lower gear manually when engine speeds are too high. Every facet of the car, in fact, is contrary to diesels of old.Mercedes-Benz and BMW would not offer diesels if they did not match the sophistication and soul of their petrol range.Neither would Jaguar – and neither does Audi.The V8 A6 is a wonderful machine, the TDI will be considered the pick for many.The 2.4 front-drive entry model is attractive at $83,900, while the TDI at $95,700 is high value indeed. If one accepts that diesel engines will grow dramatically in popularity over the coming years, the retained value could add to the long-term appeal.Whichever engine is specified, the A6 looks destined to do big things for Audi's reputation and standing in relation to the Big Two German competitors. The new single-frame radiator grille gives the new model an identity boost which the four-circle badge has not quite managed to achieve.Audi never sets out to bend metal this way or that just to get its new models noticed, electing instead to opt for smooth, elegant, minimal lines.There is the implication of standing and sophistication rather than any bold statement.And so the A6 may not be readily recognisable as a new shape. But when lined up with the former model, changes are quite striking. The car is 12cm longer, 4.5cm wider and the wheelbase has been stretched by 8.3cm, numbers which give designers the scope to add dramatically to the head, leg and shoulder room.The height remains the same, allowing stylists to achieve a broad footprint and athletic look.The cabin has been totally revised, with a high and wide centre console accommodating all the controls and instruments for ease of reach and reference. Audi's suspension know-how is reflected in the smooth ride while the chassis setup is firm enough to ensure there is very little body movement, resulting in impeccable handling.Those who want even greater dynamics can opt for extra-cost sports suspension.The A6 comes with an electro-mechanical braking system. One touch activates the system at traffic lights, then any pressure on the fly-by-wire throttle releases the brakes.It is just one of the many smart features which makes the A6 such a threat to the Mercedes E-Class and BMW's 5 Series.The list of standard items model-by-model is long and impressive – the farther buyers go up the range, the more kit comes as standard.But most finery available on higher-priced A6s can be optioned on the entry model – at a price.In sum, a genuine upmarket range which is well worth a place in the executive class.The A6 is larger than a medium-sized car. And Audi has done such a superb job upgrading the range, one wonders how the brand is going to get customers to pay the extra for a high-luxury A8.

Europeans have transcended this bias fully grasping the diesel to the extent where Euro carmakers spend most of their engine development budgets on diesels.They use less fuel, last longer and pollute less.Audi is at the forefront of passenger car diesel technology and has a brace of turbo oil burners that would make other manufacturers green with envy. The 2.5 V6 in Allroad is impressive, the 2.0 four in A3 is extraordinary but the 165kW/450Nm 3.0 V6 in A6 is sensational.Here is an engine that will deliver around 1000km on a tankful, has more torque than the 4.2-litre petrol V8 and runs sweetly and smoothly while propelling the big A6 like a sports saloon. There really is no down side apart from getting that repulsive smell on your hands at the bowser. Wear gloves and besides, you won't have to make many visits.The A6 diesel ain't cheap at just on 100 grand but it feels like the sort of car you could buy now and keep for 20 years.Average that out.This is the new big grille A6, something I was initially not keen on.I have changed my mind and now think it's a positive feature – imposing, majestic even and still with a distinctive Audi look.The rest of the vehicle is new too, again with those classy Audi lines now with a more "technical" edge.It commands plenty of attention on the road.Inside is typically sleek and extremely well executed featuring a sweeping dash with smooth lines and integrated console, beautiful use of colour and texture, function – among the best in the business.Pretty well nothing is left out of the car in terms of features but there would certainly be options available. Plenty of high tech electronic goodies populate the interior.It rolls on 17in wheels with low profile rubber and has a firm, sporty ride. Some may not like this aspect of the car. The steering is similarly sporty, firm and direct.Drive is by all wheel drive quattro through a six speed automatic offing tiptronic selection through various devices.Numerous electronic dynamic controls aid handling and safety. ESP is included in the package. It selectively brakes each wheel to avoid skidding.Engine performance is strong with heaps of torque instantly available and strong acceleration across the range.The auto is smooth and willing and apart from some rumbling at idle, you could be driving the 3.0-litre petrol V6.The hand brake is electrically operated and the lights and wipers have auto on function.I couldn't figure out how to turn off the aircon. Technology challenged I suppose.