2012 Audi A6 Reviews

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

Back in 2009 Australian tourists in Germany may have noticed an all-new Allroad Audi on many roads in the company’s fatherland. Those Aussies who already owned an Audi A6 Allroad quarto, and were keen on buying a smaller version of their versatile wagon would have seen A4 badges on an all-new Allroad model. Their eyes would have lit up in anticipation of getting into an A4 Allroad quattro. But their hopes would have been dashed on their return home, when Audi Australia apologised and said the A4 wasn’t on sale here. The reason was simple, in 2009 the A4 Allroad was only sold with a diesel engine and a manual gearbox. European drivers love the added control obtained by using a manual, and also appreciate the fuel savings it can offer. Down under, most buyers prefer the car to do its own gear changing and in our land of low-cost petrol (true!) saving a few per cent at the pump didn’t really add up to a lot of dollars. The Audi A6 Allroad quattro has been on sale in Australia for more than 10 years and had gathered a loyal brand of followers, so the local importer put pressure on head office to come up with an automatic transmission for the A4.Long story short; the Audi A4 Allroad quattro is about to go on sale in Australia – with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi Australia initially plans to import 150 vehicles and can therefore (almost) justify it as being a limited edition. Just in case imports do cease after that 150 have been retailed it might be worth getting to your local dealer quickly.VALUEImpressively the engine’s official fuel consumption figure is just 6.0 litres per hundred kilometres. That low fuel number pushes it beyond the standard threshold of the Luxury Car Tax, helping Audi Australia to keep the price of the A4 Allroad down to a very reasonable $69,900. This is a considerable saving on the LCT-inflated price of the Audi A6 Allroad quattro.TECHNOLOGYAs in 2009, it’s still only offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, but Australian buyers have come to appreciate the high torque and low consumption of these oil-burning engines so that’s no longer a hassle on the sales front. In any case, the A4’s diesel is imported to Australia in its highest state of tune, putting out 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.DESIGNOn the appearance front the new Audi also makes the grade. The big single-frame radiator grille carries chromed highlights, the body has been raised by almost 40 millimetres - to 180 mm - for better ground clearance. The lower sections of the body are done in a neat two-tone treatment and there are protective grey-coloured plastic wheel arch extensions to add to the sporty look at the same time as they minimise damage.The rear bumper has a diffuser look. Up top there’s a handy set of roof rails. Obviously the A4 is smaller than the A6, but during our introductory drive program in south-east Queensland we found it had plenty of interior space in the front seats, and that the back seat can be used by adults with a minimum of compromising with those in the front. Children will be fine in the back. Luggage space in the rear of the A4 Allroad is 490 litres, which compares favourably with the A6 Allroad’s 565 litres.SAFETYNumerous electronic safety aids help the all-wheel-drive Audi A4 to stay out of trouble both on sealed and unsealed surfaces. Up to eight airbags can be triggered in different stages should an unfortunate driver still manage to get into strife.DRIVINGEngine performance is excellent, with strong torque at low to midrange revs and we loved the rapid response to the ‘throttle’ and the way it picked up speed to overtake as safely as possible. As is usual in today’s best turbo-diesel engines, the Audi unit was only really recognisable as being a diesel when cold, when there was some clatter, and accelerating hard. Other than that it may well have been a petrol unit. We really like it.Handling feels nimbler in the A4 Allroad quattro than in the A6 we also tested on the day. The lighter weight obviously helps but the new wagon is aimed at a younger, sportier buyer and its steering and suspension have been tuned to suit. Not visible, but very much appreciated in the rough, is underfloor protection that means the A4 Allroad quattro can be used in moderate to medium all-road running. This certainly isn’t intended to be a bush basher, but the versatile wagon can go exploring in areas not available to conventional station wagons.VERDICTAll-in-all the new Audi A4 Allroad is an impressively versatile package that deserves to sell well.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,900Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Despite runaway popularity, some people simply don't like boofy SUV-style vehicles. They prefer a sleeker carry-all in the shape of a traditional (station) wagon. We really don't get it because an SUV is so practical and the new ones drive just like passenger cars, certainly not like 4x4 “trucks.'' Perhaps we are style challenged.But Audi reckons it has identified a vein of new car buyers prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of not being identified with the hoi-polloi in their SUVs and has imported a limited number (150 each) of delectable Audi Allroads in A4 and A6 size. They are essentially Audi's version of the Subaru Outback — a semi-tough wagon on stilts with off road styling and some dirt/sand/ice road cred'.PRICE AND MODELSThe A4 Allroad is a newcomer to Australia selling for $69,900 with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch auto. It's the only way to get an A4 turbo diesel wagon with quattro all wheel drive in this country.The A6 Allroad model has been here for some time first appearing back in the early 2000s and running through two generations before this latest effort. It goes for a sizeable $117,900 and runs a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and quattro all wheel drive.If you are prepared to lump yourself in with the SUV bogans, you can get an Audi Q3 2.0 TDi for $54,500 and an Audi A5 3.0 TDi for $75,000.They are similar size vehicles to the Allroads with the same power trains and roughly the same amount of interior room. What price style?It must be said the Allroads are a delight to drive and are also feature-rich though you can easily bump up the price substantially with a few ticks on the options list. Standard kit on the A4 variant includes xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear park assist, rear view camera, leather, 10 speaker audio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, decent satnav, electric front seats and steering wheel controls as well as a 20 gigabyte hard drive. The A6 gets a lot more including adaptive air suspension.The A4 Allroad is based on the recently facelifted A4 Avant and is pretty much identical inside and similar on the outside except for wheel arch flares, a raised ride height, stainless steel exterior garnishes, underbody protection and reinforced wheels with higher profile tyres. The A6 Allroad is a similar story but bigger and is built up from the A6 Avant.TECHNOLOGYThe A4 2.0-litre donk is good for 130kW/380Nm while the A6 3.0-litre generates some 180kW/580Nm both achieving these outputs at low engine revs. The smaller unit consumes 6.0-litres/100km while the larger one drinks sparingly at 6.3-litres/100km. That means both benefit from the fuel economy triggered Luxury Car Tax reduction of up to $4000.Audi's efficiency technology is used in both vehicles with auto stop/start, regenerative braking, low energy aircon, reduced friction engine internals, low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand engine cooling (thermal management) all contributing to better fuel economy and lower emissions. Off road capability is improved with a self locking rear differential, off road stability control and reinforced suspension subframes. But they have space saver spares — better than nothing.THE DRIVEWe drove both cars on and off road and felt the smaller vehicle is much better value though the A6 has superb engine performance and economy and is substantially bigger. We drove them through creek crossings with about 500mm water flowing, over rocky fire trails and on graded dirt roads — none of which posed a problem. We doubt any Allroad owner would drive their car in these environments.On the highway, both cars are just like the normal wagon variants in drive feel — in other words, rewarding, smooth, quiet and responsive. Even on fast mountain pass roads, the Allroads are quite adept. We found the controls to be intuitive and the level of luxury inside comforting.VERDICTThese cars are consumate “inbetweenies'' fulfilling multiple roles with aplomb — at a price.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,000Engine: 2.0-litre diesel 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Given the chance, would you go for the Audi Q5 or the Audi A6 Avant (wagon)? Both are practical carry-alls, same powertrain in the four cylinder variants.But SUVs rule right now possibly because they take practicality to high levels while neatly side stepping all that prestige palaver. They also offer impressive value for money. Audi has just expanded its medium large A6 lineup with the $81,880 Avant in 2.0-litre petrol turbo TFSi and the $82,900 2.0-litre TDi turbodiesel tested here.DESIGNIt's a real glamour that's for sure - looks much sleeker and sexier than the boxy Q5 and therein lies the attraction. Not everybody wants a prestige SUV to drive around in. Some will pay a premium to look cool or to drive something different.That's because it drives the front wheels efficiently through an eight step Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) that slurs initially but hooks up nicely once you're underway. And there are paddles to click it up and down if you feel the need.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is good for 130kW and 380Nm output - not earth shattering in diesel terms but sufficient to give the A6 Avant a decidedly sporty feel for a largish, luxury family wagon tipping the scales at over 1700kg. Part of that pork is due to the generous level of standard kit inside the sumptuous interior.Audi really does stylish interiors and this one is up there featuring a large info' screen with Audi's excellent MMI Navigation + system, Bang and Olufsen audio and all the rest. Naturally there's metres of supple leather and seats for five with a large expandable load space. Like the clever 360 degree parking camera and assistance.DRIVINGWe took the Avant 2.0 TDi for a good squirt last week covering some 800km. We were still on the same tank of fuel which showed a further 200+ kms in reserve. It's amazingly frugal and yet, dealing with the trucks and lunatics out on the open road, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel doesn't give anything away in the go department.Driving the Avant you forget it's a wagon such is the composure with which it negotiates corners and rough roads. Audi was able to shave weight from the new Avant compared to the previous model thanks greater use of aluminium.There's drive select and efficiency mode to get the most out of the car as well as an electronic limited slip differential for greater grip. We love the sensor tailgate operation, LED driving lights and benefits of auto stop/start.Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDiPrice: from $82,900Warranty: 3 year roadsideCrash rating: n/aEngine: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl petrol, 130kW/380NmTransmission: CVT; front-wheel driveThirst: 5.1L/100km; 135g/km CO2Dimensions: 4926mm (L), 1874mm (W), 1461mm (H)Weight: 1640kg

The A6 was akin to being Audi's middle child, lost between the A4 and the A8 and not quite fitting in with the other kiddies. That should change with this car, which is a solid step in the right direction and should go a long way to turning its lack-lustre resale performance around. VALUEIt's not cheap at a $93,900 list price (or $101,940 as tested) and those user-choosers looking to lease are going to double-take at the retained value figures - Glass's says its 36 per cent and Audi says it's in the mid-40s - but for a vehicle aimed at the exec fleet it's food for thought. That said, the new A6 has no shortage of gear, but you'd expect a fair bit when the price hovers around six figures. The entry-level quattro model gets an electric parking brake, cruise control, 18in alloys, anti-dazzle mirrors, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights with dusk and rain sensing function, keyless entry and start, sports steering wheel with myriad buttons for the trip computer, dual-zone climate control, sound system, satnav (all of which is displayed on the slide `n' pop screen in the centre of the dash), leather-trimmed electrically-adjustable front pews and a Bluetooth link for the phone. The Bluetooth also sometimes even connects up to the excellent sound system - if you're using an iPhone for sound as well, don't always expect an easy time connecting it - download your entire iPod into the hard drive, it'll be easier. Sound buffs have the option of going for Bose surround sound with 14 speakers (for $1950) or the Bang & Olufsen 15-speaker surround sound system for $12,340. There's no shortage of other options on offer - the test car had the adaptive headlight system (which costs $1400), rear parking sensors and a camera adds $960 and the grey-pearl paint (through some quirk in the way the options are configured) adds $5680 - stick with the standard colours.TECHNOLOGY The A6 is powered by a 2.8-litre alloy naturally-aspirated V6 that has direct injection and a variable valve timing and lift system to make the most of the premium 95RON unleaded. The result is 150kW (a 12kW loss over the old 2.8) and 280Nm, which doesn't sound like much for a 1680kg sedan. But it's enough and thanks to a start-stop fuel saving system it claims 8 litres of fuel per 100km - a litre better than the (lighter-weight) old model; our stint resulted in 10.2. The A6 drives via a seven-speed twin-clutch automated manual and all-wheel drive, which can vary the torque-split but normally sends 60 per cent to the rear and 40 per cent forward. The A6 also gets Audi's drive select dynamic handling system - which tweaks steering, throttle and automatic transmission's behaviour to suit different desires, or there are the options of adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering.DESIGNThis is a big German sedan but it's lighting package and sharp lines make it a handsome machine that is close in looks to the A8. Audi says its got aluminium a-plenty within the new sedan's construction, which 4915mm in length (a little shorter than the outgoing car), with a 2912mm wheelbase (69mm longer), 1874mm wide and 1455mm tall - a few millimetres shorter and lower. The cabin is functional and comfortable, with the broad, sweeping dashboard a busy but decipherable for the driver. The luggage space is 530 litres, which also has the benefit of folding rear seat back rests to boost space to 995 litres.SAFETYFive stars is fast becoming the norm for many brands and Audi is up there - dual front, front and rear side airbags and a full-length curtain airbag come into play if the anti-lock brakes (with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist), stability and traction control fail to help you avoid the impact in the first place.DRIVINGReading through the specs, there's not much that's jumps out and bodes well for the A6, but the car is better than the final equation suggests. The 2.8 is flexible - if no fireball - and while it sounds like it's working hard when demands are made, overall the V6 is a quiet and frugal powerplant, particularly given the size of car it is conveying. Enough room front and back for four normal-sized adults, a good-sized boot and most of the de riguer mod-cons, mean this is no bare-bones econobox. The ride is, as with most Audis, firm but not harsh, although the target audience might find day-to-day commuting a bit of a chore on what can only be described as third-rate Aussie roads - tick the option for the $4160 adaptive air suspension if you require something closer to a boulevarde ride. Point to point running through the hills can be swift, quiet and unfussed, with the back-up of all-wheel drive if conditions deteriorate, but the small V6 is not going to give the quattro system any cause for concern in terms of breaking traction under power. The electromechanical steering is light and accurate but dead for feel, something that probably doesn't bother those shelling out for the 2.8. The twin-clutch gearbox is smooth and quick most of the time, although it had moments of indecision and responded with a big thump when a quick departure from standstill was asked for (even without the start-stop delay, which at the time was disabled).That fuel-saver system is , which was quick in its speed of re-ignition - the brake pedal pressure didn't need full release and it was running again. The multi-media system has good quality sound is for the most part easy to navigate using Audi's knob-twirl controller, but the touch-pad is only worth using if you're left-handed and the arguments between the Bluetooth, the sound system and the iPhone 4's iPod function were annoying.VERDICT A quiet cruiser for the execu-set looking for Germanically frugal, regal motoring in something other than a Beemer or a Merc. Time will tell if the new model makes resale retention inroads but the A6 deserves to be seriously considered.Audi A6 2.8 FSIPrice:from $93,900Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 36% Source: Glass's GuideService Interval: 25,000km or 12-monthsEconomy: 8 l/100km, on test 10.2, tank 75 litres; 187g/km CO2Safety: Equipment 8 airbags, ABS, EBD, stability and traction control. Crash rating 5 starEngine: 150kW/280Nm 2.8-litre direct-injection petrol V6 with variable valve systemTransmission: seven-speed auto, all-wheel driveBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4927mm (L); 1874mm (W); 1465mm (H); 2921mm (WB)Weight: 1680kgTyre: Size 245/45 R18. Space saver

HUGE news in 1972 was that the all-new Holden HQ had ground-breaking coil springs and flow-through ventilation. Things moved much slower back then. Peugeot had the same features a decade earlier, yet Holden's inclusions were considered a marvel akin to time travel. Advances today are done with microscopic electronic widgets and wires - or, in increasing instances, without wires - hardly able to be seen with the human eye.Audi has just launched its premium A6 with standard stuff that would freak out most mid-aged electronics engineers. The mind-boggling starts with touch-pad controls with numeral recognition, a voice recognition system and a sat-nav operated by the touch pad. It also has coil springs and flow-through ventilation.VALUEYou have to expect the $116,500 price tag of the latest Audi A6. The car is lavish in its appointments yet there's a blanket of restraint that gives it understated elegance. Quality is paramount, as is the fluidity of the drivetrain that ensures limousine performance. All Aussie A6s get S-Line equipment and kit includes a 14-speaker Bose audio, walnut dash inlays and sunroof. It compares very well with its rivals.DESIGNKinda l ike an A4, but 200mm longer. Only the abrupt and in-ya-face grille stops the A6 from becoming invisible on the road, for it's lines are uncluttered and its proportions are close to perfect. The austere black-lined cabin is saved only by assorted alloy-look trim and matte walnut inlays but despite its simplicity, manages to carry a lot of style cred and also works a treat.TECHNOLOGYA lot of its highlights are expected from Audi. Energy recuperation from the brakes is used to top up the battery  and help the stop-start system. The A6 is partly aluminium, cutting weight 15 per cent on its predecessor and now making it only 30kg heavier than an equivalent A4. There's all-wheel drive under Audi's ``quattro'' tag, the perennial 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel - now with 180kW/500Nm for a 0-100km/h cracker of 6.1 seconds - and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.SAFETYA full suite of electronics to help keep the car on the road and avoid accidents, eight airbags, a five-star crash rating and an unerring  ability to feel so confident, solid and safe on the road. The all-wheel drive is also a big plus, as is the stability when cornering, though a full-size spare would be appreciated. Yes, one will fit.DRIVINGPut 500Nm of low-end diesel torque in any car and you're in for a blast. The A6 doesn't disappoint - though it's not up to the BMW 535d's explosive kick - with so much on tap it keeps the seven cogs in the dual-clutch box quite busy. There is some lag - a combination of catching the turbo before it's up to speed while trying to wake a dozing dual-clutch box - that produces some awkward moments. If you want brisk motoring and avoid such odd moments of embarrassment, use the gearbox's manual mode via the paddle shifts. Ride comfort is superb (air suspension is available but probably not worth it) and the multi-link suspension front and back works hard to cleverly hide the nose-heavy character. Much like Porsche sweated over defying physics with the rear-mounted engine in the 911.AUDI A6 3.0 TDIPrice: $116,500Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kmResale: 56%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 6.0 l/100km; 158g/km CO2Safety equipment: 8 airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 180kW/500Nm 3-litre V6 turbo-dieselTransmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch autoBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4915 (L); 1874mm (W); 1455mm (H); 2912mm (WB)Weight: 1720kgTyres: size 245/45R18, space-saver spare.

TWO poor wretches have just emerged from the car behind and the scene is dreadful: completely soaked and exhausted, they stumble into the bright light and find comfort in 35C heat.The unfortunate fellows have spent a couple of hours driving through the Adelaide Hills in the new Audi A6 and it's much hotter inside the car than outside in the sun. The A6 has airconditioning, of course. They've turned it off.Their shirts dry more quickly than I can stop laughing. But behind the smile is concern, and not for their personal hygiene: What did you get?ECONOMY PRESSUREWe're on an efficiency challenge, dreamed up by Audi to demonstrate the frugality of its new four-cylinder A6s. These have just joined the six-cylinders launched in June and a handful of cars, petrol and diesel, have been split between two teams.Lowest total wins. As fellow members of team green, my co-driver and I need the sweaty ones to do well. Even if we don't want to sit next to them. Their number is 5.0 litres per 100km, bang on the official fuel consumption figure for the diesel 2.0 TDI. Anyone who has tried to replicate these numbers knows they don't relate very well to the real world. In the A6, help is at hand. An energy meter for auxiliaries shows how much you save. For our perspiring team-mates, turning off the aircon gave them an edge. It's a good result and shows off the driveline, at least, to best advantage. Crucially, too, it's better than the diesels of the opposing team.TECHNOLOGYBut even those more concerned about personal comfort are doing fairly well. With this generation, A6 four-cylinders go to the top of the efficiency class. The 5.0l/100km figure for the 2.0 TDI means it matches or betters the BMW 520d, Jaguar XF 2.2D and Mercedes E220 CDI.It's a similar story with the petrol 2.0 TFSI, which improves 17 per cent for a figure of 6.4. The 2.0 TFSI matches the newest (and yet undriven) BMW 520i and is substantially more economical than the Mercedes E250 CGI, with its turbo 1.8.At this level, the 2.0 TFSI also benefits from a higher luxury car tax threshold and so a couple of thousand comes off the starting price. Both diesel and petrol have more power and torque than before and both are quicker. As well as being neck-and-neck with each other -- at 8.2 or 8.3 seconds to 100km/h -- they lose just one-tenth in acceleration to the naturally aspirated 2.8-litre V6.As well as the latest engine technology, including direct injection, the fours have stop-start systems and drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission with eight manually selectable ratios. Helping the efficiency claims are aluminium panels, including the bonnet and doors, which reduce weight by 65kg.DRIVINGHappily, you don't have to take an in-car sauna to benefit and in the petrol we're leaving it on for long spells and still getting 6.3. That's slightly better than the official figure and I'm not entirely clear how we've done it.Certainly, there's no point thinking you can drive as you usually do. At least, not for most drivers. We've been accelerating and braking as smoothly as possible and trying to even out speed by looking a long way ahead, anticipating every move. We're also going much slower than the law allows. At times, 20km/h below the limit as we try to keep revs low. For a while, there are a half-dozen cars backed up behind, and who can be patient in heat like this?Well, Adelaide can. In most parts of Australia, we'd have been thoroughly abused by now -- a concern in a city better known for its murders than its churches. But if there's a bright spot for road tolerance in Australia, we're in it. This, it seems, is business as usual for South Australian drivers. At least on last week's baking Wednesday.Across a 170km route through the Adelaide Hills our 6.3 in the petrol combines with two excellent scores from team green diesels to take out the win. But it's with some relief that the next day's drive does not involve a competition; this sort of thing can become obsessive.With the normal amount of lead in my right foot, different aspects of the engines stand out. Both the petrol and diesel have enough low-rev torque for an easygoing drive and either four-cylinder would make a relaxed touring machine. It's quiet and civilised in here.This is true even though both employ a continuously variable transmission. CVTs can be unpleasant because of the way they exploit an engine's power band. They tend to locate one narrow part of the rev range and adjust their internal ratios, rather than rev the engine out as you would normally. They can be shrill and will never be a driver's first pick. Although here they are better than expected.Nor is front-wheel drive the enthusiast's choice, especially for a large car. If performance and handling is your priority, then the V6s come with all-wheel drive. If I was left with doubts about these cars, it concerned their ride quality, which felt busy even on roads that looked smooth.I wasn't convinced they could cope with the worst of Aussie tarmac. But I do know, for sure, that the airconditioning can cope with the worst of Aussie heat.AUDI A6 2.0 TFSI, 2.0 TDIPrice: From $77,900 (2.0 TFSI) to $78,900 (2.0 TDI) plus on-road costsEngines: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol or dieselOutputs: 132kW at 4000kW and 320Nm at 1500rpm (2.0 TFSI); 130kW at 4200kW and 380Nm at 1750rpm (2.0 TDI)Transmission: Eight-speed continuously variable transmission, front-wheel driveFuel Consumption: 6.4l/100km (2.0 TFSI) 5.0l/100km (2.0 TDI)

HEAR that noise? It's German businessmen cheering. No, not because season 10 of Inspector Rex is out on DVD. The high-fives are due to the recent launch of the next-generation Audi A6 -- their car of choice.In Australia, the A6 doesn't connect in the same way. It's third among the large prestige car bestsellers with 590 sales this year -- far behind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class on 1177 and BMW's 5 Series on 1109. Tailgating the A6 is the Jaguar XF with 441.There's a lot more going for Audi's luxury sedan than the figures suggest. And the argument for buying one has just become stronger with the arrival of four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel models with a price closer to a Holden Caprice than its German rivals.VALUEThere are five cars in the 2012 A6 line-up. Starting with the V6 quattros, the top-spec petrol 3.0 TFSI is $121,000, the diesel 3.0 TDI is $116,500 and the petrol 2.8FSI is $93,900. The front-drive four-cylinders are the diesel 2.0 TDI at $78,900 and our petrol 2.0 TFSI is $77,900. The latter's rivals are the Benz E250 at $97,780, BMW 528i at $99,900 and Jaguar XF 2.2D Luxury at $78,900. If you want to throw in an Aussie outsider, the Holden Caprice is $61,990. It might be a big V6 but the Audi A6's turbo four almost matches its torque. The TFSI comes standard with keyless entry and ignition, light and rain sensors, parking assistance, 8-inch pop-up monitor for satnav and multimedia, Drive Select to change comfort, dynamic and economy settings, leather all round with power front seats, 10-speaker audio, wing mirrors with memory settings, Bluetooth, alarm and 17-inch aluminium wheels. The spare wheel is a space saver.TECHNOLOGYThe 2.0 TFSI's outputs are 132kW/320Nm (healthy compared with the 2.8's 150kW/280Nm). The claimed fuel economy is 6.4L/100km; I averaged 10.1L/100km in mainly city driving. The engine has a stop-start mode to save fuel and there is a braking-energy recovery system. The four-cylinder A6s use Audi's continuously variable transmission, precluding all-wheel drive, but saving on weight and price.SAFETYAll A6s have a five-star ANCAP crash-test rating. Standard across the range are eight airbags, ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and electronic differential lock, which allocate drive to the wheel or wheels with traction.DESIGNThe 2012 version is the seventh generation of the car and there's still some residual styling DNA from the original in the current car. A German businessman time-travelling from 1997 would recognise it. It's not boring -- I think it's damned sexy with its peaked ridges running down the bonnet to those LED-lined eyes. The body is low, the stance is wide and the wheel arches are muscular.The only drawback is that the A6 looks too similar to other Audis. The company has taken a cookie-cutter approach to shaping the cars and this may help with brand identity, but the models are losing differentiation. You have to be an Audi geek to tell your A4 from your A6.Inside the 2.0 TFSI it's more executive than luxury. Controls for the satnav and radio are right next to your hand on the centre console. Leg room is excellent front and back. The boot is almost wagon-sized at 530 litres.DRIVINGThe 2.0 TFSI has more than enough grunt to get itself out of (or into) trouble and rides like a limo. You pay for Audi's chassis tuning and knowledge of suspension set-up, and you get your money's worth in assured and predictable handling.VERDICTThe A6 2.0 TFSI is a deal breaker. If you were planning to buy a 5 Series or an E-Class, the Audi for less cash could be a very attractive option. Or it could be a first step up into a prestige Euro sedan for only a tad more than Holden money.RATINGAUDI A6 2.0 TFSIPrice: $77,900Warranty: Three yearsResale: 57% (est)Service: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety equipment: 8 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, TC, EDLCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol, 132kW/320NmBody: 4-door, 5-seatTransmission: CVTEconomy: 6.4L/100km, 149g/km CO2.