2022 Audi A6 Reviews

Audi is continuing to populate the Luxury Car Tax exemption parking area with prestige models that escape or partially avoid the slug. This brings their LCT-avoidance crew to 21, a number they are pretty happy to tell you is far above BMW’s nine and Mercedes-Benz’s eight.The latest to join the four-ringed circuit are turbodiesel versions of the Audi A6 – a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 2.7-litre V6, both mated to a continuously-variable multitronic’ transmission driving the front wheels. They join the A6’s current three petrol variants – 2.0, 2.8 and 3.0-litre – and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel. Both the new engines make sense in this car for those who want the economy of diesel. But the smaller of the two – which now becomes the entry level for the A6 range — is best restricted to subdued pootling around town and relaxed cruising on the highway.It’s a very poised performer in normal driving, but this is a modest engine for a large car, and it can get a bit flummoxed if you try to push it hard too quickly – preferring plenty of warning when you need it to stir up a little. However the larger newcomer offers strong effort across the rev range, and you’d be hard-pressed to think of reasons to shell out more for the 3.0-litre.The steering in both is light and accurate, but there’s little in the way of feedback – and possibly none demanded by most of the buying demographic.The A6 has a strong focus on space and comfort, and with an interior full of quality surfaces you’re encouraged to waft along in prestige calm, with noise-damping good enough to prevent much intrusion from the diesel engines … or anything else from outside the cabin save some wind rush and tyre noise on poor surfaces.Engines and pricing The 2.0-litre turbodiesel is slightly noisier than its larger sibling, but this is really only evident when you push it hard up the rev range. But it’s happy to tackle most jobs with its 350Nm of torque coming in at a handy 1750-2500rpm, and the 125kW of power at 4200rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is hardly blistering at 8.9 seconds, and the top speed sits well below the rest of the A6 range at 218km/h.The 2.7-litre benefits from its 400Nm of torque coming in at 1400rpm – a level getting closer to those usually seen driving 18 wheels than four – and digging in there until 3500rpm, while the 140kW of power arrives in a fairly narrow band between 3500-4400rpm. It takes a full second less than the 2.0-litre to hit 100km/h and manages a top speed of 277km/h.At $74,500 and 5.8l/100km, the smaller diesel gets the full LCT–free tick — and an approving nod for emissions at 153gm/km — while the 6.4l/100km larger-engined one pays the whack only on the difference between the dollar bar of $75,000 and its $84,500 price tag, and still does well with emissions at 169gm/km.Audi has done well with its TDI engines, increasing sales across all models by more than 500 per year over the past three years, and they’re on track to do the same for 2009. The new A6 arrivals will lend a hand with that job, with Audi expecting each to take up 10 per cent of sales.Audi A6 2.0 TDI Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder dieselPower: 125kW @ 4200rpmTorque: 350Nm @ 1750-2500Transmission: continuously-variable ‘multitronic’ automaticPerformance: 0-100km/h 8.9 secs, top speed 218km/hEmissions: 153gm/kmAudi A6 2.7 TDI Engine: 2.7-litre turbocharged V6 dieselPower: 140kW @ 3500-4400rpmTorque: 400Nm @ 1400-3500Transmission: continuously-variable ‘multitronic’ automaticPerformance: 0-100km/h 7.9 secs, top speed 277km/hEmissions: 169gm/km

When it comes to playing the numbers, six has become a powerful figure for Audi.The alternative German brand has been one of the real stars in the sales race this year, helped by offering an almost royal flush of interesting and refreshed models, from the baby A3 to the mid-sized A4 and A5, and the prestige entries, the A6 and A8.While the A8 is simply superb, the more affordable A6 is the one that has, with this latest version at least, given Audi added firepower to finally turn buyers away from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.Nowadays the luxury market presents a nightmare of choice for those with $120,000 burning in their pocket — yes there are still plenty of them out there. It's especially tough for those not greatly swayed by brand loyalty — those who shop between showrooms.Is the new A6 a quantum leap above say a BMW 5 Series or Benz ageing E-Class? Probably not, but the A6 puts Audi on more of a level playing field; enough for its rivals to be wary.The A6's classic styling, with its distinctive ‘bulls horn’ daytime running lights, is not as hard edged and sporty as the 5 Series but not as soft as the E-Class, so it comfortably sits in middle ground.DrivetrainAn Audi badge may not have the same pull as its German rivals, but the A6 does have an important marketing edge — the existing all-wheel drive traction is now paired with a new and excellent direct petrol injected 3.0-litre supercharged V6, developing 213kW at 4840rpm and 420Nm torque from 2500rpm, with that getting to the wheels via a six-speed sequential automatic.The A6 already had the key building blocks to be a winner: a stylish design, wrapped around a plush and comfortable cabin which can seat four in a high level of comfort. It now steps up a level, with power and performance thanks to the marriage of the supercharged motor and reassuring grip from Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system with a 60:40 bias towards the rear.Equipment While the options list is long and extensive, it nevertheless can depending on your bank balance be kitted out with enough bling to allow an owner to brag for weeks to his or her envious neighbours or golf buddies.But a word of warning if you are shopping for an Audi, BMW or Benz: you need to study carefully at what is or isn't fitted as standard equipment.Audi's test car, naturally, came fully loaded and some of the stuff (although not unique to Audi) I really liked: you don't need to use the key to unlock the doors or fire up the engine — providing you keep the transponder in your pocket. Touch the door handles and the doors unlock almost magically; push the button marked start (obviously) and the V6 fires into life.Even the park brake is electronic, a rear view camera (optional) makes backing a breeze and the central console mounted command system is reasonably logical in the way you can flip from following a street map on the navigation screen to changing stations the audio system.There are some expected items missing from the standard equipment list however. Leather seats are plush and comfortable but on a bitterly cold winter's morning you long for seat warmers. OK, so I'm getting old and soft.And there's no TV, trick rear view camera, adaptive lights, adaptive cruise control, or sunroof.The test car came with Audi's ‘comfort package’ ($4000) which adds electric sunroof, parking system, music interface and smart locking. It also had the S line sports package which lowered the suspension.What you do get for your money is 18-inch alloys, electrics for doors, windows and mirrors, a full-sized spare, full raft of safety equipment, cruise control and basic park assist.Driving It's been about 60 years since Audi fitted a supercharger instead of a turbocharger to its engine.The supercharger has been neatly slotted between the two banks of cylinders and has transformed the A6. Plant your foot and there's a little bit of annoying hesitation but then the saloon really delivers.It's not explosive, but the delivery of power and torque comes on strong and long and the six-speed sequential gearbox is well matched to this engine.All-wheel drive means the Audi has tenacious grip although it feels a little unsteady under high-speed cornering loads. Claimed acceleration is 5.9 seconds for the zero to 100km/h dash — that's the sort of performance from a big banger V8s not that many years ago.Audi says it has made big gains in improving fuel economy; in the quattro's case we returned an average 14.4l/100km for a week of mainly city running which considering the size of the car and that it is running all-wheel drive, is reasonable.Audi A6 TFSI Price: $112,500 plus on-road costsEngine: Supercharged V6; 213kW @4840rpm; 420Nm torque from 2500rpmFuel economy: 14.4l/100km (9.5l/100km claimed) 

It was one of the better ideas to come out of the rush to cash in on the crossover boom, which hit the automotive industry almost a decade ago.At a time when the common option for a family wanting a weekend 'get away,' or annual holidays was a substantial four-wheel-drive, Audi came to the party with something practical and clever.The Allroad held enormous promise and represented the upper end of a segment dominated by Subaru. A practical family wagon with enough off-road and soft-road ability to take the average city slicker into country, they could describe as adventurous to workmates on Monday morning.With about 1000 sales in Australia between 2000 and 2005 the original Allroad was not a huge success, but it did pay its way and offered good value for anyone shopping the top end of the market for the Aussie dream of escaping to the bush.It is therefore, more than a little ironic that the 'improved' second generation of the Allroad fails the Federal Government's test of what constitutes a four-wheel-drive under the tariff regime. The head office designers have done Audi no favours in Australia with the lower-riding, longer wheel-based new Allroad, unable to meet enough of the 4WD criteria to qualify for the lower 5 per cent import duty.The upshot is the Allroad's price has shot up by $21,000 to $106,000, and that's the basic package. Options such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone, reversing camera, sunroof, upgraded leather, iPod compatability and a voice activation system can lift the price beyond $110,000.All of that in no way stops the Allroad from being a good idea.Stylistically the Allroad is a more adventurous A6 Avant. There are some extra bulges in the exterior cladding, neat aluminium roof rails, an Allroad badge and not a lot else to set it apart to the casual observer.Watch closely and you may catch it rising and falling on the adjustable air-suspension, something that set the original Allroad apart.Step into the cabin and you could be in almost any of Audi's large passenger cars. The cabin is roomy and light, the leather seats comfortable and well bolstered.In keeping with the A6 in general the instruments are well placed and easy to read. Audi's command centre control system, a simpler and more intuitive version of BMW's ground-breaking i-Drive, bringing most of the main control functions easily to hand. Sound system, navigation, suspension settings and phone are all just a click or a twist away.Twin dual-stage front airbags, side bags for front and rear passengers and Audi's sideguard curtain airbag offer a strong passive safety comfort. A full complement of electronic safety systems includes stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes and the Quattro all-wheel-drive complete the active safety story.Four 17-inch alloys are standard fit but the spare is just a space-saver. Space for the rear passengers is generous if travelling four-up, less so with a third across the rear.Load space is generous without being excessive. With the rear seats in place there is ample room for luggage for four, the clever rails system in the floor of the luggage compartment offers a variety of options for fixing or steadying any load. Fold the rear seats down and load capacity is out to 1660 litres. Rear access is aided by electronic opening and closing of the tailgate.The air-suspension offers five settings ranging from 125mm to 185mm clearance. They can be set manually but will adjust automatically when speed and road conditions exceed factory settings. The damper settings adjust automatically in concert with the ride heights.Around town and on the open road the settings and adjustments are both subtle and supple. Ride varies from plush to a little floaty at higher speeds but is never unacceptable.Stability and grip from the Quattro system is superb, let down only slightly by steering that is a little remote and light when pushing on. However, in city traffic and carparks that same lightness is a blessing when manoeuvring this large car.So far so good, but it is where the Allroad could have fallen down that it really excels. Too often a good package is spoilt by an inadequate or inappropriate engine. Happily, that is not the case with this Audi.The 3.0-litre TDI is a gem and as good as it is in the hulking Q7, it stands apart in the lighter (1800kg) Allroad. The engine's 171kW gives enough power for top speed and cruising capability, but it is the V6's 450Nm of torque that is the key to the pleasure you get from this oil-burner.At anything over 1400rpm the urge through the all-wheel-drive is little short of manic and doesn't start to go away until you cross 3250rpm. Controlling that torque is Audi's six-speed tiptronic transmission, which without fuss keeps the meat of the torque curve engaged. It is good enough that after a couple of experiments with the manual shifters, most owners will not bother with anything but full automatic.It is nothing unusual but you will not see fuel economy approaching the 8.8 litres per 100km claimed by Audi. Mostly driven in the city and with a good lashing of enthusiasm, the test car returned an average of 10.2 litres per 100km, still acceptable for such a substantial vehicle. The Bottom LineStylish, practical and expensive. It is a shame many potential buyers will turn away from the Allroad to other, less city-friendly options to pocket a substantial saving.Snapshot Price: $106,000Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel; 171kW, 450NmTransmission: 6-speed tiptronicEconomy: 10.2L/100km (as tested), 8.8L/100km (claimed) The RivalsSubaru TribecaPrice: $60,990 (3.0R Premium 7-seat)Engine: 3.0L/6-cylinder; 180kW, 297NmTransmission: 5-speed autoEconomy: 12.4L/100km BMW X5 3.0d autoPrice: $86,800Engine: 3.0L/6 cyl turbo diesel; 150kW, 480NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 9.4L/100km VOLVO XC90 D5Price: $72,950Engine: 2.4L/5 cyl turbo diesel; 136kW, 400NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 9.0L/100km 

It was one of the better ideas to come out of the rush to cash in on the crossover boom which hit the automotive industry almost a decade ago. At a time when the common option for a family wanting to “get away” at weekends or for the annual holidays was a substantial four-wheel-drive — substantial in the manner of a Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol or Mitsubishi Pajero — Audi came to the party with something practical and clever.The Allroad held enormous promise and represented the upper end of a segment dominated by Subaru, a practical family wagon with enough off-road and soft-road ability to take the average city slicker into country they could describe as adventurous to workmates on Monday morning.With about 1000 sales in Australia between 2000 and 2005 the original Allroad was not a huge success but it did pay its way and offered good value for anyone shopping the top end of the market for the Aussie dream of escaping to the bush.It is therefore more than a little ironic that the “improved” second generation of the Allroad fails the Australian Government's test of what constitutes a four-wheel-drive under the tariff regime. The head-office designers have done Audi no favours in Australia with the lower-riding, longer wheel-based new Allroad unable to meet enough of the 4WD criteria — approach angle, breakover angle and running clearance — to qualify for the lower 5 per cent import duty.The upshot is that the Allroad's price has shot up by $21,000 — not all of it duty-related — to $106,000, and that is for the basic package. Options such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone, reversing camera, sunroof, upgraded leather, iPod compatability and a voice activation system can easily lift the price beyond $110,000.All of that in no way stops the Allroad from being a good idea — and a well-executed one at that.Stylistically the Allroad is a more adventurous A6 Avant. There are some extra bulges in the exterior cladding, a set of neat aluminium roof rails, an Allroad badge and not a lot else to set it apart to the casual observer.Watch closely and you may catch it rising and falling on the adjustable air-suspension — something that set the original Allroad apart.Step into the cabin and you could be in almost any of Audi's large passenger cars — a point decidedly in favour of the Allroad. The cabin is roomy and light, the leather seats comfortable and well bolstered.In keeping with the A6 in general the instruments are well placed and easy to read. Audi's command centre control system — a simpler and more intuitive version of BMW's ground-breaking i-Drive — brings most of the main control functions easily to hand. Sound system, navigation, suspension settings and phone are all just a click or a twist away.Twin dual-stage front airbags, side bags for front and rear passengers and Audi's sideguard curtain airbag offer a strong passive safety comforter. A full complement of electronic safety systems including stability and traction control, anti-skid brakes and the Quattro all-wheel-drive complete the active safety story.Four 17-inch alloys are standard fit but the spare is a space-saver — another disappointment. Space for the rear passengers is generous if travelling four-up, less so if you want to fit a third across the rear.Load space is generous without being excessive. With the rear seats in place there is ample room for luggage for four and the clever rails system in the floor of the luggage compartment offers a variety of options for fixing or steadying any load. Fold the rear seats down and load capacity is out to 1660 litres, which is comparable to other similar-sized wagons.Rear access is aided by electronic opening and closing of the tailgate.The air-suspension offers five settings ranging from 125mm to 185mm clearance. They can be set manually but will adjust automatically when speed and road conditions exceed factory settings. The damper settings adjust automatically in concert with the ride heights.Around town and on the open road the settings and adjustments are both subtle and supple. Ride varies from plush to a little floaty at higher speeds but is never unacceptable.Stability and grip from the Quattro system is superb, let down only slightly by steering that is a little remote and light when pushing on. However, in city traffic and carparks that same lightness is a blessing when manoeuvring this large car.So far so good, but it is where the Allroad could have fallen down that it really excels. Too often a good package is spoilt by an inadequate or inappropriate engine. Happily, that is not the case with this Audi.The 3.0-litre TDI is an absolute gem and as good as it is in the hulking Q7, it stands apart in the lighter (1800kg) Allroad. The engine's 171kW gives adequate power for top speed and cruising capability, but it is the V6's 450Nm of torque that is the key to the enjoyment you will get from this wonderful oil-burner.At anything over 1400rpm the urge through the all-wheel-drive is little short of manic and doesn't start to go away until you cross 3250rpm. Controlling that torque is Audi's six-speed tiptronic transmission which without fuss keeps the meat of the torque curve engaged. It is good enough that after a couple of experiments with the manual shifters, most owners will not bother with anything but full automatic. It is nothing unusual but you will not see fuel economy approaching the 8.8 litres per 100km claimed by Audi.Mostly driven in the city and with a good lashing of enthusiasm, the test car returned an average of 10.2 litres per 100km, still very acceptable figures for such a substantial vehicle. The Bottom LineStylish, practical and expensive. It is a shame that many potential buyers will turn away from the Allroad to other, less city-friendly options to pocket a substantial saving.   Snapshot Audi A6 Allroad QuattroPrice: $106,000Engine: 3.0L V6 turbo diesel; 171kW, 450NmTransmission: 6-speed tiptronicEconomy: 10.2L/100km (as tested), 8.8L/100km (claimed) The RivalsSubaru TribecaPrice: $60,990 (3.0R Premium 7-seat)Engine: 3.0L/6-cylinder; 180kW, 297NmTransmission: 5-speed autoEconomy: 12.4L/100km BMW X5 3.0d autoPrice: $86,800Engine: 3.0L/6 cyl turbo diesel; 150kW, 480NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 9.4L/100km Volvo XC90 D5Price: $72,950Engine: 2.4L/5 cyl turbo diesel; 136kW, 400NmTransmission: 6-speed autoEconomy: 9.0L/100km

Audi already offers some of these elements separately in other models, but in this one, it all comes together. The second-generation allroad sits between the prestige A6 Avant and the larger, luxury SUV, the Q7.And Audi believes that despite some similarities to the other models, it will still find its niche market, with a forecasted 100 sales for the remainder of the year. The price tag alone brings high expectations.Sitting at $106,000, the allroad isn't cheap, and price seems to grow rapidly once options are added. Our test cars were all fitted with other features such as an iPod connection, different leather, reversing camera, satellite navigation and so on, which will add thousands to the price. And considering it is already $20,000 more than the Q7, it is a big step up and for that you expect a lot more.Granted, it does come in cheaper than the 3.2-litre petrol A6 Avant. But it doesn't have the same off-road ability and has a $3000 premium. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine is a smooth, quiet performer and you can barely notice it's not a petrol from the inside.The noise, or should I say lack of, doesn't reveal its true identity.The V6 reaches a maximum 171kW and it boasts a torquey engine producing 450Nm from the lower end of the tacho, coming on relatively quickly from 1400rpm to 3250rpm.And with the performance accessed through a very smooth shifting six-speed tiptronic transmission with DSP and sports program, there's no doubt it's a luxury and to a degree, sporty drive.The big difference to the A6 Avant is the adaptive air suspension system. When the conditions change, the suspension adapts. It is activated both automatically, or if you choose, manually. Known as the electronically controlled adaptive air suspension system, it alters the trim height of the body by up to 61 millimetres.It acknowledges the road conditions, speed and driving style and automatically adjusts the control characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers. In simpler terms, it means there are five modes, which are all pretty self-explanatory. These are dynamic, automatic, comfort, allroad and lift.During the different modes, the body is lowered or raised. As an example, dynamic is like a sports suspension setting, so the body is lowered to a ground clearance of 125mm.And you really notice the difference when taking control of the system and manually adjusting. The ESP system has also been enhanced to be more suitable for off-road use.Quattro all-wheel-drive is another feature on the allroad. It splits the torque between the front and rear axles in a 50/50 distribution, with a bias to the rear.The car is also very strong in its stance on the road, with a boosted torsional rigidity.The allroad proved itself this week on a combination of bitumen and dirt roads, although the dirt roads weren't extreme four-wheel-driving tracks and more bumpy conditions and tighter turns might alter the performance. Its luxury presence may not be as well suited to more adventurous tracks.But on the roads we tackled, the allroad handled well at high speeds and was a comfortable drive in terms of ride, setting and appearance. It's like a sibling to the A6 — think the Minogue sisters. You can tell they're related, but each has her own defining character.The allroad is longer, wider and more spacious than its younger relative.The striking front grille on the allroad stands out with a dominant and strong presence, which also gives the car a really muscular impression.This is nicely complemented by the new roof rails in aluminium, newly designed bumpers, flared wheel arches and those sporty looking, large twin-exhaust pipes.The wheels are also slightly larger than the A6 Avant. Audi designs succeed because they're not too much of a “look at me” style. The new allroad follows this line with its subtle, classy design.There's all the comfort you can expect with the interior: cosy leather, sports seats, wood trim and an electronic parking brake, all in the style that mimics the A6 Avant. The entertainment system is very easy to use and incorporates features such as the radio/six disc CD stacker, the viewing for the air suspension, and extras, including the optional navigational system.One downside to the allroad is that it only comes with a space-saver spare. With its off-road abilities, the allroad would make much more sense with a full-size spare.The launch saw one car temporarily sidelined because of a flat. Audi Australia says a full-size spare isn't available at this stage. The previous allroad achieved better sales than originally expected for Audi.There were some 90,000 orders worldwide between 2000 and 2005. About 1000 of those sales were in Australia. This new generation is aimed at “affluent professionals” with a family, who are sporty and adventurous in character. Most buyers are expected to be male, but it is designed to satisfy women as well.The allroad is unique in its character because other luxury manufacturers don't have a model that offers the whole package of off-road and diesel in wagon form. Fast factsAudi A6 Allroad quattroPrice: $106,000Engine: 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel, 171kW@4000rpm, 450Nm@1400rpm-3250rpmTransmission: 6-speed tiptronic with DSP and sports program.Fuel: 80-litre tank, 9.8L/100km (as tested), 8.8L/100km (claimed) combinedVerdict: It's all elegance and all style in this luxury wagon, and the best part is you can even get it dirty.

The four-pot in the German sedan has a turbocharger that helps it generate 125kW and 280Nm.It is the latest generation powerplant that has been already slotted into the A3 Sportback, A4 and TT models and uses direct petrol injection.In the smaller, lighter models, the engine is a cracker, but it has to work harder in the bulkier A6 (1555kg).Even so, it can still run from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds, faster than the 2.4-litre A6 model that costs $7800 more.In both models, the new 2.0-litre is teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).A CVT, using a mix of cones, belts and pulleys, continuously changes the gear ratio so the engine is operating as efficiently as possible.To the driver, it feels as if the car has one gear. There are no step changes as with a regular automatic.The combination of the efficient CVT and the small engine means the entry-level A6 can score an official fuel economy figure of 8.5 litres for 100km of city and highway driving.The new model may be the cheapest in the A6 range, but comes with plenty of luxury, including leather seats, woodgrain trim, cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.The A6 comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, including a spare one in the boot.Safety is also covered with eight airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes.A wagon version is available for an extra $3800. It adds roof rails and a storage system for the boot, including luggage nets and dividers.The CVT automatic is standard on the sedan and wagon and there is no manual gearbox option. If you feel the urge to change gears yourself, the CVT has seven pre-defined ratios you can flick between using the manual shift mode. ON THE ROADTHERE are no badges on the A6 to let you know it has a 2.0-litre engine.The A6 models with bigger engines have big badges on the boot proudly announcing the size of the powerplant.But there is no reason to be ashamed if you buy a 2.0-litre A6. It's not the fastest model, but has enough punch for most conditions and it is efficient.A mixture of highway driving and a bit of city work had the engine using between 6.8 litres and 7.0 litres for 100km. That is excellent for this size vehicle.Cruising at 100km/h, the 2.0-litre engine is running at just 1800 revs, which no doubt helps it achieve such good figures.The A6 is a bit sluggish when you put the boot in or try to accelerate hard up hills.The CVT auto also means it is smooth, with no jerky gear changes to worry about.Audi has not cut corners when it comes to the interior, even though this is the base model. The quality of the surfaces, the fitment of the trim and the woodgrain-lined panels bordered with aluminium all make the driver feel they own an expensive car.Small things such as the glovebox opening slowly at the touch of a button on the dashboard add to the luxury feel.Just as the other premium Audi models, the A6 has the MMI information controller.This system uses a roller ball and four corner buttons to let the driver control all sorts of things, from radio stations to heater settings.The MMI system is the best of the bunch and is easier to use than the BMW iDrive.There is plenty of room in the back for two people, though the middle rear seat is so hard it is almost unusable.You do have to wonder about Audi's priorities. There are no cupholders in the rear, but there are ashtrays on both rear doors and a central cigarette lighter.The ride comfort in the A6 is not bad, especially compared with many other Audi models that tend to be far too firm for Australian roads.Perhaps it is the fact this A6 runs on smaller wheels and higher-profile tyres than the more expensive A6 models. They help to absorb some of the bumps.The A6 is no sportscar, but it's still disappointing that the steering is rather vague, with little feel.Even so, the 2.0-litre A6 is an impressive car that offers good value for money.

So this is how the other half lives — or would, if they had any any imagination at all. Apparently, one arrives at the middle-upper executive level of life and reflexively calls on a BMW or Mercedes-Benz dealer.For the 5 Series and the E-Class are every bit as de rigueur in this set as spending a year in Provence or buying wine as an investment.Although ever more Audis — the third force in the prestige segment from Germany — are being driven from showrooms, the marque is yet to become an automatic lifestyle decision in the way of the other two.The bankers (and those whose conspicuous consumption makes them rhyme with bankers) don't know what they're missing out on.So if you see an A6 emerging from a CBD building or a blue-ribbon suburban driveway, you see a driver of wealth and tact.Especially if the letters TDI are embossed upon the A6's behind. This, if not the perfect luxury car, is about as good as Audis get.It's far from the ultimate model in the range — for that, see the S6 at the Motor Show. Nor, by some way, is it the least — clock the 2.0 TFSI at the same venue.But it's the smartest choice. The A6 embodies those endearing qualities found in the better products of Ingolstadt: a superb direct-injection turbo diesel engine; quattro all-wheel drive; strong yet understated lines; and first-rate fit and finish.It also entails some of the dynamic drawbacks inherent to the cars with four rings on their grille: steering from which almost almost every milligram of feel has been meticulously removed; suspension made for First World roads, not ours; over-servoed brakes; and a nose-heavy pushiness in extremes.But for the most part, you won't much care about that.In the year since we drove the petrol A6 of near-equivalent price and capacity, this, its sibling, has become the first diesel to be voted Best Luxury Car over $57,000 by the nation's motoring organisations.Encountering the slightly up-powered version last week (it's now good for 171kW over the previous 165) was to affirm our belief that the TDI renders borderline redundant even so good a petrol V6 as Audi's.Driven through a six-speed tiptronic transmission with manual and sport modes, the 3.0 V6 diesel's towering 450Nm is present from 1400 to 3250rpm.It's a petrol V8-beating torque figure that gets this 1765kg sedan to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds — a company claim that equals that made for the FSI.It's a figure that also questions the relevance of the 4.2 V8 A6, for all the real-world use of its 5.9-second sprint time.Indeed, save for a hint of hesitation that characterises even the best-bred turbo diesel when the pedal is planted hard, the 3.0TDI has all the performance you could reasonably want.Nor, except at idle and crawling pace, is there much to suggest there's a diesel beneath the bonnet. Refinement is a given with this engine, as is near-silence at cruising speed and a sonorous note when it is suddenly asked to get fast.Combined with quattro — as opposed to the front-wheel-drive (and dive) of lesser A6s — the 3.0 TDI makes a case for consideration as a sports sedan. All this at wholly credible combined fuel consumption claim of 8.5 litres per 100km.All this, of course, is but half the picture for prestige punters, for whom what lies within is at least of equal importance.Being an upper-spec Audi, the inside story is of an interior whose air of sombre understatement cannot be marred even by the schmatte woodgrain that allegedly indicates class. Fit and finish are simply world-leading.If you're serious about situating three adults in the back, though, an A6 avant would serve better than the sedan with a sloping roof that wins it awards but slices head space.Dynamically, the A6 3.0 TDI can't match the harder-edged 5 Series. Nor is its ride so plush as that of the E-Class.But in so far as value is an issue here, the Audi's $101,700 price tag represents just that.It's also possessed of qualities — and a badge — that stimulate all but the dullest imaginations.

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.