Audi A6 2.4 2005 review

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 TORQUE

Load of ideas

Open 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.