Audi A6 2.0 TFSI 2007 Review

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 ROAD

THERE 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.