Audi A6 2007 News

Hot on the heels of the Australian government's mandatory Takata airbag recall, Ford, Audi and Tesla have joined the list of carmakers to detail which of it's models are affected.

A vote by 75 motoring journalists from 22 countries has awarded the compact prestige car the World Car of the Year award for 2015.It finished on top of a 24-car field and eventually beat the two other finalists, the Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Passat.The other big prizes for 2015, Green Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year, went to the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 and the Mercedes-AMG GT coupe.The winners were announced at the New York Motor Show today at an event hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and Autoneum at the culmination of a six-month voting process.The C-Class delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.The awards are in their 11th year and previous winners include the Audi A6, BMW 3 Series, Lexus LS460 and Volkswagen Golf, Polo and Up.To be eligible for the overall World Car award, candidate cars must have become available for sale on at least two continents between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2015.The WCOTY wins by Mercedes-Benz follow its victories in the Green Car contest in 2007 with the E320 Bluetec and 2012 with the S 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and its Luxury Car success with the S Class in 2014.“We are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year,” says the chairman of Daimler, Dr Dieter Zetsche.The WCOTY victory follows a similar success for the C-Class in the CarsGuide Car of the Year award.The WCOTY judging panel says: “Taking its design and technological cues from the S-Class, the C-Class employs an all-new aluminium/steel hybrid platform and updated rear-drive powertrains that delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class.” WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2015Overall winner: Mercedes-Benz C-ClassGreen Car: BMW i8Performance Car: Mercedes-AMG GTLuxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S CoupeDesign: Citroen CactusPREVIOUS WORLD COTY WINNERS:2014: Audi A32013: Volkswagen Golf2012: Volkswagen Up2011: Nissan Leaf2010: Volkswagen Polo2009: Volkswagen Golf2008: Mazda22007: Lexus LS4602006: BMW 3 Series2005: Audi A6

THE Audi A3 small car -- which owes much of its DNA to the Volkswagen Golf -- has won the 2014 World Car of the Year, as voted by 69 jurors from 22 countries. The luxury hatch toppled the widely-tipped favourite, the Mazda3 from Japan, in the awards announced at the New York motor show today.The Audi A3 was among five German cars that took out a cleansweep of the 2014 World Car of the Year categories, and it was Audi’s second win in 10 years, having won the inaugural award. Indeed, German cars have won seven of the past 10 World Car of the Year awards, Japanese brands have won the remaining three.Accepting the award on behalf of the company, Audi's North America president Scott Keogh said: “The Audi A3 has only been on sale three weeks and already it’s off to a flying start.”Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi, said: “This major award win is an achievement that the whole company can celebrate.”The Audi A3 was among 24 finalists that included the BMW i3 electric car, which won the Green Car of the Year and the Car Design of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was the Luxury Car of the Year while the Porsche 911 GT3 was awarded top performance car honours.But the Mazda3 had emerged as an early favourite for the outright World Car of the Year award following rave reviews globally since it went on sale late last year. The previous generation Mazda3 has been Australia’s top selling car for two of the past three years, and was the vehicle that ended the Holden Commodore’s record 15-years as the market leader, in 2011.The Mazda3 is returned to the top of the sales charts so far this year -- after being overtaken by the Toyota Corolla in 2013 -- and is likely to take out top-seller status this year buoyed by the new model which went on sale in January.World car of the year winners2014 – Audi A32013 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk72012 -- Volkswagen Up2011 -- Nissan Leaf2010 -- Volkswagen Polo2009 -- Volkswagen Golf Mk62008 -- Mazda22007 -- Lexus LS4602006 -- BMW 3 Series2005 -- Audi A62014 World Car of The Year category winnersGreen car of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carCar Design of the Year -- BMW i3 electric carPerformance Car of the Year -- Porsche 911 GT3Luxury Car of the Year – Mercedes-Benz S-ClassThis reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling 

The Avant arrives with a choice of  two efficient, direct-injection, turbocharged four-cylinder engines and prices starting at $81,800. The carry-all features a sleek design, lightweight construction and a generous level of standard equipment and convenience features along with an  extensive options list. Aluminium components comprise roughly 20 per cent of the body with weight reductions of as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model. The engine choices are 2.0-litre turbo petrol and turbo diesel with outputs of 132kW and 130kW respectively. They deliver exceptional fuel economy with the 2.0 TDI, for example, sipping 5.1 litres/100 km. Both include a start-stop system and both have continuously variable multitronic transmission (CVT). The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres, which can be increased to 1,680 litres by folding the rear seats. Other standard features include the sensor-controlled, automatically opening tailgate operated hands free by passing your foot under a sensor. Both versions get Audi drive select and MMI Navigation plus. Safety is five star rated. It is in dealerships now.  

The final piece in the A6 jigsaw puzzle was dropped from the local line-up late last year after being on sale in Australia since 2001 in both petrol and diesel guises. The former was dropped in 2006 and it stayed diesel-only until last its disappearance last year.  Audi says the A6 allroad comes with a claim of fuel use reductions by as much as 20 per cent, depending on which of the four engines is chosen - although Audi Australia is tightlipped on what's coming here. The sole petrol engine for the new model is the supercharged three-litre V6 already seen in the current line-up, but offering 228kW and 440 Nm, kicking the crossover wagon from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and claiming 8.9 litres per 100km, although not when you're flat-out testing the acceleration claim. The diesel offering is three output variations - 150kW and 450Nm, 180kW and 580Nm or the twin-turbo powerplant's 230kW and 650 Nm, with thirsts starting at 6.1l/100km. Audi says it will soon offer a low-emissions "clean diesel" 180kW engine variant, although it's not likely in Australia in the short term. The twin-turbo 230kW/650Nm three-litre gets the eight-speed automatic (the rest are seven-speed twin-clutch autos) and drops the time to 100km/h to 5.6 seconds. The new A6 gets the company's staple all-wheel drive system, albeit with the addition of the torque vectoring system, which brakes the wheels on the inside of the curve to help the car turn more easily. The new car has the sedan's electro-mechanical power steering, as well as the option of variable-ratio "dynamic" steering and the clever differential that sends power left and right across the rear axle during "enthusiastic" driving. Among the fuel-saving systems is "drive select," which allows the driver to alter the car's functions to run in an economy mode. The new A6 allroad carries over the adaptive air suspension, which was standard on the outgoing car and can drop the normal ride height by 15mm at cruising speeds and can raise between 35 and 45mm for rougher roads, with variable-speed hill descent control for the more adventurous. Standard fare in the A6 allroad quattro also includes 18in and 235/55 tyres, but optional wheels up to 20in are on offer. The new Audi A6 allroad quattro will be available in Germany from spring 2012, starting from 54,600 Euros - it will be launched in Australia in the third quarter of 2012. Audi Australia says it's too early to talk specifics on engine options, specifics on equipment and pricing - the outgoing car was priced at about $104,000 but when the model first arrived it started just under $100,000, but Audi won't say if it will sneak into the five-figure price bracket. The new A6 allroad quattro is 4940mm long, 1900mm wide and 1470mm tall, only slightly longer but 38mm wider and nearly 50mm shorter in overall height over the outgoing model. Audi says the use of aluminium has shaved about 70kg from the weight of the outgoing model. The Audi A6 allroad quattro will have available LED and xenon lighting technology, as well as getting extra trim bits on the door sills, wheelarches, a different grille and underbody protection. The infotainment system - MMI in Audi-speak - has the added function of showing the vehicle pitch as a nod to its all-terrain aims. The luggage compartment boasts 565 litres of cargo space (with folding rear seats upping it the storage space to 1680 litres) and a load-restraint rail system. Also on the features list is a head-up display, ambient LED cabin lighting, four-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, automatic parking assist system which steers for the driver,and the keyless entry and ignition and a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. There's also optional Bluetooth car phone (standard on the outgoing car) but the new model gets internet connectivity and an in-car wireless hotspot. The allroad will also have radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop and go function that applies maximum braking (below 30km/h) if it senses an impending impact, the pre-sense accident prep system (in a number of guises), lane assist, side assist blindspot warning and the night vision system

The front-wheel-drive, petrol 2.0 TFSI and diesel 2.0 TDI are examples of Audi's engine downsizing philosophy which sees large engine capacity replaced by smart forced induction techniques to achieve outstanding fuel consumption while maintaining performance and driving enjoyment. The most fuel-efficient engine in the new A6 is the 2.0 TDI. Almost entirely redeveloped, it generates 130kW/380 Nm. A multitronic CVT transmission drives the front wheels to give fuel consumption of 5.0 L/100km. It's capable of the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds. The turbocharger with adjustable vanes (VGT) provides spontaneous torque buildup at an early stage in the cycle. The 132kW/320Nm turbo petrol 2.0 TFSI engine uses Audi's valvelift system which varies the lift of the exhaust valve. Paired with the multitronic transmission and front-wheel drive, this engine propels the A6 from 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. The engine consumes 6.4L/100 km. Both of these new four-cylinder A6 variants utilise Audi efficiency technologies, including an innovative thermal management system that lowers fuel consumption by approximately 0.1 litres per 100km.  A start-stop system is also standard across the A6 range and shuts off the engine after the Audi A6 has come to a stop for further fuel savings. The energy recovery system utilises the kinetic energy of the car as it decelerates. Among the technologies in the A6 lineup is the latest version of Audi's Drive Select dynamic handling system, which now includes an additional mode the Efficiency program.

Audi recently announced it would have iPhone capability when the Apple mobile phone is released here early next year.BMW and Mini have joined the ranks of those offering full compatibility for products available here.BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski says details of which BMW and Mini models will have full compatibility will be announced closer to the Australian launch of the iPhone.The rush to be first to integrate the iPhone is in direct contradiction to the slow adoption of iPod technology.While few manufacturers offer full integration of iPods, some have input sockets for the headphone jacks which limits control options and most don't offer any hook-up for an iPod.However, Chrysler Sebring offers an alternative solution with a hard drive in the car for downloading music files, without the need of an iPod.When the iPhone was launched in the US in June, BMW Group claimed to be the first car manufacturer in the world to offer full integration in most models. It will be available first in the 6, 5, 3 and 1 Series and the X5.All Mini models will be equipped for the Apple iPhone in time for its European premiere later this year.In the BMW hook-up, music files and signals for operating the iPod are transferred to the vehicle's audio system by a cable adaptor available for the USB audio interface in BMW and Mini models. The iPhone can also be charged using the same connection.The requirement for comprehensive integration of the telephone functions is the mobile phone preparation feature with Bluetooth interface from the relevant BMW or Mini models.Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf says the iPod feature will also be fully integrated via its Bluetooth telephone preparation.Costs for Bluetooth preparation vary by model. It is a standard feature in some, she says, while in the A6 it is $1390 as an option.Alongside standard hands-free functions (accept/reject call/hands-free), the Audi mobile phone preparation supports the display of the signal strength and the provider's name, in addition to the transfer of the telephone directory, including the icons Work, Home, Mobile and call lists.In addition to telephone calls, the Audi Music Interface (currently an optional extra for the A5, A6, A8 and Q7) allows the iPhone's music playback function to be used via the car sound system.Until now, telephone and iPod functions have been separated in vehicles because they were operated via different end-consumer products. For the smart phone innovation, the BMW Group has developed a joint platform for both functions.With the adapted software, a music program the driver is listening to through the vehicle speakers is automatically stopped for the duration of the call, starting again at the same place as soon as the call is over.While the music is paused, the speakers and microphone of the hands-free facility are activated.In conjunction with the operating system BMW iDrive, the telephone function's address book and hands-free can be operated using the controller in the centre console, as well as music selection and play.In the Mini, activated smart phone functions are shown either in the display of the navigation system or, if the latter is not available, in the radio unit. If a Mini navigation system is installed, the Mini Joystick operating system can be used to control the telephone and audio functions of the Apple iPhone.A snap-in iPhone adaptor for BMW and Mini models will follow next year and will incorporate a wireless connection to the external vehicle antenna to lift reception. BMW plans to integrate other “smart” phones in the same way as the iPhone.Mercedes-Benz fully integrated the iPod and spokesman David McCarthy says the company should have something when the phone is released.Toyota, Holden and Ford have no plans yet to introduce iPhone compatibility but several of their models have Bluetooth compatibility. 

Audi is helping to put the South Australian Outback on the international map

The biggest recall has hit Toyota, which wants to check 144,500 Camrys for headlights, and nearly 8000 Honda Civics also have light problems.The federal Department of Transport says eight imported cars have been recalled since June 1, even Volvo, which makes safety a key selling point, hasn't escaped, recalling cars to check on a faulty door assembly.The latest recalls are;Audi: A6 built between March 2004 and March 2005 may have a software fault which, in exceptional circumstances, could delay release of both front air bags in an accident. Number of cars, 464.Toyota: Camrys built from June 2002 to May 2006; faulty headlight switch which may cause headlights to flicker or temporarily fail. Number involved, 144,589.Honda: Civic sedan and somes hatches built between 2001 and 2002; problem with plastic terminal connector melting, causing low beam lights to fail. Number, 7979.Volvo: Current model C70 may have incorrect left hand door assembly, so it doesn't meet legal requirements in an accident. Number, 173.Mazda: The Mazda3 MPS built from May 2006 to May 2007 may have a loose bolt securing the engine and transmission to its mounting. If it falls out, the engine may drop, detaching the drive shaft. Number of recalls, 1160. Recall will start next week. 

More than $1 million dollars worth of luxury Audi vehicles rolled into Darwin on May 2 as part of the company's push to raise awareness of the brand in regional areas of AustraliaAudi Australia has achieved its fourth all-time record sales result, as the month of April drew to a close.Closing the month with sales of 605 units, Audi is now 41 per cent ahead of its April 2006 result, or 177 units.Cumulatively, the brand is now 41 per cent ahead of the same period last year, up 740 units to 2536 units for the year.Audi Australia's managing director Joerg Hofmann said the result is yet another sign of confidence in the Audi brand in Australia.A further sign of commitment from the German luxury brand in Australia is the recent appointment of AP Eagers/Stuart Motor Group in the Northern Territory.The dealership, officially known as `Audi Centre Darwin', is headed by dealer principal David Russell.“AP Eagers prides itself on customer satisfaction and service excellence and will bring a professional sales and aftersales model to Audi customers in Darwin and the Northern Territory,” Mr Russell said.“Audi is the fastest-growing luxury brand in Australia and will end 2007 with another year of record growth.“The growth of Audi in the market is a clear sign of growing interest in the brand from the luxury car-buying public and the Northern Territory is another important region to assist Audi in its mission to become the No.1 premium brand.”Audi is yet to launch several key new models this year, including the new TT Roadster, Audi S3, Audi A5/S5, Audi R8 and the new Q7 4.2 TDI quattro.Another feather in the cap of the new Audi Centre Darwin is the Audi Roadshow, which showcases the most sought-after models for prospective customers, including the rare Audi S6, TT Coupe and RS 4 models.The roadshow aims to build awareness of the Audi brand around the country, particularly in relation to its top-most models.The roadshow will be in Darwin until May 14 and any interested Audi customers are encouraged to visit David and the team at Audi Centre Darwin to arrange a personal appointment for a test-drive.An official dealership opening cocktail party will be held on Tuesday.Audi Australia's regional sales manager Peter Barron and regional after-sales manager Robert Montgomery will attend the event. Be sure not to miss the AUDI ROADSHOW, showcasing the eight vehicles listed below, at Audi Centre Darwin on the Stuart Highway, Berrimah, until May 14AUDI A3 3.2 V6 Quattro S TronicCharacterised by the sporting elegance of a coupe and the versatility of a five-door vehicle, sophisticated technology and well-defined driving dynamicsDIMENSIONS: L: 4286. W: 1763, H: 1423. wheelbase 2578m.ENGINE: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm. 0-100km/h in 6.3sec. Maximum speed 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: Quattro permanent four-wheel drive with electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, electronic diff lock.PRICE: $65,500.AUDI RS4 AVANT 4.2 V8 QuattroThis is a thoroughbred sports saloon with supreme everyday qualities.ENGINE: With maximum output of 309 kilowatts (420 bhp), the 4163cc, V8 revs to 8250rpm and reaches peak torque of 430Nm at 5500rpm, with 90 per cent of total torque available between 2250-7600rpm. 0-100km/h in 4.8secs and 200km/h in 16.6sec. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of Audi's permanent four-wheel drivePRICE: $168,100.AUDI CABRIOLET 3.2 V6 FSI MultitronicNewly designed body with emphatically sporty stylingDIMENSIONS: L: 4573mm, H: 1391mm, w'base 2650mm. Luggage compartment: 315L (246L with the hood open).ENGINES: 3.2 FSI V6 developing 188kW (255bhp), 330Nm, 0-100km/h: 6.8s. Top speed: 250km/h (governed).TRANSMISSION: 7-speed continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive). Front-wheel drive.PRICE: $107,800.AUDI A6 AVANT 3.2 V6 FSI Quatro TiptronicAudi A6 allroad quattro. New, distinctly sporty designDIMENSIONS: L: 4.93m, W: 1.86m, H: 1.46-1.52m, wheelbase 2.83m.ENGINES: Powerful 3.0 V6 TDI developing 171kW (233bhp), 450Nm. TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic gearbox. Quattro permanent four-wheel drive for all engine versions.PRICE: $109,150.AUDI S6 5.2 V10 Quattro TiptronicDistinct sports appeal, elegant style and supreme comfortENGINE: 5.2L V10 engine with FSI technology. This is the first time a V10 engine has been incorporated into a member of the A6 family. Output of 320kW at 6800 rpm and peak torque of 540Nm achieved between 3000-4000 rpm. 0 to 100km/h in 5.2secs. Top speed: 250km/h.TRANSMISSION: Latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $195,900.AUDI A8 4.2 TDI Quattro TiptronicPowerfully dynamic, elegant design.DIMENSIONS: L 4.43 m, W 1.90 m, H 1.25 m, wheelbase 2.65 mENGINES: High-revving V8 developing 309kW (420bhp), 430Nm between 4500 and 6000rpm. Acceleration 4.6secs. Top speed: 301km/hTRANSMISSION: Six-speed manual gearbox with short gearshift travel. R tronic sequential gearbox (optional). quattro permanent four-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution 44 per cent to 56 per cent.PRICE: $210,000.AUDI Q7 4.2 V8 FSI Quattro TiptronicPowerful yet elegant exterior and interior design.DIMENSIONS: L: 5.09m, W: 1.98m, H: 1.74m, wheelbase 3.00m. Five, six or seven seats available.ENGINE: 4.2 V8 FSI developing 257kW (350bhp), 440Nm at 3500 rpm.TRANSMISSION: 6-speed tiptronic transmission, quattro permanent four-wheel drive with asymmetric/dynamic torque split.PRICE: $116,800.AUDI TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-TronicNew dynamic, striking exterior and interior design. Body using innovative ASF principle incorporating aluminium and steel, with roadster-specific reinforcements.DIMENSIONS: L: 4.18m, WL 1.84m, H: 1.36m, wheelbase 2.47m.ENGINES: 3.2 V6 developing 184kW (250bhp), 320Nm.TRANSMISSION: Six-speed S tronic quattro permanent four-wheel drive for the V6 versionPRICE: $88,900.