€52,850 buys a V6 petrol engined A6 that uses a clever 7-speed gearbox that functions as a full automatic or as a semi automatic using steering column paddle shift controls.
While paddle shifts are associated with F1 this is one car you won’t be hustling along, it just doesn’t suit its character. The 2.4 litre pushes out a healthy177bhp and can cruise effortlessly while feeling reasonably posh and very refined.
The front wheel drive car is a huge leap from the model it replaces which was dull, disappointing and completely devoid of road presence.
The A6 now has a more imposing look thanks to the new Audi corporate grill. It manages to remain understated, but in a good way.
The driving dynamic of this two-wheel drive version is quite entertaining (Quattro/four wheel drive variants are available in the 3 litre V6 diesel and petrol 3.2 V6 & 4.2 V8) and second only to the superb rear wheel drive BMW 5 series.
On twisty rural roads the new A6 would be my choice before a Mercedes E Class. A6 prices start at €47,000 for the 2 litre TDi (6-speed manual gearbox) and rise to a dizzy €88,100 for the 4.2 Quattro, which I found on sale in the States for just $44,000. It’s official VRT is evil!
Price aside the new A6 is smart and now thankfully has lost the old VW ‘Passat’ look.
Inside the Audi is well appointed and as ever oozes a solid, quality feel. Audi has produced an antidote to BMW’s ‘I Drive’ twist and press controller by providing more buttons than you could shake a stick at.
The MMI (multi media interface) ironically has a twist and press controller too but it is used to a lesser extent than the Beemer’s. I would be concerned about the amount of time ones eyes have to glance down at the MMI just to locate a particular button.
The A6 features a button-operated handbrake or should I say ‘finger-brake’. It works well but needs the footbrake to be applied before it can be disengaged, which at traffic lights - especially at night - can be annoying as you dazzle the road user behind. Audi should use the Renault electronic system or a foot release.
The A6 has variable weight power steering that makes it easy to turn at low speeds and nice and firm at speed, the only downside is that the steering ‘feel’ is dead, offering little feedback to the driver’s hands on the level of grip available.
The interior space is impressive and rear seat passengers get loads of room. As ever there is an options list that is so long even Santa couldn’t find the time to check twice.
Apart from a squeaky brake pedal the Audi was vice free. Audi has set it’s sights on overtaking it’s two German rivals in Europe over the next two years but will have a tough task as it does not yet have an SUV or three door A4 in it’s armory.
Model for model, Audi competes very well and it is with new models that Audi will increase its share. A seven seat SUV called ‘Q7’ is due in early 2006. Q7 is based on the Pikes Peak concept that debuted in Detroit and Geneva in 2003 and using my highly scientific Irish Euro calculator (i.e. I double the estimated Sterling price!) it should cost in the region of €80,000.
If the A6 massive boot isn’t big enough for your needs the A6 ‘Avant’ (estate) arrives next spring. As a form of executive transport the A6 still fails to deliver as much kudos as a Mercedes E class (or BMW 5 series) in the company car park but could be just the vehicle to say you’ve arrived without rubbing people’s noses in it.
- Michael Sheridan
