The Audi A6 - leaner, fitter, improved drive (From Hereford Times)

The Audi A6 - leaner, fitter, improved drive

7:00am Saturday 7th January 2012 in Road Tests

WE are all having to slim down one way or another and that goes for cars, too, if they are to impress budget and environmental- conscious businessmen and private buyers.

Audi, for instance, lost no time in taking this on board with one of its most important models, the A6, also one of the world’s bestselling executives.

The car’s weight loss is significant – around 80kg compared to the previous model – and this is due to extra use of aluminium and high-tech steel panels. And, most importantly, the low weight has helped send the new car to the top of its class for fuel economy and CO2 emissions which mean a lot for company car taxation.

The A6 is also refined and well equipped with a plush and spacious interior.

Not only did Audi launch the allnew saloon this year but followed it up with the versatile A6 Avant which underwent a similar weight-loss programme. Both cars now weigh 15 per cent less than their all-steel equivalents.

With prices ranging from £30,145 to £41,640 on the road, the saloon is not cheap but the prices are very favourable when stacked against executive rivals.

As one might expect, the estate version is more expensive than the saloon with costs going from £32,100 to £43,480 on the road.

The saloon, better equipped than before, comes with a choice of four efficient engines – one petrol and three diesel – with manual, multitronic and S-tronic transmissions.

The big seller is the 2.0 TDi manual, the cheapest and cleanest of the A6 range, at £30,145 on the road. Pushing out 170ps at 4,200rpm, this car now feels sharper and altogether a better driver’s vehicle. The ride is also more composed at speed and during cornering so that the driver quickly gains confidence in the handling characteristics. The electro-mechanical steering also feels more communicative at speed.

The engine is a smooth operator and impressive performer but does make its presence felt when revved hard. Otherwise, the ride is quiet and comfortable despite being a fairly firm one.

The six-speed manual gearbox contributes towards a relaxing motorway drive and also towards the excellent fuel consumption of a combined figure of 57.6mpg.

And, of course, the stop-start system, improved aerodynamics and other fuel and energy-saving improvements contribute to the low running costs.

The fairly conservative looks of the new model hide some big upgrades. The new cockpit has taken on a wrap-around style with aluminium detailing to help give the cabin a lighter feel.

There is quite an array of controls and buttons which do look daunting and seem a little fiddly at first but you quickly get accustomed to them.

It is the general layout and beautiful build of the interior that really impress with the quality leather upholstery and other fixtures giving a feeling of ambience to the classy interior. The standard equipment also includes satellite navigation.

Another important vehicle for Audi is the A5 which has been face-lifted. The 2012 model year A5/S5 sportback, coupe and cabriolet ranges, have just been launched with prices from £25,540 on the road and first deliveries being made during December. All three variants have come in for significant improvements, making them top in their segment on price and CO2 levels for benefit in kind.

There are subtle redesign changes, extensive alterations under the skin, including engine replacements or upgrades, new fuel-saving electro-mechanical power steering, and suspension revisions.

A new on-line services option brings Google Earth mapping and in-car internet access.

AT-A-GLANCE

Audi A6 2.0 TDi saloon six-speed manual.

Price: £30,145 (on the road).

Top speed: 141mph.

0-62mph: 8.7 seconds.

Fuel: 57.6mpg (combined figure).

CO2 emissions (g/km): 129.

Verdict: Leaner and fitter, improved drive, refined, superb build quality, luxurious and spacious interior, generous equipment, well priced.