Following the new E-Class and 5-Series, comes the latest German executive model, the new Audi A6 saloon which is now available to order here for delivery from April.
It is the seventh generation of the model, which Audi says has been redesigned from the ground up.
It benefits from the brand’s most advanced weight-saving construction techniques, engine efficiency measures, chassis developments, and in-car technological innovations.
Body weight has been kept in check through aluminium and steel composite construction, but not at the expense of enhanced equipment levels, and Audi says the new A6 will deliver - dynamically and efficiently.
Aluminium accounts for about 20 per cent of the surface area of the new A6, which Audi ensures a body shell 30 kilograms lighter than its predecessor yet with increased rigidity and strength. And combining the two materials enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a relatively modest weight.
Audi tells us that five responsive and highly efficient engines are available from the launch date in Ireland. They are the 2.0-litre TDI 177bhp, the 3.0-litre TDI 204bhp, 3.0-litre TDI 245Hbhp, 2.8 FSI, 204bhp and the 3.0-litre TFSI 300bhp units.
Advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn rate works in conjunction with important technologies from Audi’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a result, the carmaker’s engineers claim fuel economy has improved by almost 20 per cent compared to the previous model, pushing the A6 way up the economy stakes.
The big seller in the range will be the 2.0-litre TDI allied to six-speed manual transmission, which, despite its impressive output, returns an impressive 57.7mpg according to the combined cycle test and emits 129g CO2 per km. Audi also claims to be the first manufacturer to offer a C segment six-cylinder model in this segment with sub 140g emissions. This ensures the 3.0 TDI 204 multitronic (137g ) variant will have many admirers.
The choice of transmission is based on the engine version, and will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros.
A new energy efficient electromechanical power steering, in conjunction with the lightweight suspension set-up with its considerable aluminium content, will impart even greater precision and composure in the new A6.
The standard fit Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system will allow drivers to fine-tune the car’s responses as desired via the MMI screen, and in front-wheel-drive models the latest electronic stability programme with electronic limited slip differential will imperceptibly boost agility and subtly maintain order during challenging driving.
Integrated into the driver information system is what Audi calls the efficiency programme. New to the Audi range, it shows the contribution each technological component is making to fuel efficiency and also gives the driver tips for fuel-efficient shifting – a practical feature, given that driving style accounts for approximately 30 per cent of overall fuel consumption.
Two specification levels - SE and S line – will be offered in Ireland, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery with seat heating and lumbar support, cruise control, front and rear parking controls, MMI radio, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats, and light and rain sensors. S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded leather upholstery, and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment.
There is also a list of optional driver aids which will include a night vision assistant. Customers can also choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system. Online services including news and weather information supplied by Google will also be accessible if the MMI Touch Navigation with online carphone option is specified.
I look forward to a test drive in the new Audi A6 later in the spring to compare it to its successful German cousins and other competitors in this segment.
Irish A6 orders can be placed from the middle of February, and first deliveries will begin in April.
