Is there still a desire for luxury sports sedans in a world of SUVs?
Yes, says Audi South Africa. It may not be what it once was, but there is still demand for luxury sports sedans. Demand for vehicles in the premium segment are down about 25% globally. Audi's numbers do indicate though that this is also due to many of their offerings being in a run-out stage.
Related: Review - Audi A6 astonishes again
Audi's answer to this and the global downturn is a heavy focus on sales and product and a drive to digitisation within the marketing of the brand and the vehicles themselves. With this plan in place, they are hoping to see a relatively quick return to revised market segment numbers that will be down between 35 and 40% YTD.
Enter the new A6.
The first of three planned Audi A6 models arrived in the first quarter of 2020 with the global pandemic putting the brakes on the later arrivals. The Audi A6 40 TDi has been available, for sale, from local dealers since mid-Feb already but the global lockdown has hampered sales. With markets heading back to some semblance of normality, Audi has virtually launched the eagerly awaited new A6 products to the media.
The A6 will be the first of a number of new models heading to SA before we see the end of 2020.
Audi has taken a long hard look at the A6 lineup and has sharpened the pencil, putting together an offering that most accurately matches what potential buyers of these luxo-sports sedans want. This ensures that what Audi brings to the table is what buyers want, reducing bloat on the list of offerings.
What can we expect?
There will only be 3 model derivatives available in South Africa under the A6 banner.
| 40 TDi 2.0l | 140kW / 400Nm Diesel |
| 45 TDi 3.0l V6 with Quattro | 180kW / 600Nm Diesel |
| S6 TFSi with Quattro | 331kW / 600Nm Petrol |
Pricing also reflects what is happening locally and globally with currencies with the three models retaining very decisive figures.
| 40 TDi 2.0l | R 919 500 |
| 45 TDi 3.0l V6 with Quattro | R 1 100 000 |
| S6 TFSi with Quattro | R 1 401 500 |
Audi has also ensured that you will still be able to add options by offering both a Comfort and Sport pack option.
Technological revolution.
Audi has promised that the A6 family will have even more tech, fitted as standard, than ever before. The normal A6 will come standard with Audi MMI Virtual Cockpit, Smartphone interface, Navigation and a number of small features such as illuminated seatbelt buckles.
Exterior wise the A6 40 TDi gets LED headlights as standard and on the 45 model, HD Matrix headlights and taillights come standard. The A6 comes in 14 colours, has 18-inch wheels and tyres and has the parking assist system consisting of PDC's and rearview camera fitted from the showroom floor.
The S6 will get an entire slew of features such as Valcona leather sports seats, Ambient lighting, 4 zone climate control and a Bang & Olufsen audio system completing the interior while exterior fitment raises the bar considerably. HD Matrix lighting is standard with 20-inch wheels and tyres as well as an electric boot, comfort key and to round off that sporty look, red brake callipers and trim elements.
Audi is also pursuing new tech such as an advanced all-wheel steering system.
We look forward to testing the A6 as soon as it becomes available in the press fleet. Keep an eye on AutoTrader for more Audi content as new models will be arriving in the latter half of this year. We can look forward to new model revisions such as Q3 Sportback, A4 and S4, A5 and S5, Q7 and SQ7 and the SQ8 and S7. In short, its is going to be a busy latter half of 2020 for the four-ring badge, with the first quarter of 2021 looking to be an RS fans dream as the performance marques reach our shores.
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