Audi A6 astonishes again

As yet another Audi makes its way into the AutoTrader driveway, I know it will be hard to critique. After driving the flawless Audi TT and A1 1.8T FSI last month, I’m sure the A6 will not disappoint.

Spot the difference
The facelifted A6 has been enhanced with subtlety - If you look very carefully, you’ll see small changes to the grille, headlights, air inlets, bumpers, side sills, rear lights and tailpipes. The VW group is known for not changing their new models too drastically, that way their cars keep their value better. But the new A6 looks sleeker and sexier than ever. At first glance it looks quite conservative, even a little clinical, but after living with it for a few days I liked the look of it more and more. The clean interior with perfectly constructed light dove grey leather seats, imparts a feeling of luxurious tranquility. The immaculate dashboard with brushed aluminium inserts is slightly angled towards the driver, and as soon as you switch the A6 on, the infotainment system’s screen pops out. There are a few little giveaways that the original A6 is geared towards the left hand driving Germans, such as the Start button, which is situated on the far side of the 7 speed, dual-clutch S tronic gearbox. After I tracked it down and started the engine, it was clear that this is one very refined set of wheels. The 1.8 litre, turbo-charged, four-cylinder engine (same as the one in the VW Polo GTI) is found under the A6’s bonnet for the very first time. But will it have enough gusto for a car this size?

Efficient & effortless

The answer is yes. The A6’s lightweight construction (It only weighs 1535kg) plays a big part in making the smaller capacity engine feel up to the task. Perhaps the A6 1.8T FSI S tronic is not the fieriest of Audis, but it does offer a hearty 140kW and 320Nm of torque, which is ample for the everyday commute to school and work, as well as overtaking slower vehicles at highway speeds. It’s not going to blow your hair back, but if you drive it in Dynamic mode (chosen from the menu in standard Audi Drive Select) the A6 feels even more lively. I never felt that I needed more power. And the numbers prove it: The A6 1.8T FSI S tronic will reach a 100 km in just under 8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h. A four-cylinder also translates to a fuel bill that won’t induce cardiac arrest. On my drive to Kleinmond I managed 8 litres per 100 km.

Extra luxuries – at a price

Regardless of the A6’s long body, it feels nimble and light-footed. But apart from its superb handling, just being inside it will make you feel like your problems are very far away. From the quietness of the cabin to the tactile quality of every surface, the A6 is pure sophistication. As with all German premium sedans, one hardly gets away without ticking some optional boxes. I thought most of them were just luxuries, like the glass sunroof (R 13 530) and heated seats  (R 5 280). It also had some S line kit, which easily added up to nearly 50 K. Audi Sport 10 spoke alloy wheels came to R23 100, and MMI Navigation Plus will add another R22 200. Necessities? I think not. But if you have to splash out, sports suspension (R 5 530) and Audi Connect (R 6 600) which turns your car into a wi-fi hotspot, are nice to have and not insanely expensive. The standard Audi sound system sounds great, so no need to make any more debt.

What is not to love?

The sheer size of the cabin and the 530-litre boot, make this business sedan  ideal for families too. My kids reclined on the back seat like pampered little Sultans, with the rear air-vents set to their chosen temperature. Light grey leather is perhaps not the sensible choice if you have kids - black will hide grimy fingerprints better. The wide central armrest on the rear bench also has a secret compartment for storing valuables like iPads, and if you lift the front central armrest, you will find two USB ports and an AUX port. There are two slots for SD cards in the front dash.

At R601 000, the A6 1.8T FSI is ever so slightly less expensive than the BMW 520i (R 601 449) and Mercedes-Benz E200 (R635 778). In the end it will probably be a question of taste. I love the A6’s elegant, organized interior and smooth S tronic gearbox, so for me it will be the Audi. However, one should test drive all three and then decide.

Facts & Figures

Price	:  R601 000 (base price)
Engine	: 1.8 litre, turbopetrol
Power	: 140 kW
Torque	: 320 Nm
Top speed	:  250 km/h
0 to 100 km/h	: 7.9
Fuel tank	: 65 litres
Realistic fuel consumption	: About 8 - 10 litres per 100 km (combined)
Boot size	: 530 litres
Warranty	: 1 year, unlimited km
Service plan	: Freeway (maintenance) Plan, 5-year / 100 000 km
Also consider	: BMW 520i

 

 

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