The Audi A6, a perennial under-achiever in South Africa despite being one of the world’s most accomplished executive saloons, has received a minor freshening.
By Mike Monk

One of the range’s problems has been the lack of a proper entry-level model (which account for the majority of sales in rival’s line-ups), but Audi SA has now introduced a new base model, the 2,0 TFSI, which it believes will help improve the car’s popularity. Powered by a 125 kW turbocharged petrol engine mated with a seven-step Multitronic transmission, the new base-liner proved to be a willing performer over the 250 km launch drive that included most road types.

However, even with 280 N.m of torque on tap from 1 800 to 4 200 r/min, the powertrain had to work hard to maintain momentum during overtaking and hill-climbing situations. Using the paddle shifters improved response, though, and the shift quality is excellent.

Tweaks to the A6’s suspension, including bigger wheels, have resulted in a firm, but compliant, ride and a bit more steering feedback. Increased sound-deadening eliminates almost all road and mechanical noise.

Switching to the range-topping 3,0 TFSI quattro and the A6’s attributes really shine through. This V6 (in Audi-speak, the letter T in the badging confusingly denotes both turbo- and supercharging) is silky smooth with its power delivery, and with 420 N.m of torque available from 2 500 to 4 850 r/min, there is never a shortage of oomph. As we found with the flagship, macho RS6, the Audi A6’s Tiptronic autobox is one of the slickest we have ever encountered. Also, the quattro all-wheel drivetrain’s default 40:60 front-to-rear split has helped create superbly-balanced handling.

All A6s have been facelifted, with the grille, bumper, air intakes and foglamps receiving treatment. Headlamps are new, and include daytime running lights. The exterior mirrors house indicator repeater strips, and the sills are restyled. At the rear, the bumper incorporates a diffuser between the dual exhaust outlets, and new tail-lamps feature LED lighting. Inside, the instrument cluster and steering wheel are new, and the furniture has received a materials upgrade. Audi’s MMI has also been improved.

Completing the new A6’s line-up are a 2,7 TDI and a 2,8 petrol, both with Multitronic and front-wheel drive, and a 3,0 TDI Quattro with Tiptronic. Audi claims an across-the-range 15 per cent improvement in fuel consumption. A number of trim packs and other options are available for all models. There is no longer a manual A6, and the Avant wagon has been dropped too. Audi’s five years/100 000 km maintenance plan is included in the pricing, see below.
Prices (as of March 2009):

2,0 TFSI Multitronic R372 500

2,7 TDI Multitronic R462 500

2,8 FSI Multitronic R467 500

3,0 TDI Quattro R555 500

3,0 TFSI Quattro R571 000.

Original article from Car