By on 2010-09-18 -
Audi A6 2.0 TDIe
Saloon
DESPITE the executive mode of transport facing many financial handicaps among today's cost conscious owners, there is still much to be said for travelling in the comfortable surroundings of a premium saloon car.
In a market where quality is of the very essence in the likes of the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Audi A6 stands high in the charts.
Technically and aesthetically smart, the A6 boasts a range of models with fine head-turning appeal, plenty of convenience, electronics and kit, plus ever improving engines with improved mpg and low levels of CO2 emissions.
My most recent encounter with one of the German car giant's updated products focused on the refreshed Audi A6 saloon.
In today's motoring world it is not only the city slickers which constantly search for the mpg holy grail. The big boys, too, need to stay ahead of the environmental needs of the planet.
Audi's latest A6 contribution to a greener and more wallet friendly form of transport is the TDIe where the e stands for economy.
The big A6 is easy to get in and out of with huge doors that close with a positive thunk giving a very secure feeling to driver and passengers in the superbly constructed cabin which has been much praised in recent years by A6 buyers.
However, this latest A6 is also embellished by interior enhancements which include higher resolution graphics for the dashboard, additional chrome detailing and fabrics while the SE model in the frame here comes with leather upholstery.
Each model of the A6 range is generously equipped. Standard kit includes the likes of alloys, climate control,and electric windows all round while the inside story continues with the well received Multi Media Interface (MMI) Infotainment System which has evolved further to include an even more intuitive "joy stick" controller while the options bin also includes Audi side assist system and radar assisted adaptive cruise control.
Despite an intrusive transmission tunnel and rear headroom which some taller adults may perhaps find a little tight, the front seats are hugely accommodating. The boot is vast, delivering some 546 litres of luggage space while the rear seats fold to provide increased capacity.
Powered by a 134bhp two-litre diesel paired with a six-speed manual gearbox this A6 marks up well against competition which includes both the Mercedes E220 CDi and the BMW 5 Series.
A refined car, the TDIe benefits from the likes of special aerodynamic modifications, reduction in ride height, low rolling resistance tyres, a more efficient power steering pump and an alternator that charges the battery while the car is coasting.
This results in some pretty impressive performance figures which include 0-62mph in 10.3 seconds, a very respectable 139g/km CO2 emissions level and 53.3mpg on average.
Road and wind noise are kept well in check and despite the steering being a little on the light side, the grippy A6 handles well. It delivers a firm but not inhibiting ride in town while delighting driver and passengers alike on the cruise.
Audi A6 2.0 TDIe Saloon
Price: £27,680
Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,968cc 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max Speed: 129mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Combined MPG: 53.3
Insurance Group: 25
C02 emissions: 139g/km
Bik rating: 24%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles
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