Audi A6 Avant unveiled

Audi is launching the Avant version of the much improved A6 model and will be priced from €40,850. Large portions of the car are made from aluminium and there is an advance in the multimedia and assistance systems. Fuel consumption has been improved across the range and power increased with the new, more potent 3.0 TDI producing 313 hp. The new car is also more practical than its predecessor and now boasts up to 1680 litres of luggage capacity with the rear seats folded down.

The new A6 Avant is 4.93 meters long but has seen its gross weight fall by 70 kg to 1640 kg (for the 2.0 TDI) due to the clever use of aluminium - of which 20 percent of the body is now made. Technology now extends to LED headlights and rear lights which are more efficient, visually arresting and provide differentiation from the previous model.

It will be launched with 6 engines, with 2 petrol engines and 4 diesel engines in the line up. These are mated to either a 6 speed manual, 7 speed S tronic, continuously variable multitronic or eight speed tiptronic. All of the gearboxes come with widely spaced ratios and a long final drive ratio to improve efficiency. Audi’s Quattro four wheel drive system is offered across the range.

Audi says ‘All of the engines utilize the technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, which have helped to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 18 percent.’ This includes the stop-start system, a thermal management system that brings coolant and motor oil to operating temperature and an energy recuperation system.

Audi has tried to combine sportiness with comfort in the new A6. The car now features an electronic limited slip differential and options now include adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering which will be available later. Linked to a longer wheelbase the new car should provide more driver focus.

All versions of the new A6 Avant are equipped with the Audi drive select driving dynamics system. This allows the driver to manage the chassis, drivetrain and assistance systems in 4 modes – comfort, auto, dynamic and individual. An efficiency mode is also available for models with turbochargers.

Audi has also designed the S line sports package. It lowers the body by 30 millimetres compared to the standard car and includes larger wheels, a body kit and an all-black interior.

Audi interiors have always been among the best and the new A6 has Audi’s latest version. Among the options are head-up display, front seats with ventilation and massage function and numerous infotainment options. The most important option for most people will be the hard drive based MMI navigation system.

Audi also offers Audi connect in collaboration with Google to bring online services into the car. It acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot which allows drivers to surf the net and email freely on the move. The online system also relays traffic information on the selected route, allowing drivers to make informed decisions about their journey.