EXECUTIVE saloons live in a small niche in a market where once they represented a greater volume of sales. In the 1980s, the Audi 500, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes- Benz E-Class were viable and relatively affordable family saloons, but since then technology and status – plus the growth and development of each company’s compact models – and, signifi cantly, price, have pushed the standing of these cars more upmarket. BMW and Mercedes- Benz have managed to keep their shares alive by always offering realistically-specced base models, while Audi’s range started a little higher up the engine-size ladder, putting the A6 at a disadvantage and all but taking it out of the marketing picture altogether. Now, finally, Audi has introduced a model to the line-up capable of fi ghting in the arena where the majority of sales take place – namely, entry level.
Replacing the 2,4-litre as the baseliner engine is the Audi/VW group’s tried and trusted direct injection 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine, turbocharged and intercooled to deliver its maximum power of 125 kW between 4 300 and 6 000 r/min, and a healthy 280 N.m of torque also across an impressive rev band, in this case 1 800 to 4 200. These outputs – on paper at least – are competitive when compared with those of its rivals, the justbeing- launched supercharged 1,8-litre four-cylinder Mercedes- Benz E200 CGI (135 kW/270 N.m) and naturally-aspirated 2,5-litre straight-six BMW 523i (140 kW/235 N.m). As can be seen, the Audi is less powerful but more torquey than the other two.
There is no manual Audi A6 offering any more. As with all lower models (2,7 TDI and 2,8) in the A6 range the 2,0T FSI is equipped with Audi’s Multitronic continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels, the company persisting with its CVT despite some ongoing reservations from press and public alike. For A6 it comes with Normal and Sport modes, with manual override for the seven ratio steps either by the console shifter or paddles attached to the steering wheel. The E200 CGI has a five-speed and the 523i a six-speed conventional automatic driving the rear wheels.
So, we have three different drivetrains having their own distinct characteristics. Comparing performance figures, fitted with optional 18-inch rims wearing 245/40 rubber the A6 gave a good account of itself, reaching 100 km/h from standstill in 9,59 seconds, the kilometre marker in 31 seconds at 171,4 km/h, and a surprisingly modest top speed of 207 km/h – Audi claims 224 km/h. These fi gures are similar to what the 523i will deliver: the E200 CGI is, as yet, untested. Overall economy is an impressive 9,24 litres/100 km. The brakes are terrific: just 0,2 seconds covering the test’s 10 stopping times from 100 km/h, realising an excellent average of 2,81 seconds.
Clearly, then, the new 2,0T FSI is a competitive performer, but that is only part of the equation. The Multitronic is not everyone’s transmission of choice. Its “continuously variable” modus operandi precludes the systematic rise and fall in engine revs encountered with a conventional automatic, which is offputting until you get used to it. Combine this with the inherent rumble of the engine, and you have a drivetrain that, in certain circumstances, drones. In Normal auto mode, the A6 does not always respond quickly enough. In Sport, the reaction time is much better but this is not the most economical mode to be in for everyday driving. The paddles work well, but this is not the default mode either. If you consider how Audi has perfected the Tiptronic transmission used in Quattro models, and that the company has the superb S tronic double-clutch ’box in its armoury, then Multitronic is a dubious choice. Undoubtedly, cost is a consideration, but A6 undercuts its rivals considerably so there is room for adjustment…
As for the rest, the freshened Audi A6 has subtly revised frontal styling including new headlamps incorporating daytime running lights. Exterior mirrors house indicator repeaters, the sills are different, LED tail-lamps are new, and a diffuser (er, F1 approved, we wonder…) is located between the two exhaust outlets. Enhancing the typically classy Audi cabin are a materials upgrade, a new steering wheel and revised instruments. The MMI system has also been improved. By the way, the boot looks big enough to swallow a Wendy house. As expected, the options list stretches from here to Ingolstadt.
TEST SUMMARY
Only time will tell whether or not Audi’s fi rst proper entry-level Audi A6 will garner the hoped-for increased volumes for this model. The 2,0T FSI did not win over all of the test team, and without trying to labour a point, the Multitronic is ho-hum. The base Audi A6 is a spacious and comfortable executive saloon that is well priced and with definite appeal, but is unlikely to steal a big slice of the sales cake.
