Audi A6: Dignified but never bland

The Audi A6. Photo / Supplied

Imagine a stake in the ground that represents Audi's New Zealand model range in 2006. Actually, since we're talking about Audi, it's more likely to be a training post for grapes at a posh winery. But imagine something marking the spot regardless.

Back then, Audi's executive car offerings were the A6 (from 2004) and the A8 (2002).

That was the year before Audi hit it big in New Zealand. The four-ringed brand became the No1 selling prestige marque in 2007 and has retained that top spot ever since.

Although luxury cars such as the A6 and A8 are never expected to provide the sales volume, they do act as halo models - adding a touch of glamour and giving those valued big-spending customers a worthy place to park their cash. For a premium brand on a roll, the newer and more advanced its top-end models are the better.

"Those premium models from 2006 were certainly a challenge," says Audi New Zealand general manager Dane Fisher. "As we moved forward, those cars were aging."

An all-new A8 was launched late in 2010. In January this year came the A7, a large coupe-style five-door. As of this week we now have a new A6 sedan - the car that provides the base for that genre-bending A7.

So, as far as Audi New Zealand is concerned, you can place another stake in the ground to represent Audi's premium model range circa-June 2011. "The exciting thing about this A6 is that our premium model range is now complete," Fisher says.

The A6 is more conservatively styled than its A7 equivalent, although it's not bland. It's a good deal less expensive, too. It comes in three versions, all with familiar powertrain technology. There are two 3.0-litre engines - a 220kW/440Nm supercharged petrol TFSI and a 180kW/500Nm turbo diesel TDI - which both cost $143,900. That's a $22,000 increase over the previous A6, although still $10,300 cheaper than the A7.

Perhaps mindful of that $22k leap over the old model, Audi New Zealand has also introduced a price-leading A6 with a 150kW/450Nm version of the 3.0 TDI powerplant for $127,900. It's close in specification to its stablemates.

There's an S-Line factory option pack available for all models that adds 19-inch wheels with sports suspension, sports seats and aluminium inlays. The new A6 is 80kg lighter because of greater use of aluminium, which helps offset the extra bulk of the quattro four-wheel drive system. All models have a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission called S-tronic.

With that and the weight-watching, the A6 achieves impressive fuel economy figures. The entry 150kW TDI returns 5.7 litres per 100km and the more powerful oil-burner returns 6.0 l/100km. The petrol is the thirstiest at 8.2 l/100km, but also the quickest - 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds (TDIs 7.1/6.2sec). We sampled the A6 in standard TDI and TFSI forms. Even in regular trim it's a beautifully proportioned and distinctive-looking car and the interior is well ahead of any rival.

The engines are stunning and the chassis impressive but not outstanding. It has grip and poise but isn't going to get you excited.

It's hard to say without driving one, but I'd expect the S-Line to add cartoonish looks with those large rims and a spine-jarring ride courtesy of the stiffer suspension. Not to my taste on a comfort-oriented car like this that already looks great and rides beautifully, and will no doubt be the same for the new A6.

This is a segment for affluent buyers and the A6 will probably continue to have a modest presence in Audi's range at 10 per cent of total volume. I'd argue that it ticks all the boxes as a luxury, quality car.

However, it's also likely that many A6 buyers will be hanging out for the inevitable high-performance versions, which have always sold strongly in New Zealand. "It's no secret that there are S6 and S7 versions on the way," Fisher says, "and they will be perfectly suited to our market. Fuel is still relatively inexpensive by global standards and New Zealand drivers love performance cars."