motoring 49
The A6 is a smooth operator
Having owned five Audis in my life – a TT, an A3, two A4s and an Allroad – I have come to expect a firm ride, not necessarily comfortable on the UK’s shocking roads, coupled of course with brilliant interiors, wonderful workmanship and striking design, writes David Murray
And so my first 10 minutes in the new A6 was a revelation. This must be the smoothest operator in the Audi fleet, a car so serene that it simply glides.
After 24 hours with the new A6, “smooth” is the word I would use to describe the ride, the engine
and the gearbox. What has Audi done?
The model I drove, courtesy of Walton Audi, was the A6 2.0TDi 190ps Ultra Black Edition S-Tronic. For the uninitiated, this is a diesel-engined car, turbocharged, which has had
the Ultra treatment – described as an “eco makeover” with lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In terms of mpg the results are impressive, with 61.4mpg being quoted for the S-tronic version.
The car’s start/stop system helps keep the mpg down and, while I’m not a great fan, I used the car in this mode throughout and found it very sensible, with no frustrating delay as the engine fires up again when you move off from traffic lights.
The seven-speed S-tronic dual- clutch gearbox is excellent, far smoother than in older Audis. This, combined with an engine that has plenty of torque, means effortless driving, with uninterrupted power available wherever you are – whether you need to overtake on a country road or to put yourself a safe distance from other vehicles on the motorway.
The A6 is also far better over the bumps, with none of the shake, rattle and roll that old, stiff Audis might have experienced when negotiating our potholes.
For a driver, then, the A6 Ultra is a class act. It’s also, as you might expect from Audi, a lesson in how to create a quite beautiful, uncluttered and well thought out interior.
The
whole range, from A
to TT.
The instrumentation, from the multi-function steering wheel to the electronic climate-control is well designed and well made. Leather and Sat-Nav come as standard, as does DAB radio, giving the cabin an upmarket feel. The Audi parking system, front and rear, is one of the best out there, and the Keyless Go with a start/stop button in the centre console adds to the air of refinement.
At Audi, we believe all our cars should combine advanced technology, luxurious features and innovative design. Come to our Centre to experience everything our range has to offer, whether you’re interested in the A1, A4, RS 5, TT or any of our other models.
The Black Edition comes with striking five-arm titanium-look alloy wheels, which really do enhance the look of the car, plus enhanced audio with BOSE Surround Sound.
Walton Audi
Station Avenue Walton on Thames Surrey KT12 1NR 01932 220404
www.walton.audi.co.uk
Official fuel consumption figures for the Audi range in mpg (l/100km) from Urban: 12.7 (22.2) – 64.2 (4.4), Extra Urban 26.4 (10.7) – 85.6 (3.3), Combined 19.0 (14.9) – 74.3 (3.8). CO2 emissions 349 – 99 g/km. Standard EU Test figures for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving results.
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – SEPTEMBER 2014
20904146_WALTON_AD_RANGE_152x125_v1.indd 1
About five years ago I drove an old A6 and found the handling wayward, the engine a bit gutless and the car lacking in overall character. The new A6 Ultra is in a different class – and is highly recommended.
Price: from £30,985. The version I drove was nearer £40,000.
Personal contract plans available from £389 per month.
Details: Walton Audi 01932-220404
10/07/2013 12:04
www.businessmag.co.uk
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