The seventh version of the Audi A6 is about to break cover and eat up the miles on Irish roads, bringing with it the latest advancements in Vorsprung durch Technik.
Word reaches JOE that there’s soon to be another car making its way along Ireland’s new motorways that we’re destined to covet.
The all-new Audi A6 Saloon is on its way, so if you’ve got at least €43,300 to spare, then one of these automotive beauties can be yours.
But although that’s the sort of money a failed TD would have to hand, the new A6 is way too cool to be wasted on any political reject.
This, the seventh generation of the model, has been redesigned from the ground up and has benefitted from the brand’s most advanced weight-saving construction techniques, engine efficiency measures, chassis developments and a fair smattering of in-car technological wizardry.
The use of aluminium in the construction has kept the weight down, at the same time as equipment levels have gone up. And as is essential with new cars these days, a serious amount of attention has been given to lowering the CO2 output of the car to as low a point as possible, while not compromising on the quality of the driving experience.
Audi claim that the A6 has the potential to reach upwards of 57mpg and that its CO2 emissions have been reduced to 129g/km.
For Irish drivers wanting to get their mits on this extremely attractive piece of automotive engineering, there won’t be long to wait, with orders being taken now and the first deliveries arriving on our shores in April.
Aluminium and high-tech steels make up much of the completely reworked body, the former accounting for around 20 per cent of the surface area. This ensures a body shell that is some 30 kilogram’s lighter than its predecessor but which has increased rigidity and strength. Combining the two materials enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a relatively modest 1,575kg.
Five engines are available at launch in Ireland. The 2.0-litre TDI 177HP, 3.0-litre TDI 204HP, 3.0-litre TDI 245HP, 2.8FSI 204HP and 3.0-litre TFSI 300HP units all make use of advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn rate.
All versions feature a start-stop system, an energy recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a result, fuel economy has improved by almost 20% compared to the previous model, pushing the A6 to the front of the class in this discipline.
The headline maker will be the 2.0-litre TDI allied to a six-speed manual transmission. This is the one in the new range that boasts the impressive 57.7mpg (according to the combined cycle test) and which has the lowest level of emissions.
Even the mighty three litre 3.0TDI 204 multitronic variant boasts frugal emissions of 137g/km, making Audi the first manufacturer to offer a C segment 6 cylinder model with emission below 140g/km.
The new A6 will be available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros. Each unit features a wide gear-ratio spread which Audi are at pains to point out makes a significant contribution to overall efficiency.
The standard fit Audi Drive Select Adaptive Dynamics System allows savvy drivers to fine-tune the car’s responses as desired via the multimedia screen on the dashboard.
Integrated into the driver information system is what Audi calls the efficiency program. New to the Audi range, it shows the contribution each technological component is making to fuel efficiency and also gives the driver tips for fuel-efficient shifting – a practical feature, given the fact that driving style accounts for approximately 30 percent of overall fuel consumption. That said, it’ll take a fairly anal petrolhead with an eye on frugality to spend too much time on this, and if you’re buying an A6, we’re guessing that you’re not exactly a penny pincher.
Two specification levels – SE and S line – will be offered in Ireland, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery with seat heating and lumbar support, cruise control and front and rear parking controls, MMI Radio plus, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors.
S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Alcantara leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment.
Of the list of driver aids on offer, more than a few have a touch of the futuristic about them. On the new cars, Audi have included a fair bit of clever stuff that you don’t necessarily need in order to get from point A to point B, but which it’s cool to have to hand.
Top of the list is a night vision function that employs a thermal imaging camera to highlight ‘warm-blooded’ road users in front of the car – thereby alerting you to people walking down country roads late at night or to critters that might jump out an extinguish themselves on your front grille.
And there’s a nifty head-up display that projects key information onto the windscreen so that it appears to float about 2.5 metres ahead.
As with some top-of-the-range BMWs out there, there’s a park assist system which automatically takes care of the steering function for the driver when manoeuvring into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. We’re guessing that when people are in the car with you, you’ll want to show that you can reverse park into the tightest of spaces with ease and aplomb at the first attempt… but when you bugger things up, it’s nice to know that the car will take over.
More familiar options such as the Audi side-assist blind-spot warning system will also be available.
If you’re willing to fork out the extra cash, you can choose from a long list of extras such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system.
Online services including news and weather information supplied by Google will be available to drivers who pay for the MMI Touch Navigation unit with online carphone option. This option will enable drivers to plot detailed routes on a home computer and download them to the navigation system when they start a trip.
Google Earth images will also be beamed via the car’s internal UMTS module to the MMI monitor for navigation purposes. Through its wireless local area network link, passengers will also be able to connect to the internet using their own computers.
We’re guessing that this is aimed more at passengers than drivers, of course. Browsing the internet on your laptop while making your way through city centre traffic will be possible, but isn’t advised.
“The all-new Audi A6 represents the ultimate embodiment of athleticism, elegance, and efficiency on offer in the segment,” says Andrew Doyle, MD of Audi Ireland. “The new model is for drivers who understand the importance of performance combined with pure driving pleasure.
“For Audi, Vorsprung durch Technik is not just a phrase it is a guiding principle and the A6 is a shining example of this advancement. A car is now available that sets new standards in innovation for the prestigious executive class.”
Nick Bradshaw
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