2021 Audi A6 Reviews

Craig Duff road tests and reviews the 2015 Audi A6 at its Australian preview in Germany.

We've already reviewed the Audi A6 sedan and we thought it was one of the most stylish and spacious executive cars on the market.As if that large boot wasn't enough, the wagon or Avant version adds even more space.

Audi A6 is a medium-large car much loved by those who like a solid touch of sportiness in their transport.

This Audi A6 is the new bad boy at the big end of town. With turbodiesel technology honed during Audi’s successful campaigns in the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans races, the A6 Biturbo packs solid punch into a car with refined design and fit-out.The test car took this further with an S line exterior package featuring: front and rear bumpers, side ventilation grilles, side sills in a sporty design, rear diffuser insert in platinum grey. S line badging on the front wings and chrome-plated exhaust tailpipe trims completed the dress-up.ENGINEDerived from the Le Mans winning diesel powerplant, the new Audi 3.0 TDI V6 powerplant puts out 230 kW between 3900 and 4500 rpm, plus peak torque of 650 Nm from 1450 to 2800 rpm.Amazingly, the engine is said by the maker to consume only 6.4 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres driven on the combined urban / highway cycle. This fuel efficiency places this  A6 variant under the luxury car tax threshold of 7 litres per 100 kilometres. By ducking under the LCT threshold, Audi customers pay less tax on the fuel-efficient A6 3.0 TDI V6 Biturbo, enabling the sedan to hold down an extremely competitive manufacturer’s list price of $118,800.The mechanics of this engine’s performance are fascinating. As its name suggests, two water-cooled turbochargers are connected in series. A switchover valve directs intercooled air to a small turbo at low revs, with a large charger performing pre-compression. From around 2500 rpm, the valve begins to open and the small charger shifts most of its workload to the big blower. Between 3500 and 4000 rpm the valve opens fully, the large charger taking on all the work.During running, the common-rail fuel system develops up to 2000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight different amounts of fuel into the cylinder. Fascinating, and the sort of thing that’s only possible due to intricate electronic sensors and controls.An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive harness the prodigious power and torque to produce performance worthy of a very fast luxury vehicle.TECHNOLOGYStandard Drive select offers mastery of driving dynamics. Via a button on the centre console, the driver can call up one of three modes – comfort, auto or dynamic – ranging from limo-like to hard-line sport. Using the Multi-Media Interface the driver can construct an individual profile, tempting behaviour like a curious toddler with a Fisher-Price toy.At no extra cost comes a Technik Package which includes Audi top view camera system, xenon plus headlights with high beam assist, four-zone deluxe automatic air-conditioning and multifunctional sports steering wheel with shift paddles, and electric glass sunroof.Bose surround sound leads the way for a Bluetooth interface with music streaming, electric front seats are clothed in Milano leather and have driver memory function, MMI Navigation plus features retractable screen and touch pad.DRIVINGAt idle, the distinctive diesel rattle of the engine is all but absent, but stamp on the accelerator and, within seconds, the motor fires up a fierce growl that belies the saloon’s luxury status. The glorious aural experience is amplified by a sound actuator in a side channel of the exhaust. Essentially a loudspeaker, the instrument produces a sonorous accompaniment to engine revs rising all the way to 5200 rpm.Further menace is let into the passenger cabin via a windscreen vibrating to the deep-throated note of the motor being urged along. Onlookers have been known to stare in awe as the otherwise mild mannered A6 Biturbo takes off, leaving behind a wall of sound.However, the official fuel numbers aren’t easy to obtain in real life. During our time with the Audi A6 Biturbo sedan the best we got was an average of 5.6 litres per hundred kilometres on the motorway, rising sharply to between 11 and 13 litres per hundred in tight town traffic.Some buyers will judge this a small price to pay for a car that offers so great a mix of menace and comfort. Sports cars, even the more expensive ones, can sometimes be utilitarian. Not the big Audi A6 Biturbo, which enjoys all the accoutrements of a top-line executive sedan.VERDICTAn executive sedan of impeccable pedigree, with the bite of a junkyard dog.Audi A6 3.0 TDI V6 BiturboPrice: from $118,800Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4915mm (L); 1874mm (w); 1455mm (h)Weight: 1790kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2 

‘Diesel’ and ‘fast’ are not usually uttered in the same breath when it comes to mainstream cars. Diesel and strong, as in roll on acceleration, yes but fast? Not really. You want serious performance you get a turbo or V8 petrol.But Audi (and Peugeot) have dominated at Le Mans and other ‘Sports Car’ race venues with diesel powered vehicles. Really dominated. It comes as no surprise then that Audi has tapped into this technology for its street cars at the pinnacle of which is the new A6 3.0 TDI biturbo sedan.Not only does it bestow the A6 with serious performance, it also sounds incredible like no other diesel you've ever heard. Diesels are not noted for aural resonance but with an exhaust sound actuator, this car sounds as good as a V6 Alfa on full song but two octaves lower.It propels the 1790kg A6 from 0-100km/h in a scant 5.1 seconds and returns fuel economy in the low 6.0 litres bracket. Pretty good huh?VALUEThe biturbo comes in at $118,800 with a significant Luxury Tax reduction due to the sub 7.0 litres/100km fuel rating. Bose audio is included along with LED headlights, a rear vision camera with excellent park assist system, convenience key and plenty more.TECHNOLOGYThe 3.0-litre V6 is also used in an A7 model and also the forthcoming SQ5 performance SUV diesel. It's an amazing thing. The engine achieves a hearty 230kW and an astonishing 650Nm of torque from as low as 1450 revs. No wonder it gets up and boogies.The two turbos are fitted in series with a small unit handling low speed applications and a larger one taking over from mid-engine speeds. It also has variable valve timing and lift among a raft of optimisation technology that helps it pass Euro 5 emissions regulations. Engine internals are friction reduced as well.DESIGNThe problem with the A6 is that it looks too derivative. Too much like an Audi A4 which costs half as much. Look past that and you have one of the more desirable medium large prestige European cars on the market complete with quattro all-wheel drive, a steel/aluminium composite body, engine stop/start and a silky smooth eight-speed auto transmission with paddle shift.It's a five-seater with a large boot and folding rear seats. The interior is a sea of leather with a stylish and functional dash complete with a retractable large screen touch pad for info, multimedia and car set up via Audi's brilliant Drive Select system.DRIVINGThe drive feel is superb. Hit the accelerator and away it goes delivering possibly the most linear acceleration you can get. There's a moment of hesitation off idle but once it's up and running whoosh all the way through to the 5200rpm redline then imperceptibly into the next gear.There are about six modes in drive select spanning comfort through to dynamic but we mostly used auto. It has impressive handling and braking too. Offering soft through to firm feel to the suspension, transmission and steering engine. And the sports stability program. This is Australia's fastest diesel and a car that would satisfy any driving enthusiast. It has a classy appearance with 18-inch alloys and attractive body shape and lines.VERDICTOne out of the box. Completely anonymous in the Audi line-up but you'd have one every day over the lesser 3.0 TDI there are two of them. Go figure.Audi A6 3.0 TDI BiturboPrice: from $118,800 Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4915mm (L); 1874mm (w); 1455mm (h)Weight: 1790kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2

As if the Audi A6 allroad quattro were not special enough, the German automobile manufacturer has brought out a Limited Edition for those automotive Oliver Twists who ask for more.VALUEThe third generation of the Avant (that’s Audi speak for station wagon) has just dropped in Down Under and with only 150 cars, replete with the latest features on offer, is odds-on to have buyers digging deep for the $117,900-plus to park one in the garage.Highlights include adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, four-zone air-conditioning, electric opening and closing tailgate, 20-inch five-parallel spoke alloy wheels, heated front seats and a choice of four metallic paint colours.The multimedia information system features a touchpad by which the driver can enter a destination or telephone number by drawing them on the control panel with a finger. The system repeats each entry audibly, so the driver can keep looking at the road.TECHNOLOGYSluggish? Tramp on the accelerator pedal and the wagon will hit 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds from rest before being pulled up at a strangely odd speed of 236 km/h – 180 kW of power and 580 Nm of torque from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 see to that.A seven-speed S tronic transmission with torque vectoring through the Audi quattro drive looks after the traction equation. The motor is fitted with a stop / go function to conserve fuel.Want to throw the big fella around? You can thanks to electromechanical power steering, Audi drive select dynamic handling system adaptive air suspension with controlled damping, while big brakes go to work on those big-diameter wheels.DESIGNAt almost five metres long and two metres wide the Audi A6 allroad quattro has an imposing on-road presence, from the expansive 23-slat aluminium look single radiator grille through broad fenders filled out with 20-inch wheels and on to a sculpted rear, finished off with a stainless steel underbody guard.Xenon lights, including daytime running lights, are standard, with the option of LED headlamps featuring an automatic dipping function which takes into consideration the approach of oncoming traffic.On the downside, from the rear the vehicle has a dated look – a mish-mash of angles and surfaces appear to be competing with each other for attention, while the rear view from the driver’s seat, severely limited, is alleviated only by an efficient rear-view camera and distance warning sensors.Chromium plating was once considered the sign of class in a European car. In the case of the American automobile, excessive use means the less said about the corrosion resistant decoration the better.These days such highlights can still be found on the more expensive machines but the use of aluminium has the added advantage of being lighter than steel. Both feature to great effect in the A6 allroad quattro Limited Edition, the chrome as restrained highlights, including twin flat-bottom exhaust tailpipes, the latter in weight-saving aluminium components making up 20 per cent of the body.A wheelbase of close to three metres means there’s ‘broad acreage’ inside the A6 allroad quattro. Leg room front and back is expansive and shoulder space up front benefits from the seats being 20 millimetres further apart than in the previous model.The luggage area is impressively versatile with room for 595 litres of kit. With the back seats folded away this is increased to 1680 litres. Loading width is 1050 mm, the lip 624 mm high. Load length is 1181 mm, 785 mm more with the back rests folded.The test vehicle included Audi’s load-securing kit consisting of a telescopic bar and belt for flexible partitioning of the space. The tailgate is electrically operated at the press of a button and works in conjunction with an automatic cargo cover.A range of roof racks is on offer to allow for the transport of sports and recreation gear, and modifications to body components and engine management mean the A6 allroad quattro can tow up to two-and-a-half tonnes.Interior trim of the test car – black leather with brown inserts – had me wondering at the designer’s colour sense but I grew to almost like it. I could have got used to optional head-up display, ambient lighting, front seat ventilation and massage function had it been included.SAFETYLimited Edition the new A6 allroad quattro may be, but Audi has loaded it up with active and passive safety and driving aids. There’s vehicle distance warning with the adaptive cruise control, lane assist, side assist and park assist with a camera giving an all-round view close to the vehicle.Hill start assist, a tilt angle display plus hill descent assist help prevent the bulky wagon from escaping the driver’s clutches on awkward hilly terrain on or off road.DRIVINGDuring my stint with the car there was odd time there was some hesitancy to react for a second or two until the turbo spooled up. On the upside, the new motor has cut fuel consumption by 16 per cent over its predecessor.With an SUV-like ground clearance of 175mm, the air suspension lowers the body by 15 millimetres at high speed and raises it by 35 millimetres at the push of a button.Without venturing into the wilds, the A6 allroad quattro showed itself to be a relatively spritely performer for such a bulky vehicle but surrendered itself to some understeer on corners at speed, especially if they tightened up late in the manoeuvre.Over an easy cruise on the motorway the A6 allroad quattro Limited Edition went through a frugal 5.9 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, most impressive for a big car with a high-power engine. Around town, it hovered around eight litres per 100 kilometres, still an impressively low number.Audi A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TDI S tronicPrice: from $117,900Warranty: 3 years/unlimitedCrash rating: n/aEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrol, 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed; AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km 165g/km CO2Dimensions: 4940mm (L), 1898mm (W), 1452mm (H)Weight: 1715kg; 1790kg

Canberra is no Le Mans and the road leading to Parliament House is certainly no Mulsanne Straight. No matter, Audi used the national capital to launch its race-bred turbocharged diesel engine in Australia.Audi now features diesel power in all segments but the R8, with diesel sales last year taking up 43 per cent of the Australian market. The A6 already has a strong TDI presence in the market, with 53 per cent of buyers favouring an oil burner. The biturbo pair will be joined later this year by the SQ5 high-performance SUV.VALUEThe fuel efficiency places both models under the luxury car tax threshold of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres, allowing Audi to gain a distinct price advantage over rivals. The A6 sedan has a manufacturer’s list price of $118,800, while the A7 Sportback carries an MLP of $148,600.Both vehicles share many features with other high-end Audis. For example, the A6 sedan includes18-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke V design, Audi drive select with efficiency mode, Audi music interface and Audi parking system with rear-view camera.Bose surround sound leads the way for a Bluetooth interface with music streaming, electric front seats are clothed in Milano leather and have driver memory function, MMI Navigation plus features retractable screen and touch pad and Xenon plus headlights show the way at night, while an electric sunroof brings enjoyable weather outside inside.The A7 Sportback adds 19-inch alloy wheels in 10-spoke design, while four-zone deluxe air-conditioning puts occupants seated on premium quality Valcona leather upholstery at ease.TECHNOLOGYThe new 230 kW 3.0-litre TDI biturbo V6, which owes much of its high performance technology to the Le Mans 24 Hour-winning Audi engine, can now be found in the A6 sedan and A7 Sportback.‘Fast and frugal’ is the biturbo byword with both vehicles sprinting to 100 km/h from rest in a tick over five seconds – making the A6 sedan, at 5.1 seconds, the quickest diesel-powered vehicle in Australia – and fuel consumption down at 6.4 litres per 100 kilometres with carbon dioxide emissions of 169 g/km.In the process, a sound actuator in a side channel of the exhaust orchestrates a glorious symphonic note in tune with the robust performance of the cars. Essentially a loudspeaker, the instrument produces a sonorous accompaniment to engine revs rising all the way to 5200 rpm. Further ‘philharmonic’ is carried into the passenger cabin via the vibrating windscreen which dances to the deep-throated note of the motor when hurried along. Nothing ‘largo’ here.The heart and soul of the pair is the biturbo engine, which features, as its title suggests, two water cooled turbochargers connected in series. A switchover valve directs intercooled air to a small turbo at low revs, with a large charger performing pre-compression. From 2500 rpm, or thereabouts, the valve begins to open and the small charger shifts most of its workload to its big brother. Between 3500 and 4000 rpm the valve opens fully, the large charger taking on all the work.The engine itself has come in for modifications, with the cylinder head cooling, the timing and lift of the intake cam shafts, the pistons and their oil jet cooling all being improved. A special coating reduces the friction of the piston pins, while plate honing and laser exposure, are used during the fabrication of the engine block at the plant in Gyor, Hungary.The common-rail fuel system develops up to 2000 bar of pressure and injects as many as eight partial amounts of fuel into the cylinder. The regulated oil pump and the water pump have been optimised for maximum efficiency. The top-of-the-line TDI provides peak torque of 650 Nm from 1450 to 2800 rpm.DRIVINGAt idle, the ‘dieselness’ (i.e. the distinctive rattle) of the engine is indiscernible, but tramp on the pedal and the ‘orchestra’ fires up through the aforementioned exhaust sound system. Wagner would have approved. A heavy foot once or twice had the engine hesitant to respond, which we put down to the electronics of engine management rather than turbo lag.An eight-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive make sure both biturbos are model performers in either bustling city driving or on the open road, a fact that was borne out by a launch test drive between Canberra and Sydney. Parking is a breeze thanks to front and rear cameras, and electric tailgate operation makes for easy access to a generous cargo area, the latter being a welcome feature of both vehicles.VERDICTThe state-of-the-art technology results in immensely powerful performance.MODEL LINE-UPA6 3.0 TDI quattro 230 kW sedan: $118, 800A7 3.0 TDI quattro 230 kW Sportback: $148,600Audi A6 TDI QuattroPrice: from $118,800 driveawayWarranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4915mm (L); 1874mm (w); 1455mm (h)Weight: 1790kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2Audi A7 TDI QuattroPrice: from $148,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl, 230kW/650NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, AWDBody: 4969mm (L); 191mm (w); 1420mm (h)Weight: 1850kgThirst: 6.4L/100km 169g/km CO2

Back in 2009 Australian tourists in Germany may have noticed an all-new Allroad Audi on many roads in the company’s fatherland. Those Aussies who already owned an Audi A6 Allroad quarto, and were keen on buying a smaller version of their versatile wagon would have seen A4 badges on an all-new Allroad model. Their eyes would have lit up in anticipation of getting into an A4 Allroad quattro. But their hopes would have been dashed on their return home, when Audi Australia apologised and said the A4 wasn’t on sale here. The reason was simple, in 2009 the A4 Allroad was only sold with a diesel engine and a manual gearbox. European drivers love the added control obtained by using a manual, and also appreciate the fuel savings it can offer. Down under, most buyers prefer the car to do its own gear changing and in our land of low-cost petrol (true!) saving a few per cent at the pump didn’t really add up to a lot of dollars. The Audi A6 Allroad quattro has been on sale in Australia for more than 10 years and had gathered a loyal brand of followers, so the local importer put pressure on head office to come up with an automatic transmission for the A4.Long story short; the Audi A4 Allroad quattro is about to go on sale in Australia – with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Audi Australia initially plans to import 150 vehicles and can therefore (almost) justify it as being a limited edition. Just in case imports do cease after that 150 have been retailed it might be worth getting to your local dealer quickly.VALUEImpressively the engine’s official fuel consumption figure is just 6.0 litres per hundred kilometres. That low fuel number pushes it beyond the standard threshold of the Luxury Car Tax, helping Audi Australia to keep the price of the A4 Allroad down to a very reasonable $69,900. This is a considerable saving on the LCT-inflated price of the Audi A6 Allroad quattro.TECHNOLOGYAs in 2009, it’s still only offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, but Australian buyers have come to appreciate the high torque and low consumption of these oil-burning engines so that’s no longer a hassle on the sales front. In any case, the A4’s diesel is imported to Australia in its highest state of tune, putting out 130 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque.DESIGNOn the appearance front the new Audi also makes the grade. The big single-frame radiator grille carries chromed highlights, the body has been raised by almost 40 millimetres - to 180 mm - for better ground clearance. The lower sections of the body are done in a neat two-tone treatment and there are protective grey-coloured plastic wheel arch extensions to add to the sporty look at the same time as they minimise damage.The rear bumper has a diffuser look. Up top there’s a handy set of roof rails. Obviously the A4 is smaller than the A6, but during our introductory drive program in south-east Queensland we found it had plenty of interior space in the front seats, and that the back seat can be used by adults with a minimum of compromising with those in the front. Children will be fine in the back. Luggage space in the rear of the A4 Allroad is 490 litres, which compares favourably with the A6 Allroad’s 565 litres.SAFETYNumerous electronic safety aids help the all-wheel-drive Audi A4 to stay out of trouble both on sealed and unsealed surfaces. Up to eight airbags can be triggered in different stages should an unfortunate driver still manage to get into strife.DRIVINGEngine performance is excellent, with strong torque at low to midrange revs and we loved the rapid response to the ‘throttle’ and the way it picked up speed to overtake as safely as possible. As is usual in today’s best turbo-diesel engines, the Audi unit was only really recognisable as being a diesel when cold, when there was some clatter, and accelerating hard. Other than that it may well have been a petrol unit. We really like it.Handling feels nimbler in the A4 Allroad quattro than in the A6 we also tested on the day. The lighter weight obviously helps but the new wagon is aimed at a younger, sportier buyer and its steering and suspension have been tuned to suit. Not visible, but very much appreciated in the rough, is underfloor protection that means the A4 Allroad quattro can be used in moderate to medium all-road running. This certainly isn’t intended to be a bush basher, but the versatile wagon can go exploring in areas not available to conventional station wagons.VERDICTAll-in-all the new Audi A4 Allroad is an impressively versatile package that deserves to sell well.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,900Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Despite runaway popularity, some people simply don't like boofy SUV-style vehicles. They prefer a sleeker carry-all in the shape of a traditional (station) wagon. We really don't get it because an SUV is so practical and the new ones drive just like passenger cars, certainly not like 4x4 “trucks.'' Perhaps we are style challenged.But Audi reckons it has identified a vein of new car buyers prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of not being identified with the hoi-polloi in their SUVs and has imported a limited number (150 each) of delectable Audi Allroads in A4 and A6 size. They are essentially Audi's version of the Subaru Outback — a semi-tough wagon on stilts with off road styling and some dirt/sand/ice road cred'.PRICE AND MODELSThe A4 Allroad is a newcomer to Australia selling for $69,900 with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine and seven-speed S-Tronic dual clutch auto. It's the only way to get an A4 turbo diesel wagon with quattro all wheel drive in this country.The A6 Allroad model has been here for some time first appearing back in the early 2000s and running through two generations before this latest effort. It goes for a sizeable $117,900 and runs a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo diesel with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission and quattro all wheel drive.If you are prepared to lump yourself in with the SUV bogans, you can get an Audi Q3 2.0 TDi for $54,500 and an Audi A5 3.0 TDi for $75,000.They are similar size vehicles to the Allroads with the same power trains and roughly the same amount of interior room. What price style?It must be said the Allroads are a delight to drive and are also feature-rich though you can easily bump up the price substantially with a few ticks on the options list. Standard kit on the A4 variant includes xenon headlights, keyless entry and start, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear park assist, rear view camera, leather, 10 speaker audio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, decent satnav, electric front seats and steering wheel controls as well as a 20 gigabyte hard drive. The A6 gets a lot more including adaptive air suspension.The A4 Allroad is based on the recently facelifted A4 Avant and is pretty much identical inside and similar on the outside except for wheel arch flares, a raised ride height, stainless steel exterior garnishes, underbody protection and reinforced wheels with higher profile tyres. The A6 Allroad is a similar story but bigger and is built up from the A6 Avant.TECHNOLOGYThe A4 2.0-litre donk is good for 130kW/380Nm while the A6 3.0-litre generates some 180kW/580Nm both achieving these outputs at low engine revs. The smaller unit consumes 6.0-litres/100km while the larger one drinks sparingly at 6.3-litres/100km. That means both benefit from the fuel economy triggered Luxury Car Tax reduction of up to $4000.Audi's efficiency technology is used in both vehicles with auto stop/start, regenerative braking, low energy aircon, reduced friction engine internals, low rolling resistance tyres and on-demand engine cooling (thermal management) all contributing to better fuel economy and lower emissions. Off road capability is improved with a self locking rear differential, off road stability control and reinforced suspension subframes. But they have space saver spares — better than nothing.THE DRIVEWe drove both cars on and off road and felt the smaller vehicle is much better value though the A6 has superb engine performance and economy and is substantially bigger. We drove them through creek crossings with about 500mm water flowing, over rocky fire trails and on graded dirt roads — none of which posed a problem. We doubt any Allroad owner would drive their car in these environments.On the highway, both cars are just like the normal wagon variants in drive feel — in other words, rewarding, smooth, quiet and responsive. Even on fast mountain pass roads, the Allroads are quite adept. We found the controls to be intuitive and the level of luxury inside comforting.VERDICTThese cars are consumate “inbetweenies'' fulfilling multiple roles with aplomb — at a price.Audi A4 AllroadPrice: from $69,000Engine: 2.0-litre diesel 130kW/380NmTransmission: 7-speed S-Tronic dual clutchThirst: 6.0L/100kmAudi A6 AllroadPrice: from $117,900Engine: 3.0-litre V6 180kW/580NmTransmission: 7-speed dual clucth, AWDThirst: 6.3L/100km

Given the chance, would you go for the Audi Q5 or the Audi A6 Avant (wagon)? Both are practical carry-alls, same powertrain in the four cylinder variants.But SUVs rule right now possibly because they take practicality to high levels while neatly side stepping all that prestige palaver. They also offer impressive value for money. Audi has just expanded its medium large A6 lineup with the $81,880 Avant in 2.0-litre petrol turbo TFSi and the $82,900 2.0-litre TDi turbodiesel tested here.DESIGNIt's a real glamour that's for sure - looks much sleeker and sexier than the boxy Q5 and therein lies the attraction. Not everybody wants a prestige SUV to drive around in. Some will pay a premium to look cool or to drive something different.That's because it drives the front wheels efficiently through an eight step Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) that slurs initially but hooks up nicely once you're underway. And there are paddles to click it up and down if you feel the need.TECHNOLOGYThe engine is good for 130kW and 380Nm output - not earth shattering in diesel terms but sufficient to give the A6 Avant a decidedly sporty feel for a largish, luxury family wagon tipping the scales at over 1700kg. Part of that pork is due to the generous level of standard kit inside the sumptuous interior.Audi really does stylish interiors and this one is up there featuring a large info' screen with Audi's excellent MMI Navigation + system, Bang and Olufsen audio and all the rest. Naturally there's metres of supple leather and seats for five with a large expandable load space. Like the clever 360 degree parking camera and assistance.DRIVINGWe took the Avant 2.0 TDi for a good squirt last week covering some 800km. We were still on the same tank of fuel which showed a further 200+ kms in reserve. It's amazingly frugal and yet, dealing with the trucks and lunatics out on the open road, the 2.0-litre turbo diesel doesn't give anything away in the go department.Driving the Avant you forget it's a wagon such is the composure with which it negotiates corners and rough roads. Audi was able to shave weight from the new Avant compared to the previous model thanks greater use of aluminium.There's drive select and efficiency mode to get the most out of the car as well as an electronic limited slip differential for greater grip. We love the sensor tailgate operation, LED driving lights and benefits of auto stop/start.Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDiPrice: from $82,900Warranty: 3 year roadsideCrash rating: n/aEngine: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel 4-cyl petrol, 130kW/380NmTransmission: CVT; front-wheel driveThirst: 5.1L/100km; 135g/km CO2Dimensions: 4926mm (L), 1874mm (W), 1461mm (H)Weight: 1640kg