Audi A6 3.0 TFSI 2009 review

When it comes to playing the numbers, six has become a powerful figure for Audi.

The alternative German brand has been one of the real stars in the sales race this year, helped by offering an almost royal flush of interesting and refreshed models, from the baby A3 to the mid-sized A4 and A5, and the prestige entries, the A6 and A8.

While the A8 is simply superb, the more affordable A6 is the one that has, with this latest version at least, given Audi added firepower to finally turn buyers away from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.

Nowadays the luxury market presents a nightmare of choice for those with $120,000 burning in their pocket — yes there are still plenty of them out there. It's especially tough for those not greatly swayed by brand loyalty — those who shop between showrooms.

Is the new A6 a quantum leap above say a BMW 5 Series or Benz ageing E-Class? Probably not, but the A6 puts Audi on more of a level playing field; enough for its rivals to be wary.

The A6's classic styling, with its distinctive ‘bulls horn’ daytime running lights, is not as hard edged and sporty as the 5 Series but not as soft as the E-Class, so it comfortably sits in middle ground.

Drivetrain

An Audi badge may not have the same pull as its German rivals, but the A6 does have an important marketing edge — the existing all-wheel drive traction is now paired with a new and excellent direct petrol injected 3.0-litre supercharged V6, developing 213kW at 4840rpm and 420Nm torque from 2500rpm, with that getting to the wheels via a six-speed sequential automatic.

The A6 already had the key building blocks to be a winner: a stylish design, wrapped around a plush and comfortable cabin which can seat four in a high level of comfort. It now steps up a level, with power and performance thanks to the marriage of the supercharged motor and reassuring grip from Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system with a 60:40 bias towards the rear.

Equipment

While the options list is long and extensive, it nevertheless can depending on your bank balance be kitted out with enough bling to allow an owner to brag for weeks to his or her envious neighbours or golf buddies.

But a word of warning if you are shopping for an Audi, BMW or Benz: you need to study carefully at what is or isn't fitted as standard equipment.

Audi's test car, naturally, came fully loaded and some of the stuff (although not unique to Audi) I really liked: you don't need to use the key to unlock the doors or fire up the engine — providing you keep the transponder in your pocket. Touch the door handles and the doors unlock almost magically; push the button marked start (obviously) and the V6 fires into life.

Even the park brake is electronic, a rear view camera (optional) makes backing a breeze and the central console mounted command system is reasonably logical in the way you can flip from following a street map on the navigation screen to changing stations the audio system.

There are some expected items missing from the standard equipment list however. Leather seats are plush and comfortable but on a bitterly cold winter's morning you long for seat warmers. OK, so I'm getting old and soft.

And there's no TV, trick rear view camera, adaptive lights, adaptive cruise control, or sunroof.

The test car came with Audi's ‘comfort package’ ($4000) which adds electric sunroof, parking system, music interface and smart locking. It also had the S line sports package which lowered the suspension.

What you do get for your money is 18-inch alloys, electrics for doors, windows and mirrors, a full-sized spare, full raft of safety equipment, cruise control and basic park assist.

Driving

It's been about 60 years since Audi fitted a supercharger instead of a turbocharger to its engine.

The supercharger has been neatly slotted between the two banks of cylinders and has transformed the A6. Plant your foot and there's a little bit of annoying hesitation but then the saloon really delivers.

It's not explosive, but the delivery of power and torque comes on strong and long and the six-speed sequential gearbox is well matched to this engine.

All-wheel drive means the Audi has tenacious grip although it feels a little unsteady under high-speed cornering loads. Claimed acceleration is 5.9 seconds for the zero to 100km/h dash — that's the sort of performance from a big banger V8s not that many years ago.

Audi says it has made big gains in improving fuel economy; in the quattro's case we returned an average 14.4l/100km for a week of mainly city running which considering the size of the car and that it is running all-wheel drive, is reasonable.

Audi A6 TFSI

Price: $112,500 plus on-road costs

Engine: Supercharged V6; 213kW @4840rpm; 420Nm torque from 2500rpm

Fuel economy: 14.4l/100km (9.5l/100km claimed)