Audi RS6 2013 review

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars and answer the questions, including the biggest --  would you buy one?

What is it?

This is one of Audi's most potent cars and it's a wagon, hardly a "family" wagon but yes, it shares a carry-all body with more mundane A6 wagons - but little else. This one's a replacement for the previous tech-overkill V10 RS6 Avant and is a much better vehicle.

How much?

Deep breath, deep pocket, $225,000 much of which is straight to the government(s) in taxes.

What are competitors?

None that we can think of unless BMW brings out a hotrod 5-Series M5 wagon, or Benz brings out an E63 AMG wagon. The nearest thing would be an HSV Clubbie Sportwagon -  about a million miles away.

What's under the bonnet?

Prodigious power comes from a 4.0-litre, V8 petrol engine with two, twin-scroll turbos nestling in the vee between each engine bank. The engine has cylinder deactivation which cuts four pots on cruise and plenty of other efficiency technology designed to boost performance and cut fuel use and emissions. Variable valve timing, friction reduction, on- demand ancillaries, direct injection, heat management, you name it. The donk is good for 412kW/700Nm output. Egad!

How does it go?

Like you wouldn't believe. Cuts a 3.9 second 0-100kmh sprint and has enough kick at any speed to make you light headed under full throttle. It's Ferrari performance in a family wagon and is extremely handy through the twist bits too despite tipping the scales at 2010kg..

Is it economical?

Pretty good considering with 9.8-litres/100km within reach - using 98 of course..

Is it green?

Greenish achieving a Euro5 rating for the engine.

Is it safe?

Five stars with plenty of additional driver assist features... and option packs with more.

Is it comfortable?

Covers most bases thanks to drive select with about five choices ranging from comfort through to race modes - soft to hard and everything in between for most dynamic functions.

What's it like to drive?

Emits a pyrotechnic bang at every gear change in sport mode - got to love that and oh, yes, eye wateringly quick and composed as well. Ticks all the boxes. Eight speed auto and quattro all wheel drive. Looks awesome riding on 21-inch alloys crouched low on its adaptive air suspension. The interior is premium luxury with all that brings including leather sports seats and Bose audio, digital TV, high end satnav, full connectivity.

Is it value for money?

Measured against what? Huge money for the average punter but against vehicles with similar performance that are nowhere near as practical, it's good value..

Would we buy one?

Sell the kids, not a problem....
 

Price: from $225,000
Warranty: 3 years/unlimited, roadside assist
Capped servicing: No
Service interval: 12mths/15,000km
Safety: 10 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TC
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo petrol, 412kW/700Nm
Transmission: 8-spd auto; constant AWD
Thirst: 9.8L/100km; 98RON; 229g/km CO2
Dimensions: 5.0m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.5m (H)
Weight: 2010kg
Spare: spacesaver